Name: Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe You'll Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Large Shrimp (Peeled and deveined; can substitute with chicken or tofu); 4 pieces Soft Tortillas (Corn or flour; slightly warm them); 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Regular or light mayo); 2 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce (Adjust based on heat tolerance); 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed); 1 cup Cabbage (Shredded; green or red for added color); 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Chopped)

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The first bite of these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is nothing short of an explosion of flavor that dances on your palate. Picture this: crispy, succulent shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas that provide the perfect vehicle for these delicious morsels. I discovered this recipe on one of those busy weeknights when fast food seemed like the only option, but my cravings for something homemade ran deeper. In just 20 minutes, I was able to whip up a meal that not only felt indulgent but was also lightened up thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting friends for Taco Tuesday or just want to treat yourself, these easy, customizable tacos are bound to impress. With the ability to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, you can tailor them to suit any palate—ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a burst of excitement? Let’s dive into making these irresistible gems!

Why Love the Irresistible Air Fryer Bang Bang Tacos?

Quick, Delicious Meal: In just 20 minutes, you can serve up a sensational feast that’s healthy and satisfying.

Crispy Perfection: Achieve that desired crunch without the guilt—air frying locks in flavor and texture!

Customizable: Tailor the recipe to your preferences by swapping shrimp with chicken or tofu.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for any gathering, these tacos will have everyone asking for seconds!

Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vibrant veggies like cabbage and green onions, each bite is a burst of freshness.

Versatile Toppings: Make it your own by adding toppings like fresh cilantro or diced jalapeños for an extra kick! Experience the magic of homemade tacos that stand out from ordinary fast food and leave a lasting impression!

Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Ingredients

For the Shrimp
• Large Shrimp – Peeled and deveined; the star protein of this dish! Substitute with chicken or tofu for a non-seafood option.

For the Tortillas
• Soft Tortillas – Choose between corn or flour for a delightful wrap; slightly warm them for flexibility.

For the Bang Bang Sauce
• Mayonnaise – Creamy base for the sauce; you can use regular or light mayo based on your preference.
• Sriracha Sauce – Adds a spicy kick; adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance.
• Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the sauce and balances its richness.

For the Toppings
• Cabbage – Shredded for crunch; try using green or red cabbage for added color.
• Green Onions – Chopped for a fresh, mild flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that are sure to impress!

How to Make Irresistible Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Preheat Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures a hot cooking environment for perfect crispiness!
Prepare Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper until evenly coated. This simple seasoning enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Make Bang Bang Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice if you’d like!
Cook Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lighty spraying them with oil. Cook for about 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Warm Tortillas: While the shrimp cooks, slightly warm your tortillas in a pan or microwave. This makes them pliable and ready to hold the delicious fillings!
Assemble Tacos: Take your warm tortillas and add a layer of shredded cabbage, top with crispy shrimp, and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately for the best experience!

Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the tacos for a zesty touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure shrimp are not touching in the air fryer. This allows for better airflow and results in extra crispy shrimp in your Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
Fresh & Frozen: Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can work too—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.
Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your spice tolerance. You can always start with less and add more later!
Topping Possibilities: Feel free to go beyond cabbage and green onions. Add diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of feta to give your tacos a unique twist.
Storage Success: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheating in the air fryer helps maintain that desirable crunch!

Make Ahead Options

These Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bang bang sauce and slice your cabbage up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture and flavor. Additionally, you can toss the shrimp with salt and pepper up to 24 hours ahead—just be sure to keep them chilled until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to serve, preheat your air fryer, cook the shrimp for about 6 minutes, warm your tortillas, and assemble your tacos for a quick and impressive meal that tastes just as delicious as if you made it fresh!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this recipe with these fun and tasty variations!

Chicken: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken strips for a hearty twist. They’ll soak up that bang bang sauce beautifully!
Tofu: Replace shrimp with crispy tofu for a delightful vegetarian option. Just ensure it’s well-cooked to enhance its flavor!
Sauce Swap: Try using garlic aioli or spicy mayo instead of bang bang sauce to switch up the flavor profile. Each brings a unique zing!
Fruit Addition: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical touch that complements the spiciness perfectly.
Crunchy Toppers: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or pecans on top for an irresistible, crunchy texture that adds an exciting element!
Herb Boost: Toss in fresh cilantro or chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch after assembling your tacos. A little herb goes a long way!
Heat Up: If you love heat, add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce directly into the bang bang sauce for that extra kick!
Flavor Explosion: Mix in avocado or guacamole into your tacos for a creamy contrast that elevates every delectable bite!

How to Store and Freeze Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and toppings separate to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to freeze, wrap the tacos individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month for best quality.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the texture of your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos intact.
Combine: For a quick meal, make the shrimp in bulk and freeze as recommended. Assemble fresh tacos right before serving for a delightful experience!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

These vibrant, crispy tacos are just the start of a delightful meal experience!

Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice: Paired with your tacos, this fragrant rice brings a refreshing touch that complements the spicy shrimp perfectly.
Creamy Avocado Salad: A cool, creamy salad with avocado, tomato, and lime brightens the palate, enhancing the bold flavor of the tacos.
Crunchy Coleslaw: The crunch from classic coleslaw adds a satisfying textural contrast while the tangy dressing harmonizes beautifully with the bang bang sauce.
Black Bean Salad: This protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, and bell peppers introduces a delightful heartiness and color that welcomes your tacos.
Watermelon Mint Feta Salad: This deliciously refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings and balances the creamy and spicy elements in the tacos.
Margaritas or Limeade: Sip on a cool margarita or homemade limeade for a refreshing drink that highlights the taco flavors and keeps the fiesta going!

Elevate your dining experience by thoughtfully planning these pairings that will make any meal memorable!

Irresistible Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe FAQs

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. If you’re not a fan of seafood, you can also substitute with grilled chicken or tofu for a delicious alternative.

How do I store leftovers of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the shrimp and toppings fresh, store them separately. This way, you can enjoy your tacos again while maintaining their delightful crunch!

Can I freeze the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes for that crispy perfection.

What if my shrimp don’t turn out crispy?
Very! Make sure not to overcrowd the shrimp in the air fryer, as this can trap steam and hinder that desired crunch. If they don’t come out crispy, try increasing the cooking time by a minute or two while keeping an eye on them for doneness.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Of course! If you have dietary restrictions, check that your mayo is free from allergens, and feel free to customize your toppings. Additionally, swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu can accommodate different dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy these irresistibly flavorful tacos!

How can I adjust the spice level in the Bang Bang sauce?
You’re in control! Start by adding a smaller amount of Sriracha to the mayonnaise mixture, whisk it together, and taste. You can always add more if you want it spicier. This way, you can tailor the heat level to suit your taste buds perfectly!