If you’re craving bold flavors without the guilt of deep-frying, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will become your new go-to. They’re crispy, juicy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, layered into warm tortillas with crisp slaw and fresh cilantro.
This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with restaurant-quality flavor—right from your own kitchen. The air fryer gives the shrimp that perfect golden crunch without the extra oil, while the bang bang sauce delivers just the right amount of sweet heat.
What Are Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a lighter, faster version of the popular restaurant favorite. Juicy shrimp are breaded and air-fried until crispy, then coated in a creamy, spicy mayo-based sauce. They’re served in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, taco night, or weekend get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy shrimp without deep frying
- Bold, creamy, sweet-and-spicy flavor
- Quick to make—ready in 20 minutes
- Great for dinner, parties, or taco Tuesday
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
What Do Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Taste Like?
The shrimp are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a coating of creamy bang bang sauce that’s both spicy and slightly sweet. The cabbage adds crisp freshness, while the warm tortilla wraps everything together in one perfect bite.
It’s a flavor explosion—crunchy, creamy, spicy, and fresh all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Small bowl for sauce
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce
- Make it gluten-free with corn tortillas and gluten-free panko
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 5 minutes. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Air Fry the Shrimp
Dredge shrimp in the panko mixture. Spray with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
Step 4: Toss the Shrimp
Once cooked, toss the shrimp in the bang bang sauce until coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas. Fill each with shredded cabbage, bang bang shrimp, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans or refried beans
- Chips and guacamole
- A crisp cucumber salad
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed
- Use large shrimp for the best texture
- Spray shrimp lightly with oil for extra crispness
- Toss shrimp in sauce just before serving to keep them crispy
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover shrimp (without sauce) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Store sauce separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the shrimp instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw them completely and pat dry before breading.
Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the sriracha to your taste.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are everything you want in a taco—crispy, creamy, fresh, and packed with flavor. They’re fast, fun, and healthier than the fried version. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per taco)
Calories: 220
Protein: 14g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
Description
Crispy air-fried shrimp tossed in creamy bang bang sauce, served in tortillas with crunchy slaw and fresh cilantro. Quick, bold, and perfect for taco night!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– ½ cup buttermilk
– ½ cup cornstarch
– ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha
– 1 teaspoon honey
For the Tacos:
– 8 small tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– ¼ cup chopped cilantro
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat shrimp in the panko mixture. Spray with olive oil spray.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
5. Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the sauce.
6. Toss cooked shrimp in the bang bang sauce.
7. Fill warm tortillas with cabbage, shrimp, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
– Use chicken or tofu for a different protein.
– Make gluten-free by using corn tortillas and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
– Adjust sriracha for more or less heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Fryer
Keywords: bang bang shrimp tacos, air fryer shrimp tacos, crispy shrimp tacos, spicy shrimp tacos, taco night recipe, seafood tacos
Leave a Comment