The Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – Quick, Easy & Irresistible! 🍤🌮
Craving a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and bursting with flavor? Say hello to Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos—the ultimate fusion of Asian-inspired bang bang shrimp and Mexican taco goodness! These tacos are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with a creamy, spicy sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make restaurant-quality tacos at home without deep frying, this recipe is your answer. Using the air fryer keeps things healthy while delivering that crave-worthy crunch. Let’s dive into this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos recipe and bring some excitement to your dinner table! 🌶️✨


Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos ❤️
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔️ Healthy Twist: No deep frying needed—thanks to the air fryer.
✔️ Flavor Explosion: Sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
✔️ Customizable: Perfect for gluten-free, low-carb, or veggie-friendly diets.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Servings: 4 tacos
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. And guess what? They’re Pinterest-perfect too! 📌📸
🛒 Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the show!
- 1/2 cup cornstarch – Creates a light, crispy coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Gives a hint of smokiness.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and spice.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha – For a kick of heat.
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour) – Your taco vessel.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage – Adds crunch and freshness.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions – For garnish.
- Lime wedges – Brightens up the dish.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
🔹 Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas and gluten-free cornstarch.
🔹 Low-Carb/Keto: Swap tortillas for lettuce wraps.
🔹 Vegan Version: Replace shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.
🔹 Spice Level: Adjust sriracha to control the heat.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create your Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:
🔥 Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
1️⃣ Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
2️⃣ In a bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip drying the shrimp—it’s the secret to achieving a crispy texture!
🍤 Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
1️⃣ Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2️⃣ Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed).
4️⃣ Cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Common Mistake: Overcrowding the basket can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches for best results.
🥄 Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
2️⃣ Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference.
Pro Tip: Make extra sauce—it’s great as a dip for veggies or drizzled over salads!
🌮 Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
1️⃣ Warm the tortillas in the air fryer or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
2️⃣ Layer each tortilla with shredded cabbage, crispy shrimp, and a generous drizzle of bang bang sauce.
3️⃣ Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with lime wedges on the side.


🎨 Assembly & Presentation
Presentation matters, especially when sharing photos online! Here’s how to plate your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos like a pro:
1️⃣ Stack the tacos neatly on a colorful platter.
2️⃣ Drizzle extra bang bang sauce over the top for a glossy finish.
3️⃣ Add fresh lime wedges and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a pop of color.
4️⃣ Snap a photo for Instagram or Pinterest before digging in!
Your followers won’t be able to resist saving or commenting on this vibrant dish. 📸✨
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is how well they store:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Sauce: Keep the bang bang sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using.
- Meal Prep: Prep the shrimp coating and sauce ahead of time for quick assembly later.
Pro Tip: Avoid assembling tacos ahead of time—they’re best served fresh for maximum crunch!
🌟 Recipe Variations & Customization
Want to switch things up? Try these fun ideas:
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
🥑 Avocado Twist: Add sliced avocado or guacamole for creaminess.
🥗 Taco Bowls: Serve the shrimp and toppings over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
🌽 Grilled Corn Salsa: Top with a fresh salsa made from grilled corn, lime juice, and cilantro.
Conclusion
There you have it—the Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos that are quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these tacos are guaranteed to impress. With endless customization options and health benefits galore, they’re a must-try for every home cook.
Now it’s your turn! Whip up these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you try any variations? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you! 💬
📌 Love this recipe? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest! Pin the image below to your “Taco Tuesday” or “Air Fryer Recipes” board for later inspiration.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and follow the same steps.
Q2: How do I keep the shrimp crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and reheat leftovers in the air fryer instead of the microwave.
Q3: What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
Try honey or maple syrup mixed with a splash of rice vinegar for a similar sweet-tangy flavor.
Q4: Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes! Use corn tortillas and gluten-free cornstarch to make them fully gluten-free.
Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap shrimp for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets and use vegan mayo for the sauce.
With this guide, you’re ready to conquer the art of making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of these crispy, flavorful delights! 🍤🌮💚