Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy crispy shrimp with a spicy, creamy sauce all wrapped up in soft tortillas. These tacos have a great mix of crunch from the air-fried shrimp and a little kick from the bang bang sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Topped with fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce, they make for a lively and satisfying meal.
I love making these tacos because using the air fryer keeps the shrimp crispy without all the extra oil, which makes them lighter but still super flavorful. The bang bang sauce is a favorite of mine—just the right balance of spicy and sweet that brings the shrimp to life. Whenever I serve these, there’s an instant smile on faces around the table, and I think it’s because they’re both fun to eat and easy to make.
My favorite way to enjoy these tacos is with some cool slaw or sliced avocado for a creamy contrast, and maybe a squeeze of lime on top to add a little zest. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend lunch when you want something quick that feels special. I also like to have a little extra bang bang sauce on the side, just in case you want to amp up the flavor even more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work great here for their size and texture. You can also use large shrimp if you prefer a bigger bite. If you’re vegetarian, try crispy tofu or cauliflower florets instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the shrimp a light, crunchy coating. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs will do but expect a denser crust. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
Bang Bang Sauce: The combo of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey balances sweet, spicy, and creamy. To lighten it, swap mayo for Greek yogurt or use less sriracha for milder heat.
Tortillas & Toppings: Flour or corn tortillas both work well. I love adding shredded purple cabbage for crunch and color. Fresh chili slices add heat, but adjust or omit for a milder taco.
How Do You Get Crispy Shrimp in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crunch without deep frying can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Pat Dry: Make sure shrimp are dry before coating. This helps the crumbs stick and fry up crispier.
- Even Coating: Dip shrimp in egg, then coat in panko mixture firmly but gently to cover all sides.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Always preheat to 400°F for best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange shrimp in a single layer with space around each piece for hot air to circulate.
- Lightly Spray: Use cooking spray on shrimp before air frying to help crispness and golden color.
- Flip Halfway: Turn shrimp halfway through the cook time so they brown evenly on both sides.
With these tips, you’ll get golden, crunchy shrimp every time without extra oil!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – Perfect for making shrimp crispy without deep frying or lots of oil.
- Mixing bowls – Use one for the egg wash and another for the breadcrumb mix to keep things tidy.
- Tongs – Help you easily flip shrimp in the air fryer and assemble the tacos.
- Sharp knife – For slicing fresh chilies and chopping cilantro quickly and safely.
- Nonstick skillet or oven – Great for warming tortillas so they stay soft and pliable.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for crispy tofu bites to make a vegetarian version that still has great texture.
- Add sliced avocado or mango for creamy or sweet notes that balance the spicy sauce.
- Mix in shredded carrot or jicama with the cabbage for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use chipotle mayo instead of bang bang sauce for a smokier, deeper heat.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp and Coating:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1-2 fresh red chilies or jalapeños, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare and cook this dish in about 25 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping ingredients and sauce, about 8-10 minutes air frying the shrimp, plus a few minutes warming tortillas and assembling the tacos.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness to your liking. Set this flavorful sauce aside while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp first into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. This double coating helps the shrimp get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
4. Air Fry the Shrimp:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding them. Lightly spray with cooking spray to help with crispiness. Cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp cooks, warm your tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet on the stove over medium heat, or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven just until soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Lay some shredded purple cabbage on each tortilla. Add several crispy shrimp on top. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, scatter thin slices of red chili or jalapeño, and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro for a bright finish.
7. Serve Up:
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos immediately, with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for an extra zing. Enjoy the mix of crunchy shrimp, creamy spicy sauce, and fresh veggies in every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for These Tacos?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag in cold water until thawed. Pat them dry thoroughly before coating so they crisp well in the air fryer.
How Should I Store Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep the shrimp crispy. Tortillas and cabbage are best kept fresh and assembled right before serving.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good stir before using and adjust the spice level if needed.
What’s a Good Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work fine, though the crunch might be a little different. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal.