Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are crispy, spicy, and totally delicious! These tacos are packed with crunchy shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce that has just the right amount of kick. Wrapped in soft tortillas with fresh veggies and a little zingy slaw, they make for a perfect, satisfying meal that’s fun to eat.
I love making these when I want something quick but impressive. Using the air fryer means the shrimp get super crispy without all the oil, and that makes cleanup way easier too. I usually mix up the bang bang sauce myself—it’s simple but really brightens up the whole dish. Plus, I like to pile on some cool cabbage and a squeeze of lime for that extra freshness.
These tacos are always a hit whenever I bring them to a casual get-together or a family dinner. There’s something about the combination of crunchy shrimp, spicy sauce, and soft tortillas that everyone enjoys. I like to serve them with some chips and salsa on the side, or a simple side salad if I want to keep things light. They’re just a fun way to turn taco night into something a little different and exciting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work best for even cooking and a good bite. You can use peeled and deveined frozen shrimp for convenience—just thaw them well before cooking.
Cornstarch: This is key for creating that crispy coating in the air fryer. If you don’t have cornstarch, try arrowroot powder or even all-purpose flour, but cornstarch gives the crispiest results.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is the creamy base, and sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and spice. If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, a mix of honey and Sriracha works well. Adjust Sriracha to control heat.
Cabbage Slaw: The crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the spicy shrimp. Feel free to use all green or all purple cabbage, or add thinly sliced carrots for extra color.
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both taste great here. Warm them up to make them soft and flexible, which helps when folding tacos without cracking.
How Do You Make Shrimp Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Crispiness is the star here! The key is the coating and even air circulation. Here’s how I get great results:
- Pat shrimp dry—moisture means less crispiness.
- Coat well with cornstarch and spices for flavor and crunch.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer without crowding—this lets hot air circulate around each piece.
- Flip shrimp halfway through cooking to brown both sides evenly.
- Don’t overcook—8-10 minutes at 400°F usually works, but check early if your shrimp is small.
Following these tips will give you shrimp that’s crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect for topping your tacos.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – the star of this recipe for crispy shrimp without deep frying.
- Mixing bowls – one for coating shrimp, one for mixing slaw and another for the sauce.
- Tongs – easy for flipping shrimp halfway through cooking.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the seasoning and sauce just right.
- Small whisk or fork – to blend the bang bang sauce smoothly.
- Nonstick skillet (optional) – if you want to warm tortillas the traditional way.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for crispy tofu or chicken strips for a different protein option.
- Add sliced avocado or mango for a creamy or sweet contrast that balances the spicy sauce.
- Mix in sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if you like it spicier.
- Use cheddar or cotija cheese crumbles on top for a richer, tangy flavor addition.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For The Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
For Assembling:
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas
- Extra cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. You’ll quickly coat and air fry the shrimp, mix up a zesty sauce and fresh slaw, then assemble your tasty tacos. Total time is around 20 minutes—perfect for a fast and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Coat the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels, then toss them in this spice and cornstarch mix until fully coated. Shake off any extra to avoid clumps.
2. Air Fry the Shrimp:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway through, until they’re golden brown and nice and crispy.
3. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the shrimp cooks, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if you’re using it), and lime juice together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
4. Make the Slaw:
In another bowl, toss the green and purple cabbage with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. This will add a fresh, crunchy bite to your tacos.
5. Warm and Assemble the Tacos:
Lightly warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them soft and flexible. Spread a spoonful of slaw on each tortilla. Top with several crispy shrimp, then drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra zing.
Enjoy your spicy, crunchy, creamy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before coating and air frying. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat dry well to ensure crispiness.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Shrimp Tacos?
It’s best to store the shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in the air fryer or oven to keep it crispy, then assemble the tacos fresh before serving.
Can I Substitute the Cornstarch with Flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works as a substitute, though cornstarch will give a lighter, crispier coating. If using flour, you might notice slightly less crunch but it still tastes great!
