Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love, you’ve found it! These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are crispy, spicy, and full of flavor. Inspired by a popular dish from the Bonefish Grill, this recipe transforms a restaurant favorite into a healthier version that you can whip up in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these tacos are sure to impress!

What makes this meal extra special is how quickly and easily it comes together. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy bang bang sauce, paired with fresh slaw and soft tortillas. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and taste—trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular on your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick but flavorful.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tacos; they’re fun to assemble and eat!
• Healthier Option: Air frying gives you that crispy texture without all the oil, making it a lighter choice.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy bang bang sauce delivers just the right amount of heat and sweetness.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt these tacos to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that delightful crunch and flavor we all crave.

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined & tail-off)
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style breadcrumbs if you can find them)
• ½ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch or cornstarch)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Kosher salt & black pepper
• Cooking spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha (more if you like it spicier)

For the Slaw

• 8 oz coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Juice from ½ lime
• Squirt of sriracha
• Kosher salt (to taste)

For Assembly

• 10 flour tortillas
• Chopped green onion

Variations

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

• Swap the protein: Instead of shrimp, try using chicken breast or tofu for a different twist.
• Change up the sauce: If you prefer less heat, use just mayonnaise mixed with lime juice for a tangy flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch in your slaw.
• Try different tortillas: Corn tortillas work great too if you’re looking for a gluten-free option!

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, pat the shrimp dry. This helps them get crispy in the air fryer! Next, set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with tapioca flour mixed with seasonings, one with breadcrumbs, and one with whisked eggs. Having everything ready makes coating the shrimp super easy.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the tapioca flour mixture first, then into the egg wash, and finally coat them thoroughly in breadcrumbs. I find it helpful to use one hand for wet ingredients and another for dry—this keeps things less messy! Once coated, place them in the air fryer basket and give them a light spray of cooking oil.

Step 3: Air Frying Time!

Air fry those beautiful breaded shrimp at 390°F for about 7 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking! A little oil spray on both sides ensures they come out golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce & Slaw

While your shrimp are cooking away, whip up the bang bang sauce by mixing all its ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Then toss together all of your slaw ingredients in another bowl. This adds freshness to balance out the spicy shrimp!

Step 5: Toss It All Together

When your shrimp are done cooking, transfer them to a large bowl and pour over that delicious bang bang sauce (saving some for garnishing if you’d like). Gently toss to coat each piece evenly—you want every bite packed with flavor!

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas however you prefer—over an open flame, on a pan, or even in the microwave. Start building your tacos by layering each tortilla with slaw followed by several pieces of shrimp. Drizzle any remaining sauce on top and finish off with some sliced green onions before digging in!

Enjoy every bite of these tasty Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Making these tacos is a breeze, but a few simple tips can take your dish to the next level!

• Dry the Shrimp Well: Ensuring your shrimp are patted dry helps the breading adhere better and results in a crispier finish after air frying.
• Use Two Hands for Breading: Designate one hand for wet ingredients and another for dry. This method keeps things tidy and makes the breading process quicker!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches allows the shrimp to crisp up nicely without steaming. This way, every piece gets that perfect crunch!
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer heat, feel free to add more sriracha or even include diced jalapeños in your slaw. Tailoring spice levels ensures everyone enjoys their tacos just how they like them.
• Let Sauce Sit Before Serving: Allowing the bang bang sauce to rest for about 10 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing its taste when tossed with shrimp.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Presentation is key when serving these delightful tacos! Their vibrant colors and textures make them a feast for both the eyes and palate.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze fresh juice over their tacos, enhancing flavor and freshness.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy an extra kick, offer some sliced jalapeños as a spicy garnish option.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad combines corn, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and spices for a zesty complement to your tacos.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime provides a light side that balances out the crispy tacos beautifully.
• Black Bean Salad: A hearty mix of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers dressed with lime vinaigrette makes for a nutritious addition.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy chips is always a crowd-pleaser and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy crafting this delicious dish and don’t forget to share your taco creations!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for meal prep! You can make components ahead of time and store them separately for a quick dinner any day of the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the slaw mix and bang bang sauce in separate containers to maintain freshness.
• Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a pan just before serving.

Freezing

• While it’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh, you can freeze uncooked, breaded shrimp.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the air frying time.

Reheating

• To reheat leftover shrimp, place them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes until crispy again.
• Avoid reheating slaw; it’s best enjoyed fresh. Just prepare more if needed!

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:

Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before following the recipe instructions. Pat them dry well to ensure they get crispy when air fried.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with rice, beans, or a refreshing salad. You can also serve extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.

How do I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos spicier?

If you like more heat, feel free to add more sriracha to both the bang bang sauce and when assembling your tacos. You can also top with sliced jalapeños!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your dinner table! These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also a fun way to enjoy a healthier version of a classic dish. Enjoy making them, share with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it! Happy cooking!