Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Twist on Taco Night

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, golden shrimp with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh ingredients. This dish offers the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and tang, making it an irresistible choice for taco lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative – Air frying cuts down on oil while keeping the shrimp crispy.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Irresistible Sauce – The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce is the star of the dish.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like avocado, slaw, or extra lime.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil mister

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

For the Tacos:

• 6 small tortillas (flour or corn)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss with buttermilk to coat.
3. In another bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat each piece in the cornstarch mixture.

Step 2: Air Fry the Shrimp

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary).
3. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
2. Spread a small amount of bang bang sauce on each tortilla.
3. Top with shredded cabbage, crispy shrimp, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño slices.
4. Drizzle more bang bang sauce over the shrimp.
5. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free – Use corn tortillas and a gluten-free cornstarch alternative.
• Extra Crispy – Double-coat the shrimp by dipping them in buttermilk again before re-coating with cornstarch.
• Spicier Kick – Add more Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
• Dairy-Free – Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of vinegar.

Serving & Timing

• Servings: 3–4 (makes about 6 tacos)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the coating may become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the shrimp even crispier?

For extra crispiness, double-coat the shrimp by dipping them back into the buttermilk and cornstarch mixture before air frying.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can use regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and air frying.

Is there a lighter sauce option?

Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier bang bang sauce.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Avocado slices, mango salsa, or pickled onions all pair well with the flavors of bang bang shrimp tacos.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas?

Heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Try air-fried chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent soggy shrimp?

Serve the shrimp immediately after air frying, and avoid excessive sauce before serving to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering. The crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings make for an unforgettable taco experience. Try these out and customize them to your taste for a new taco night favorite!

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