If you love tacos with a crispy, spicy twist, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will blow your mind! Inspired by the famous Bonefish Grill dish, this homemade version is lighter, healthier, and just as flavorful. The shrimp is coated in a crispy panko crust, air fried to perfection, then tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. Paired with a crunchy cabbage slaw and wrapped in a soft tortilla, every bite is a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
These tacos are incredibly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. The air fryer cuts down on oil while still giving you that restaurant style crispiness. Whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday or just looking for a quick, satisfying dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try them today and taste the magic of homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Air Fryer Shrimp:
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined & tail-off
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style)
- ½ cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch or cornstarch)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
For the Cabbage Slaw:
- 8 oz coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice from ½ lime
- Squirt of sriracha (optional)
- Kosher salt to taste
To Serve:
- 10 flour tortillas
- Chopped green onion for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Dredging Stations: Pat the shrimp dry. Set up three shallow bowls one with tapioca flour and seasonings, one with breadcrumbs, and one with eggs whisked with a splash of water.
- Bread the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the tapioca flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce & Slaw: While the shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. In another bowl, toss coleslaw mix, cilantro, green onion, mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, and salt until combined.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas over an open flame, in a pan, or in the microwave. Toss the cooked shrimp in the bang bang sauce. Layer slaw onto tortillas, top with shrimp, and drizzle with any remaining sauce. Garnish with green onion.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 367 kcal per taco | Servings: 10 tacos
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: The Perfect Crispy, Spicy, and Flavorful Meal
When it comes to taco night, there’s always room for something new and exciting. If you’re a fan of crispy shrimp, spicy sweet sauces, and fresh toppings, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos will quickly become your new favorite recipe. Inspired by the famous Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, this homemade version is a complete meal wrapped in warm tortillas, making it a perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and spice.
This dish brings together a unique combination of flavors: crispy air fried shrimp coated in a rich, creamy bang bang sauce, balanced with a refreshing cabbage slaw. The air fryer makes this dish healthier by eliminating the need for deep frying, yet still delivering the perfect crunch. Whether you’re making these tacos for a weeknight dinner, a summer gathering, or just to satisfy a craving, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Healthier Alternative to Fried Shrimp
Traditional bang bang shrimp is deep fried, but this recipe uses the air fryer to achieve the same crispy texture with a fraction of the oil. This not only reduces the calorie count but also makes the dish lighter and less greasy, making it a better option for those looking for a healthier alternative. - Quick and Easy to Make
With a prep time of about 15 minutes and a cook time of just 7 minutes, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. That makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. - Incredible Flavor Balance
The contrast between the crispy shrimp and the smooth, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The sauce is a simple mix of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, providing the perfect combination of creaminess, sweetness, and heat. - Great for Entertaining
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends, these tacos are always a hit. The bright, vibrant colors make them visually appealing, and the fresh flavors make them perfect for any occasion. - Easily Customizable
This recipe is dairy free as written, and with a few simple swaps, it can be made gluten free as well. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha or using a mild chili sauce instead. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your taste.
What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp So Special?
Bang Bang Shrimp was made famous by Bonefish Grill, where it’s served as an appetizer featuring crispy shrimp coated in their signature bang bang sauce. Since then, the dish has gained popularity, with many home cooks recreating it in different ways whether in bowls, wraps, or tacos.
The beauty of bang bang shrimp lies in the combination of textures and flavors. The shrimp is fried (or in this case, air fried) to crispy perfection, then tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that clings to every bite. Unlike regular fried shrimp, which may be served with a dipping sauce on the side, bang bang shrimp is fully coated, ensuring that each piece is packed with flavor.
This recipe takes it a step further by turning bang bang shrimp into a complete meal. By adding a crunchy cabbage slaw and wrapping everything in a soft tortilla, you get a perfectly balanced taco with every bite.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Use the Right Type of Shrimp: Large shrimp work best because they maintain their juiciness and texture after cooking. Make sure to peel, devein, and remove the tails before cooking.
- Coat the Shrimp Evenly: The key to crispy shrimp is properly coating them. Use a three step dredging process: first flour (or starch), then egg, then panko breadcrumbs. This helps create an ultra crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure the shrimp gets crispy, arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece. If needed, cook in batches.
- Toss the Shrimp Gently in the Sauce: Once cooked, add the shrimp to a bowl and drizzle the sauce over them. Toss gently to coat without breaking the crispy coating.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Lightly warming your tortillas over an open flame, in a dry pan, or in the microwave enhances their flavor and makes them more pliable for folding.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
These tacos are a complete meal on their own, but if you’re looking to create a full spread, here are some great side dish ideas:
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A simple, refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tacos.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled or pan-seared corn with a creamy, tangy sauce is a great complement to the tacos.
- Avocado Salsa or Guacamole: Adds a creamy, cooling element that balances the spice of the bang bang sauce.
- Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed, fiber-rich side dish that rounds out the meal.
- Margaritas or Agua Fresca: A citrusy drink like a classic margarita or a refreshing agua fresca makes the perfect pairing.
Can You Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time to make mealtime easier:
- The bang bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The slaw can be prepped ahead of time, but wait until just before serving to add the dressing so it stays crisp.
- The shrimp can be breaded and stored in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This makes it easier to air fry them when you’re ready to eat.
- If you have leftovers, store the shrimp, sauce, and slaw separately. When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness before tossing them in the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Make It a Bowl: Instead of serving the shrimp in tacos, serve them over rice or quinoa with extra slaw and toppings for a delicious shrimp bowl.
- Use Lettuce Wraps: For a low carb or keto friendly version, swap the tortillas for butter lettuce leaves.
- Try Different Proteins: While shrimp is the classic choice, you can also make this dish with crispy chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
- Spice It Up: If you love extra heat, add red pepper flakes, extra sriracha, or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Use a Different Slaw: Instead of classic coleslaw, try a mango slaw, pineapple slaw, or even a jalapeño-lime slaw for a tropical twist.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Taco Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of spice, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a must try. They’re crispy, creamy, and balanced with a refreshing slaw, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Best of all, they’re healthier than traditional fried shrimp tacos, thanks to the air fryer.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a regular weeknight dinner, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and see why bang bang shrimp has become such a beloved dish worldwide!