Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Crispy golden shrimp wrapped in a warm tortilla and smothered in creamy spicy bang bang sauce—these tacos make any night feel like a fun street food festival at home. The air fryer takes the mess and oil out of frying so you get extra crunch without standing at the stove. With an easy tangy slaw and a punchy homemade sauce this recipe brings the perfect balance of texture and flavor. This has become my go-to for quick gatherings or those times when I want something fresh and satisfying for dinner.

My family devoured these the first time I made them. Now they are always requested for birthdays and game nights because they feel special but are so easy to pull off.

Ingredients

• Large raw shrimp: peeled deveined tail-off for juicy texture and protein
• Eggs: act as the perfect binder to make the panko stick
• Panko breadcrumbs: choose Japanese style for extra crunch
• Tapioca flour: creates a crisp even coating use arrowroot or cornstarch if needed
• Paprika: mild smoky flavor choose Spanish style if possible
• Garlic powder and onion powder: for depth and backbone
• Kosher salt and black pepper: for balanced seasoning
• Cooking spray: helps the shrimp crisp evenly without extra fat
• Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base of the sauce use real egg mayo for flavor
• Thai sweet chili sauce: for the sauce brings sweetness and a gentle heat
• Sriracha: delivers that signature kick
• Coleslaw mix: pre-shredded for speed
• Chopped cilantro and green onion: brighten up each bite
• Lime juice: gives tang to the slaw always choose fresh limes that feel heavy
• Flour tortillas: soft pliable and easy to serve

Instructions

Prepare Shrimp:

Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels so the coating sticks and the texture stays crisp after air frying

Set Up Dredging Station:

Arrange three shallow bowls one with tapioca flour plus seasonings one with beaten eggs and a splash of water and one with panko breadcrumbs separate the bowls to keep breading tidy

Bread the Shrimp:

Dip each shrimp first into the tapioca flour mixture shaking to remove any excess then into the egg allowing extra to drip off then coat generously in panko pressing lightly so it sticks use separate hands for wet and dry steps to avoid sticky fingers

Air Fry the Shrimp:

Lay breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket spritz the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them brown air fry at 390 F for 7 minutes flipping halfway and spraying again on the second side work in two batches if needed for even cooking

Mix the Sauce:

While shrimp cook whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce and sriracha in a medium bowl until smooth and glowing pink adjust heat to your preference

Toss the Slaw:

Combine coleslaw mix chopped cilantro green onion mayonnaise lime juice sriracha and salt in a large bowl toss with a fork until everything is evenly coated and looks creamy and green flecked

Coat the Shrimp:

Pour most of the bang bang sauce over the hot crispy shrimp and gently toss in a large bowl until each shrimp is well coated reserve some sauce for drizzling if you like bold flavor

Warm the Tortillas:

Heat tortillas briefly over an open flame in a dry skillet or in the microwave until soft and pliable this step keeps your tacos from tearing and helps everything hold together

Assemble the Tacos:

Lay tortillas out and pile with slaw first so the crunch protects the tortilla then top with saucy shrimp extra bang bang sauce and a sprinkle of fresh green onion for color Enjoy right away while everything is crispy and warm

My favorite part is always the bang bang sauce I have the best memories of everyone arguing over who gets to lick the spoon Especially when my little one demanded extra drizzle It brings so much creaminess and zing everyone loves it

Storage Tips

Store any leftover shrimp separately in an airtight container they keep well in the fridge for a day or two Reheat the shrimp in the air fryer to restore their crunch and never microwave the whole tacos or the shrimp will turn soggy The slaw will stay crisp for up to two days just keep it sealed and away from the shrimp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find tapioca flour either arrowroot or cornstarch will work just as well For those who want extra heat try a dash of hot sauce in the slaw or add thinly sliced jalapenos If you eat gluten free use gluten free panko and corn tortillas instead

Serving Suggestions

These tacos make a vibrant main dish all by themselves but I love to set them out with extra lime wedges and avocado slices For a more filling meal serve alongside black beans or a fruit salsa A little chopped mango makes a great garnish too

Cultural and Historical Context

Bang bang shrimp has roots as a popular American-Asian fusion appetizer made famous by chain restaurants but this homemade take is lighter and builds in street taco vibes Air frying keeps things modern lighter and approachable for home cooks My family now requests these over takeout

Seasonal Adaptations

Switch cilantro for fresh basil in summer Swap out coleslaw mix for shredded cabbage if you have a garden surplus Use grilled corn kernels as a topping in late summer Helpful recipe notes Use large shrimp for meaty texture Always spray the shrimp well before air frying for even browning Chill the slaw while making the shrimp for crispness

Success Stories

These tacos have won over picky eaters and guests every time I have served them Kids love assembling their own tacos and it is perfect for parties The first time I packed these up for a picnic I was shocked at how well the slaw and shrimp held up

Freezer Meal Conversion

If you want to prep ahead bread the shrimp and freeze them raw in a single layer Once frozen store in a bag in the freezer and air fry straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes This is the fastest way to enjoy fresh crispy shrimp tacos in a hurry

Bang bang shrimp tacos have become a staple in our house—bold flavors and crunchy textures in every bite. Make a batch soon and watch everyone come back for seconds.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you get shrimp crispy in the air fryer?

Coat the shrimp in tapioca flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Air fry at 390F, flipping halfway and spraying both sides with oil.

→ What makes bang bang sauce unique?

Bang bang sauce blends mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, creating a creamy, spicy, and tangy flavor.

→ Can you prepare the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, the slaw can be made a few hours in advance. Store in the fridge to keep it crisp and fresh.

→ Are there gluten-free options for this dish?

Try using gluten-free panko and tortillas. Tapioca flour or arrowroot starch is naturally gluten-free.

→ How do you prevent shrimp from getting soggy?

Pat the shrimp dry before breading, avoid overcrowding in the air fryer, and serve immediately for best texture.