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To make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 8 small corn or flour tortillas - Shredded lettuce, for garnish - Diced tomatoes, for garnish - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish You can swap ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Instead of shrimp, use chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Almond flour works well if you need a gluten-free option. - Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier sauce. - Substitute lime juice for sriracha if you prefer a tangy flavor. Choosing the right shrimp is key to a great dish. Here’s how to pick fresh shrimp: - Look for shrimp with a firm texture and a mild, sea-like smell. - Avoid shrimp with dark spots or a strong fishy odor. - If buying frozen shrimp, check that they are not icy or clumped together. - Large shrimp work best for a satisfying bite in your tacos. Fresh and quality ingredients make these tacos shine! Start by getting your coating stations ready. You will need three bowls. In the first bowl, mix together: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste In the second bowl, pour in 1/2 cup buttermilk. The third bowl holds 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes it easy to coat the shrimp. Next, take each shrimp and dip it into the flour mix. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Then, dip the shrimp into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press the shrimp into the panko breadcrumbs. This gives a nice crispy coating. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the shrimp cook evenly. Once preheated, arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd them; they need space for air to circulate. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. Cook the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. To warm the tortillas, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave them for a few seconds. This makes them easier to fold. On each tortilla, add a handful of shredded lettuce. Then, place several pieces of crispy shrimp on top. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, made from mixing: - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha Finally, top with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro. The tacos are now ready to enjoy! To get the best air-fried shrimp, follow these tips: - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking. - Arrange shrimp in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. - Avoid overcrowding the basket. It blocks airflow and makes shrimp soggy. - Spray the shrimp lightly with cooking spray. This promotes crispiness. You can customize the flavors to fit your taste: - For a milder sauce, use less sriracha. - Add more sweet chili sauce for extra sweetness. - Want more flavor? Mix in lime juice or zest to the Bang Bang sauce. - Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor in the shrimp coating. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for: - Skipping the preheating step can lead to uneven cooking. - Not shaking off excess flour can cause clumps on shrimp. - Forgetting to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking can make one side too crispy. - Using the wrong type of shrimp can affect the texture. Choose medium or large shrimp for the best results. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, there are many sauces to try. You can make a creamy avocado sauce. Just blend ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and garlic. Another option is a spicy mango salsa. Dice ripe mango, red onion, and jalapeño, then mix with lime juice for a fresh kick. You can even use a classic tartar sauce for a twist on flavor. Each sauce brings a unique taste to your Bang Bang shrimp tacos. Choosing between corn and flour tortillas can change your taco game. Corn tortillas are gluten-free and have a nice, earthy flavor. They hold up well to the crispy shrimp. Flour tortillas are soft and chewy, perfect for wrapping around your filling. They can also hold more ingredients. Try both types to see which you like best. Each option can give your tacos a different vibe. You can add more veggies to your tacos for crunch and color. Consider adding sliced radishes for a peppery bite. Grated carrots add sweetness and crunch. You might also try diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley enhance the taste too. Don’t forget to add some lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze. Each topping can make your tacos even more delicious! Store leftover tacos in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about two days. Make sure to keep the shrimp and toppings separate. This helps keep everything crisp and tasty. To reheat your tacos, remove the shrimp and toppings. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warm and crispy again. You can warm the tortillas in a skillet for a minute. This will bring back their softness. You can freeze the air fryer shrimp before cooking. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to cook them, just air fry them straight from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better and keeps the shrimp from getting soggy. You can try several sauces instead of Bang Bang sauce. Some great options include: - Garlic aioli for a creamy touch. - Spicy mayo for extra heat. - Sweet and sour sauce for a tangy twist. - Teriyaki sauce for a savory flavor. Feel free to mix and match your favorites to create unique tastes! To keep shrimp tender, avoid overcooking them. Air fry at the right temperature and check them often. Cooking time for shrimp is usually between 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Make sure to coat them well, as this adds moisture and keeps them juicy. This blog covered how to make delicious air fryer shrimp tacos. We explored the ingredients, including tips for fresh shrimp and ingredient swaps. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking, plus useful tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. We also discussed variations with sauces and toppings, and how to store leftovers. Now, you have the tools to create your own tasty tacos. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Indulge in delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with this easy recipe! Perfectly crispy shrimp coated in a delightful blend of spices, paired with a creamy Bang Bang sauce, and all wrapped in warm tortillas. Impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering tacos that are quick to make and packed with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your taco night today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for an extra layer of flavor)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)

8 small corn or flour tortillas

Shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine), for garnish

Diced tomatoes, for garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Coating Stations: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This setup will streamline the coating process.

    Coat the Shrimp: Take each shrimp and first dip it lightly in the flour mixture to coat, shaking off any excess. Next, immerse it in the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off before finally pressing it into the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure the shrimp are well-coated by gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto the surface.

      Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

        Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them to allow for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking time, until they turn golden brown and crispy.

          Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Taste and adjust the level of sriracha to suit your preference for heat.

            Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until pliable. On each tortilla, layer a handful of shredded lettuce, followed by several pieces of crispy shrimp. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce and top with diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

              Serve: Fold the tacos gently and serve immediately while still warm. Optionally, provide extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping and additional flavor enhancement.

                Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4 tacos