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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Easy Recipe with Fresh Slaw

crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp tacos - featured image

These crispy air fryer bang bang shrimp tacos feature perfectly fried shrimp, a creamy spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, and a refreshing fresh slaw, making a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • Lime wedges for squeezing
  • Optional: sliced avocado or jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound of peeled and deveined medium shrimp.
  2. In one bowl, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. In a second bowl, beat 1 large egg.
  4. In a third bowl, place 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently so they stick well. Set aside on a plate.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and let it run for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha, and 1 teaspoon lime juice until smooth. Adjust sriracha to taste.
  9. In a bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 medium shredded carrot, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Toss with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  10. Warm 8 small tortillas in a dry skillet or oven until pliable.
  11. Assemble tacos by spreading bang bang sauce on each tortilla, adding 3-4 crispy shrimp, topping with fresh slaw, and drizzling more sauce if desired. Finish with a squeeze of lime and optional avocado or jalapeño slices.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Adjust sriracha in the sauce to your preferred heat level. The slaw can be prepped ahead and kept chilled. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp tacos, air fryer, bang bang sauce, crispy shrimp, fresh slaw, quick dinner, easy recipe, seafood tacos