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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

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These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a flavor-packed favorite that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance!

Crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, all wrapped up in a soft whole wheat tortilla – what’s not to love?

With just 10 minutes of prep time and a healthier air fryer twist, this is the ultimate quick and easy dinner for taco night that’s bursting with flavor.

Perfect for anyone craving that irresistible crispy texture and bold, tangy kick!

For the Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Shrimp – Use raw, medium-sized shrimp that are peeled, deveined, and tails removed. You can use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs – These give the shrimp that perfect crispy crunch once air-fried.
  • Cooking Spray – Helps the shrimp get golden and crisp in the air fryer without deep frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • Low-Fat Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the sauce while keeping things light.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness and a mild kick that balances the sauce.
  • Sambal Oelek – Brings the heat! Add more or less depending on your spice preference.
  • Tabasco Sauce – Just a few drops enhance the overall flavor and add a touch of tangy heat.

For the Tacos 

  • Whole Wheat Tortillas – A healthy base to wrap up all the flavor.
  • Red Cabbage & White Cabbage – Shredded for a crunchy, colorful slaw.
  • Green Onions – Chopped and sprinkled on top for freshness and bite.
  • Lime – A squeeze over the top brightens the whole dish.

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded Cheese – Adds richness if you want a cheesy twist.
  • Avocado Slices – For creaminess and extra texture.
  • Sliced Jalapeños – If you like more heat.
  • Fresh Cilantro – Bright, herby flavor to finish it off.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

A quick, healthy, and flavorful recipe featuring crispy air-fried shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect for taco night!
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Keyword: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Notes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb raw medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
  • ½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sambal oelek
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • ½ tsp Tabasco sauce
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded white cabbage
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 8 whole wheat tortillas (100%)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional toppings:
  • Shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro

 

Instructions

  1. Prep the Shrimp
     Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce
     In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sambal oelek, sweet chili sauce, and Tabasco. Taste and adjust spice if needed.
     Set aside ¼ of the sauce for drizzling.
  3. Bread the Shrimp
     Set up two shallow bowls—one with the remaining bang bang sauce, the other with Panko breadcrumbs.
     Dip each shrimp into the sauce, then coat with breadcrumbs.
     Place shrimp in a single layer on the air fryer tray, making sure pieces don’t overlap.
  4. Air Fry
     Spray shrimp lightly with cooking spray.
     Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Shrimp should be golden and crispy.
  5. Assemble Tacos
     Warm tortillas if desired. Add a mix of shredded red and white cabbage to each tortilla, top with crispy shrimp, drizzle with reserved sauce, sprinkle with green onions, and finish with a squeeze of lime.
  6. Add Optional Toppings
     Customize with any extras like cheese, avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro.
 
Tips
  • Pat shrimp dry before breading to help coating stick.
  • Wet your hands occasionally while breading to prevent sticking.
  • Avoid crowding the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
  • Flip shrimp halfway for even crisping.

 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 43.1g | Protein: 23.7g | Fat: 13.2g | Cholesterol: 121.6mg | Sodium: 740.1mg | Sugar: 5.1g 
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1. Can I use frozen shrimp, or do they need to be fresh?
You can use frozen shrimp; just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve optimal crispiness.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can bake the breaded shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

3. How can I make the shrimp spicier?
To increase the heat, add more sambal oelek or a dash of cayenne pepper to the bang bang sauce. Adjust to your spice preference.

4. Can I prepare components of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the bang bang sauce and shred the cabbage a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Bread and cook the shrimp just before serving for maximum crispiness.

5. What are some good side dishes to serve with these tacos?
Consider serving with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh mango salsa to complement the flavors of the shrimp tacos.

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