Introduction
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, perfectly seasoned shrimp with the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas for a flavorful, satisfying meal. The use of the air fryer makes the shrimp perfectly crisp without all the oil used in traditional frying, making this dish a healthier version of a delicious favorite. The tacos are topped with a zesty slaw and drizzled with a tangy sauce, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos are a game-changer.
The History of Bang Bang Shrimp and Tacos
Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular dish that originated in American restaurants and became famous due to its crunchy shrimp and signature creamy, spicy sauce. The term “Bang Bang” refers to the bold, spicy flavor of the sauce, which often combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. As for tacos, they are believed to have originated in Mexico and have become a staple in many cultures around the world, evolving into various forms and flavor combinations. The fusion of Bang Bang Shrimp with tacos creates a modern, exciting twist on both classic dishes, blending crispy shrimp with fresh, vibrant toppings in a handheld form.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the bang bang sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
For the tacos:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture, followed by a coating of panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with olive oil to lightly coat.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable.
- To assemble the tacos, place a small handful of the cabbage mixture in each tortilla, top with a few pieces of crispy shrimp, and drizzle with the bang bang sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray before air frying them.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to match your preferred spice level.
- To make these tacos even more filling, you can add a few slices of avocado or some diced tomatoes to the tacos for added freshness.
- Be sure to avoid overcrowding the shrimp in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- You can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option, or opt for lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Shrimp: Increase the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce for a spicier kick.
- Crispy Fish Tacos: Swap the shrimp for a white fish like tilapia or cod, following the same breading and air frying process.
- Veggie Tacos: Make this a vegetarian option by using crispy tofu or roasted vegetables instead of shrimp.
- Sauce Variations: Add some lime zest or a tablespoon of honey to the bang bang sauce for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Toppings: You can get creative with your toppings by adding pickled onions, jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a lighter alternative to traditional fried shrimp tacos, thanks to the air frying method that requires much less oil. The shrimp are a great source of protein, and when combined with fresh slaw and whole wheat tortillas, they make for a balanced meal. To make the tacos even healthier, consider using a lighter mayonnaise or swapping out the sweet chili sauce for a lower-sugar option. These tacos can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and corn tortillas. Keep in mind that the bang bang sauce is a bit indulgent due to the mayonnaise, but it can be lightened up with Greek yogurt as a substitute.
FAQ
- Can I make the shrimp ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the shrimp and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before air frying them. This will save time when assembling the tacos. - Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Frozen shrimp will work, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to ensure a crispy texture when air frying. - What can I substitute for the panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes can be used for the coating. - Can I use a different sauce?
Yes! You can use any creamy, spicy sauce that you prefer, such as a spicy mayo or a chipotle aioli, to change up the flavor. - Can I make these tacos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the shrimp for crispy tofu, roasted cauliflower, or another vegetable to make these tacos vegetarian or vegan.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Shrimp:
- 1 lb large raw shrimp peeled, deveined, and tail-off
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs preferably Japanese-style breadcrumbs
- 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 for extra heat if desired
For the Slaw:
- 8 oz coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice from ½ lime
- A squirt of sriracha
- Kosher salt to taste
- To Serve:
- 10 flour tortillas
- Chopped green onion
Instructions
- First, pat the shrimp dry. Then, set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls. In one bowl, add the tapioca flour and seasonings. In the second bowl, add the breadcrumbs. In the third bowl, whisk the eggs with a splash of water until combined.
- Dip each shrimp into the tapioca flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs. To keep things less messy, use one hand for the wet ingredients and the other for the dry. Place the breaded shrimp into the air fryer basket and spray the top with cooking oil. You will likely need to cook the shrimp in two separate batches.
- Air fry the shrimp at 390°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. After flipping, spray the other side with oil and return the shrimp to the air fryer.
- While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce by combining the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a medium bowl and whisking until smooth. In a large bowl, toss the coleslaw mix, chopped cilantro, chopped green onion, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Once the shrimp is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over the top, reserving a bit of sauce for garnish if desired. Gently toss or shake the bowl to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
- Warm your tortillas over an open flame, in a pan, or in the microwave. Then, assemble the tacos by placing a tortilla, followed by some slaw, shrimp, any leftover bang bang sauce, and a garnish of chopped green onion. Enjoy!
