These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a perfect mix of crispy shrimp, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, and fresh taco toppings all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The shrimp get nice and crunchy in the air fryer without needing a ton of oil, making them light and super tasty. The sauce brings just the right amount of kick and creaminess, balancing everything beautifully.
I love how quick these tacos come together, especially when you want something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I usually make a big batch of the bang bang sauce so I can drizzle it on salads or other dishes later—it’s that good! Using the air fryer means less mess and a perfectly crisp texture every time, which is a win in my book.
When I serve these tacos, I like to add some shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish. They’re great for casual dinners or even a fun weekend lunch. Everyone who tries them ends up asking for the recipe, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work great here for bite-sized pieces. You can use frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry to get a nice crisp in the air fryer.
Flour and Cornstarch: The combo makes the shrimp extra crispy. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce build the creamy and sweet base. If you want less heat, use less sriracha or swap it with mild chili sauce.
Slaw: The cabbage mix adds crunch and freshness, while lime juice brightens it up. Feel free to add sliced jalapeño for extra spice or swap cilantro for parsley if you prefer.
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both work well. Warm them just before assembling for softness and flexibility.
How Do I Get Crispy Shrimp in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crunch without frying can be tricky but the air fryer makes it easy if you follow these tips:
- Pat shrimp dry before coating to avoid sogginess.
- Use a coating of both flour and cornstarch—it locks in crunch.
- Spray shrimp lightly with oil before air frying; this helps crisp them up.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches so hot air circulates well.
- Flip shrimp halfway to get an even golden color on both sides.
These small steps make a big difference in crispiness and ensure your shrimp stay tender inside while crunchy outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – perfect for making crispy shrimp quickly without deep frying.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the batter, sauce, and slaw separately.
- Whisk – makes mixing the bang bang sauce smooth and easy.
- Tongs – helpful for dipping shrimp and turning them in the air fryer.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and sauce just right.
- Small skillet or microwave-safe plate – for warming tortillas before assembling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for popcorn chicken or crispy tofu if you want a non-seafood option that’s just as tasty.
- Add chopped mango or pineapple to the slaw for a sweet and tangy twist that brightens the tacos.
- Mix in sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the bang bang sauce for extra heat.
- Top tacos with crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar for a creamy, cheesy layer.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
For the Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 6 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 6-8 minutes to cook the shrimp in the air fryer, plus warming the tortillas and assembling. Overall, plan for around 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Set this sauce aside.
2. Prepare the Slaw:
In a medium bowl, mix the green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. Stir in lime juice and mayonnaise, coating everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Set aside.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and then back into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Spray the shrimp lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning the shrimp halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. Toss Shrimp in Sauce & Assemble Tacos:
Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and toss with half of the bang bang sauce to coat. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Spread some slaw on each tortilla, add the shrimp, drizzle with extra bang bang sauce if you like, and garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
6. Serve:
Serve the tacos with lime wedges for squeezing on top and enjoy the perfect mix of crunchy, spicy, and creamy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for These Tacos?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker thawing. Pat them dry before coating to ensure they get crispy in the air fryer.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp, slaw, and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely, the sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Sauce?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute in the bang bang sauce, adding creaminess with fewer calories. Just keep the same quantity and mix thoroughly.
