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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible Delight


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  • Author: stacy
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 tacos

Description

Crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a creamy Bang Bang sauce, piled onto warm tortillas with a zesty slaw—these tacos are a crispy, flavorful delight that’s healthier and just as delicious as deep-fried shrimp!


Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot/cornstarch)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray (as needed)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp Sriracha (or more for extra heat)

For the Slaw:

  • 8 oz coleslaw mix
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/2 lime (juiced)
  • Sriracha (optional, for extra spice)
  • Kosher salt to taste

To Serve:

  • 10 flour tortillas
  • Chopped green onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
  • Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls:
    • Bowl 1: Mix tapioca flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with a splash of water.
    • Bowl 3: Add panko breadcrumbs.
  • Coat each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, and then coat in the breadcrumbs.

2. Air Fry the Shrimp:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  • Air fry for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Adjust heat with more Sriracha as needed.

4. Prepare the Slaw:

  • In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, cilantro, green onions, mayonnaise, lime juice, and Sriracha. Toss and season with salt to taste.

5. Toss the Shrimp in Bang Bang Sauce:

  • Transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and toss gently to coat.

6. Assemble the Tacos:

  • Warm tortillas over an open flame, in a pan, or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
  • To assemble, place a warm tortilla on a plate, top with a scoop of slaw, add the crispy shrimp, drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce, and garnish with chopped green onion.

7. Serve Immediately:

  • Enjoy your crispy, spicy shrimp tacos right away!

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook shrimp in batches for optimal crispiness.
  • Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp holds better texture and flavor than frozen.
  • Adjust the spice: Add more Sriracha for an extra kick.
  • For a gluten-free version: Use corn tortillas and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Let the shrimp rest: Let the shrimp sit for a minute or two after cooking to maintain crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air fry
  • Cuisine: Mexican, Seafood