Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a delightful twist on a beloved dish, transforming the classic Bonefish Grill favorite into a healthier meal option. Perfect for taco night or a casual dinner with friends, these tacos are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. The crispy air-fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, paired with fresh slaw and warm tortillas, creates an unforgettable dining experience that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Healthier Option: Air frying reduces the fat content while still delivering that satisfying crispy texture.
• Flavorful Sauce: The bang bang sauce adds a perfect balance of creaminess and spice that enhances the shrimp.
• Versatile Filling: You can customize the tacos with your favorite toppings or switch up the slaw ingredients to suit your taste.
• Great for Gatherings: These tacos are fun to assemble and make an excellent choice for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully make these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Whisk
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool cooks food quickly while keeping it crispy without excess oil.
• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients, ensuring even mixing for sauces and slaws.
• Shallow bowls for dredging: These help create a neat assembly line process for breading shrimp.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauces smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos take inspiration from the iconic Bonefish Grill menu item, and transform it into a healthier full meal! The shrimp is air fried until perfectly crispy, then tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce, and served with homemade slaw and flour tortillas. A fun dinner recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined & tail-off)
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style breadcrumbs if you can find them)
• 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 if you like it spicier)

For the Slaw

• 8 oz coleslaw mix
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• juice from ½ lime
• squirt of sriracha
• kosher salt (to taste)

For Assembly

• 10 flour tortillas
• chopped green onion

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, pat the shrimp dry. Then set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls:
1. To one bowl, add the tapioca flour along with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. In the second bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. In the last bowl, whisk together the eggs with a splash of water until combined.

Step 2: Bread the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the tapioca flour mixture first. Then move it to the egg mixture before finally coating it in panko breadcrumbs. Using one hand for wet ingredients and another for dry helps keep things less messy. Place breaded shrimp onto an air fryer basket and spray the top lightly with cooking oil.

Step 3: Air Fry the Shrimp

Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 7 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking time to ensure even crispiness. After flipping, spray the other side with oil before returning it to cook.

Step 4: Make the Sauce and Slaw

While your shrimp cooks:
1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha; whisk until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, toss together all slaw ingredients until well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Once cooked, add your crispy shrimp to a large bowl. Pour over most of your bang bang sauce (reserve some for garnish). Gently toss or shake to coat each piece evenly.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas over an open flame or in a pan/microwave. Build your tacos by placing slaw on each tortilla first followed by shrimp. Drizzle any remaining bang bang sauce on top and garnish with sliced green onion before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not just delicious, but they also offer flexible serving options. You can customize the toppings and sides to create a meal that everyone will love.

Taco Toppings

• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances out the spicy shrimp.
• Fresh lime wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors and adds brightness.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who like an extra kick, fresh jalapeños provide heat and crunch.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta offers a tangy contrast to the sweet bang bang sauce.

Accompaniments

• Chips and salsa: Crispy tortilla chips paired with your favorite salsa make for a great crunchy side.
• Refried beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and make the meal more filling.
• Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn can add sweetness and a fun texture.
• Guacamole: This classic dip complements the tacos beautifully with its creamy texture.

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How to Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

To ensure your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will have better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cooking in batches allows for even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of sriracha in your bang bang sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Warm tortillas properly: Heating tortillas enhances their flavor and makes them pliable for easy folding.
• Make ahead of time: Prepare the bang bang sauce and slaw in advance for quick assembly at dinner time.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A flavorful mix of corn, lime, cilantro, and spices. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: This bright rice dish complements the tacos well and is easy to prepare alongside them.
3. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds a refreshing crunch that pairs nicely with the shrimp tacos.
4. Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad that brings in protein and fiber while complementing the flavors of the tacos.
5. Grilled Zucchini Skewers: Lightly seasoned zucchini on skewers provides a healthy grilled option that’s easy to make.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with spices are perfect for dipping into any leftover bang bang sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring shrimp size – Using shrimp that are too small may result in overcooking. Opt for large raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Skipping the dredging station – Not setting up a proper dredging station can lead to uneven coating. Always prepare three bowls for flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Overcrowding the air fryer – Cooking too many shrimp at once can prevent them from crisping up. Work in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Under-seasoning – Forgetting to season the tapioca flour mixture can lead to bland shrimp. Don’t skip on salt and spices for maximum flavor.
• Neglecting the sauce – Not whisking the bang bang sauce thoroughly may leave it lumpy. Take your time to blend all ingredients until smooth for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• For optimal freshness, keep shrimp and slaw separate until ready to eat.

Freezing Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 3 months.
• Use airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop – In a skillet over medium heat, warm the shrimp for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are crispy shrimp coated in a spicy bang bang sauce, served in tortillas with fresh slaw. They offer a healthier twist on a popular restaurant dish.

How do I make the bang bang sauce?

To make the bang bang sauce, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and whisk until smooth. Adjust spiciness by adding more sriracha if desired.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat dry thoroughly for crispier results.

What toppings can I add to my tacos?

Feel free to customize your tacos with toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, or extra cilantro. Adding lime wedges enhances flavor!

How long does it take to prepare Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes while cooking is around 7 minutes. This makes it a quick meal ready in under 30 minutes!

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces. Give this recipe a try for a fun and flavorful dinner that everyone will love!