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My Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos bring restaurant flavor right into your kitchen. These crispy shrimp wrapped in warm tortillas and drizzled with my spicy cream sauce have become a weekly favorite in my home. I love how the tangy slaw adds the perfect crunch. The best part? You can have these little bites of heaven ready in under 30 minutes making them perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.
A Lighter Take on a Family Favorite
My family used to order bang bang shrimp all the time at restaurants until I discovered the magic of air frying. Now we enjoy these crispy beauties at home without the guilt. The air fryer gives that perfect crunch while keeping things light and the sauce oh my goodness the sauce still has all that creamy spicy goodness we crave.
Why This Recipe Works
- My air fryer method gives you the crispiest shrimp without all that oil. Trust me I tested this recipe dozens of times in my kitchen.
- That sauce is pure magic. Sweet spicy creamy it hits all the right notes.
- My quick slaw adds such a lovely fresh crunch to each bite.
- You can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- These tacos work for everyone even my dairy free friends love them.
Let's Talk Ingredients
I keep these ingredients stocked in my kitchen because my family requests these tacos so often. Grab some plump shrimp from your grocery store eggs for dredging and those light Japanese breadcrumbs that make everything extra crispy. For my signature sauce you'll need mayo sweet chili sauce and just enough sriracha to make it interesting. Don't forget the coleslaw mix it's such a time saver.
Getting Your Shrimp Ready
Here's where the magic starts. Pat those beautiful shrimp dry then set up your dredging station. I learned this trick from my grandmother one hand for dry ingredients one for wet. It keeps things so much neater. A little seasoned flour then egg wash then those crispy breadcrumbs. Line them up in your air fryer basket like little soldiers ready for duty.
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The Perfect Cooking Method
Let your air fryer warm up to 390°F. Give those breaded shrimp a light spray of oil the secret to getting that gorgeous golden color. Seven minutes is all it takes flipping halfway through. Just listen for that sizzle that tells you they're getting perfectly crispy.
Creating That Famous Sauce
This sauce makes everyone smile. In my kitchen we call it magic sauce. Mix your mayo with sweet chili sauce then add sriracha until it makes you happy. I usually do a little taste test with a spare shrimp. Some days I add more heat depending on who's coming to dinner.
Fresh Crunchy Slaw
While your shrimp are getting crispy throw together this quick slaw. Toss your coleslaw mix with fresh cilantro green onions a squeeze of lime and just enough mayo to hold it together. This fresh crunch balances the creamy spicy shrimp perfectly.
Building Beautiful Tacos
Now comes the fun part. Warm your tortillas I love doing this right over my gas flame for those lovely charred spots. Layer in your crunchy slaw add those gorgeous crispy shrimp and drizzle with that heavenly sauce. A sprinkle of green onions on top makes them look like they came from your favorite restaurant.
The Story Behind Bang Bang Shrimp
I first fell in love with bang bang shrimp at a restaurant years ago. The combination of crispy shrimp and that incredible sauce had me hooked. After countless attempts in my kitchen I finally cracked the code to making them even better at home using my air fryer.
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Making Them Gluten Free
My best friend can't have gluten so I worked hard to perfect a gluten free version. Simply swap in your favorite gluten free panko and tortillas. She says they're even better than the original which makes my heart so happy.
Try Them Bowl Style
Sometimes we skip the tortillas completely and pile everything over fluffy rice. Add some diced cucumber avocado chunks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. My teenagers love this version for their lunch boxes minus the sauce which goes in a separate container.
What to Serve Alongside
While these tacos are perfect on their own I love serving them with simple roasted vegetables or a light salad. For weekend gatherings I'll put out chips and fresh guacamole. The whole spread disappears in minutes.
Storing and Reheating
If you're meal prepping keep everything separate. The shrimp heat up beautifully in the air fryer just a few minutes at 350°F. Fresh slaw stays crisp for days in a sealed container. Though honestly leftover are rare in my house.
Kitchen Tips for Success
Make sure those shrimp are totally thawed and dry before breading. Don't crowd your air fryer basket give those shrimp room to get crispy. Let them cool just a bit before tossing in sauce. These little details make such a difference.
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Mix It Up
Some nights I add shredded carrots or thinly sliced jalapenos to the slaw. Other times I'll swap the sauce for a honey sriracha glaze. Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. The best recipes evolve in your kitchen.
Perfect Party Food
When I'm hosting I set up a taco bar. Everyone loves building their own perfect taco. Put out bowls of slaw extra sauce some diced avocado and lime wedges. It's such a fun way to serve dinner and takes the pressure off the host.
Kitchen Tools You'll Need
Your air fryer is the star here. Beyond that grab your mixing bowls tongs and a whisk for the sauce. No air fryer? Your oven works too just bake at 400°F for about 12 minutes flipping halfway through.
Spice It Your Way
In my house we love spicy food but you can easily adjust the heat. Start with less sriracha taste and add more if you like. I always keep extra hot sauce on the table for my heat loving friends and mild sauce for those who prefer things gentle.
The Joy of Sharing Good Food
These tacos have become more than just a recipe in my kitchen. They're the meal I make when my kids come home from college what I bring to friend's houses and what we serve at casual weekend gatherings. Food has this beautiful way of bringing people together and these tacos never fail to make people smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
- → Why use separate hands for breading?
- Using one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry prevents the breading from clumping on your fingers and makes the process less messy.
- → How many shrimp per taco?
- Plan on 3-4 large shrimp per taco, making about 10 tacos total from this recipe.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
- Yes, add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce or slaw if you prefer spicier tacos.
- → Why spray with oil twice?
- Spraying both sides of the breaded shrimp with oil helps achieve even browning and crispiness in the air fryer.