Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delicious and healthier twist on a popular menu item. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep, these tacos are packed with flavor, making them a hit with everyone. The crispy shrimp combined with the creamy bang bang sauce and fresh slaw make for an irresistible meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crispy Delight: The air fryer ensures that the shrimp are perfectly crispy without needing excessive oil.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy bang bang sauce provides a sweet and spicy kick that elevates the dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: By avoiding traditional frying methods, you enjoy a lighter version of this classic dish.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the toppings and spice levels according to your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you whip up these tacos effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Cooking spray
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This is key for achieving that crispy texture while using minimal oil.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need these for preparing the shrimp coating and sauces efficiently.
• Whisk: A whisk helps in combining ingredients smoothly, especially for sauces.
• Tongs: These are perfect for flipping the shrimp in the air fryer without injury.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined & tail-off)
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style breadcrumbs if you can find them)
• ½ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch or cornstarch)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• kosher salt & black pepper
• cooking spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tsp sriracha (more if you like it spicier)

For the Slaw

• 8 oz coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• juice from ½ lime
• squirt of sriracha
• kosher salt (to taste)

For Assembly

• 10 flour tortillas
• chopped green onion

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, pat the shrimp dry. Then set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls:
1. In one bowl, add the tapioca flour along with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. In the last bowl, whisk together eggs with a splash of water until well combined.

Step 2: Dredge the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the tapioca flour mixture first, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. To keep things tidy:
* Use one hand for wet ingredients and one hand for dry to minimize mess.
Place breaded shrimp onto an air fryer basket and lightly spray them with cooking oil.

Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp

Air fry the shrimp at 390°F for about 7 minutes:
1. Flip halfway through cooking time.
2. After flipping, spray the other side with oil before returning to air fryer.

Step 4: Make Bang Bang Sauce and Slaw

While your shrimp is cooking:
1. Combine all bang bang sauce ingredients in a medium bowl; whisk until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, toss together all slaw ingredients until well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp with Sauce

Once cooked:
1. Transfer shrimp to a large bowl.
2. Pour bang bang sauce over shrimp (reserve some for garnish if desired).
3. Gently toss or shake to coat each piece evenly.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas:
* You can do this over an open flame, in a pan, or microwave.
Assemble tacos by layering:
1. Start with a tortilla,
2. Add some slaw,
3. Top with crispy shrimp,
4. Drizzle any remaining bang bang sauce,
5. Garnish with sliced green onion.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

With Fresh Lime Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for a zesty kick that enhances the flavors of the shrimp and slaw.

Garnished with Cilantro

• Top your tacos with chopped cilantro for an added layer of freshness and vibrant color.

With Extra Bang Bang Sauce

• Drizzle additional bang bang sauce on top of your tacos for those who love a spicier flavor profile.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the tacos on a bed of fresh greens like romaine or spinach for a crunchy texture and added nutrients.

Paired with Avocado Slices

• Add creamy avocado slices to your tacos for richness that complements the crispy shrimp.

Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables

• Serve alongside pickled red onions or jalapeños for a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

To achieve perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, consider these helpful tips to enhance your cooking process and flavors.

• Use High-Quality Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in your tacos.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated before cooking to achieve an even crispy finish on the shrimp.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy breading.
• Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce according to your heat preference.
• Experiment with Tortillas: Try using corn tortillas instead of flour for a different taste and texture that pairs well with shrimp.
• Make Ahead Options: Prepare the slaw and bang bang sauce ahead of time to save on meal prep when you’re ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can enhance the overall meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of grilled corn, lime, cheese, and spices makes a flavorful complement to shrimp tacos.
2. Pineapple Salsa: This sweet and tangy salsa adds a tropical flair that brightens up every bite of taco.
3. Black Bean Salad: Packed with protein, this dish includes black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro for a colorful side option.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides rich flavor that pairs well with spicy shrimp tacos; serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro makes for a tasty base or side dish alongside your tacos.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings earthy flavors that balance out the spicy shrimp perfectly.
7. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with fresh tomato salsa offer a crunchy snack before diving into the main course.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring melons, berries, and citrus can cleanse your palate between bites of flavorful tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Neglecting to Dry the Shrimp: Moisture can prevent the shrimp from getting crispy. Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before coating them.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Overlooking seasoning can lead to bland tacos. Be generous with spices in the breading and slaw for maximum flavor.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Cooking in a cold air fryer may result in uneven cooking. Preheat your air fryer for better results.
• Crowding the Basket: Overloading the air fryer can lead to soggy shrimp. Cook in batches to ensure they fry evenly and become crispy.
• Ignoring Sauce Proportions: Using too much or too little bang bang sauce can affect taste. Adjust according to your preference for spice and creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• They are best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• You can freeze cooked shrimp separately from the slaw and tortillas.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and consume within a month for best quality.

Reheating Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

You can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before breading.

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce typically consists of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or add diced jalapeños to the slaw.

What side dishes pair well with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Consider serving these tacos with rice, avocado salad, or tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Can I customize the slaw recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers based on your taste.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful blend of crispy shrimp and zesty slaw, perfect for any dinner table. They are versatile enough to be customized with your favorite toppings or sides. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces or veggies!