Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Name: Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-off; 2 large eggs; ½ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch or cornstarch); 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style); ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; For the Bang Bang Sauce; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste); 8 oz coleslaw mix; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; ¼ cup chopped green onion; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; Juice from ½ lime; Sriracha, to taste; Kosher salt, to taste; 10 small flour tortillas; Chopped green onion for garnish

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There’s a special kind of joy that comes from recreating a restaurant favorite at home—especially when it’s crispy, creamy, a little spicy, and wrapped in a warm tortilla. The first time I tried Bang Bang Shrimp at a restaurant, it was love at first bite. But as a home cook with a small kitchen and not much time, deep-frying wasn’t something I wanted to take on. So I set out to make my own version—lighter, faster, and beginner-friendly. Enter: Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

This recipe is perfect for new cooks because it keeps things simple. With the air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting, you get golden, crispy shrimp without needing to fuss with hot oil. It’s done in under 30 minutes, is packed with flavor, and even sneaks in some veggies with a crisp slaw. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends on Taco Tuesday, this dish is a total win.

Why This Recipe is Special

Bang Bang Shrimp is beloved for its contrast—crispy shrimp, cool slaw, and a creamy sauce with just the right amount of kick. This version skips deep frying in favor of air frying, making it a quick and healthy meal you can feel good about. The recipe is also flexible: gluten-free options, ingredient swaps, and even the chance to turn it into a bowl instead of tacos. It’s a great entry point for anyone learning to cook and looking to build confidence in the kitchen.

Ingredients and Preparation

Shrimp
The star of the show. Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully. They’re also rich in protein and low in fat.

Eggs
Used to help the coating stick to the shrimp. Think of them as the glue that holds everything together.

Breadcrumbs
Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs give the shrimp their signature crunch. You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko if needed.

Flour or Starch
Tapioca flour or cornstarch forms the first layer of the breading, helping crisp up the shrimp in the air fryer. Any fine starch or all-purpose flour will work.

Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper)
These add layers of flavor to the breading, making sure the shrimp taste as good as they look.

Cooking Spray
Helps the shrimp get golden and crispy without needing to deep fry.

Bang Bang Sauce (Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha)
This magical three-ingredient combo brings creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor. Want it dairy-free? Use vegan mayo. Don’t like spice? Skip or reduce the sriracha.

Slaw (Coleslaw Mix, Cilantro, Green Onion, Mayo, Lime, Sriracha)
Adds crunch and balance to the tacos. You can use shredded cabbage and carrots if coleslaw mix isn’t available. Greek yogurt can replace mayo for a lighter option.

Tortillas
Flour tortillas are soft and neutral, perfect for showcasing the bang bang flavor. Corn tortillas or lettuce wraps are great low-carb or gluten-free swaps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Start by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. This ensures the coating sticks well and the shrimp gets crispy, not soggy.

Step 2
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour and seasonings, one with whisked eggs and a splash of water, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each shrimp first in flour, then egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to keep things tidy.

Step 3
Place the breaded shrimp in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 390°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side.

Step 4
While the shrimp cook, whisk together the Bang Bang Sauce in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, toss together the slaw ingredients until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5
Once the shrimp are cooked and golden, transfer them to a bowl and toss gently with the bang bang sauce, reserving a little extra for drizzling.

Step 6
Warm your tortillas on a pan, in the microwave, or over an open flame until soft and pliable. To assemble, add slaw to each tortilla, top with shrimp, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with sliced green onion or cilantro.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If your shrimp isn’t crisping up, make sure they’re not overcrowded in the air fryer and that you sprayed both sides with oil.
Too spicy? Dial back the sriracha in both the sauce and the slaw. Want more heat? Add a dash of chili flakes.
Make ahead by prepping the sauce and slaw earlier in the day. Store them separately to keep textures fresh.

No air fryer? Bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are a full meal on their own, but you can round out your plate with:

A side of coconut rice or cilantro lime rice

Avocado slices or guacamole
Pickled onions for extra tang
A light cucumber salad for freshness

Leftovers? Store the shrimp and slaw in separate containers in the fridge. Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer or oven before assembling tacos to keep them crispy. Avoid adding sauce too early or the shrimp may get soggy.

Let’s Make Taco Night Legendary

This easy sheet pan dinner alternative using an air fryer is one of those recipes that feels like a restaurant treat but is surprisingly doable at home. If you’re new to cooking or just looking for a fresh twist on Taco Tuesday, these lemon herb chicken tacos—wait, scratch that—Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

Give this lemon herb chicken recipe (okay okay, we’re still dreaming of shrimp) a try and let me know how it went. Drop your tips, twists, or taco success stories in the comments. I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Remember: every pro was once a beginner, and dinner is just another chance to get creative.

FAQ About Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely. Just substitute the regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko and use gluten-free tortillas. Everything else in the recipe is already gluten-free or can easily be adjusted.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result will be slightly less crispy, but still delicious.

Is this recipe spicy?

The bang bang sauce has a mild heat thanks to sriracha. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply reduce or omit the sriracha in both the sauce and slaw. For extra heat, add more to taste.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the bang bang sauce and slaw in advance and store them separately. Bread the shrimp right before cooking for the best texture, and toss with sauce just before serving.

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