Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Introduction:
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, flavorful shrimp with a spicy-sweet sauce, all nestled in a warm tortilla. The Air Fryer makes this dish healthier by reducing the amount of oil used while still achieving a crispy texture on the shrimp. These tacos are easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making them a perfect weeknight meal or a fun dish for taco night. The creamy, tangy, and spicy “Bang Bang” sauce is the highlight, elevating the shrimp and creating a delicious contrast with the crunch of the shrimp and the freshness of the toppings.
The History of Bang Bang Shrimp:
Bang Bang Shrimp originated at Bonefish Grill, a popular American seafood restaurant chain, and quickly became a fan favorite. The dish features shrimp that are battered, fried, and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey. The name “Bang Bang” is thought to represent the explosive combination of heat, creaminess, and sweetness. While it’s a modern American dish, it draws inspiration from flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine, with its balance of heat and sweetness. The dish’s popularity led to many variations, including the taco-style version we’re making here.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Shrimp: Small to medium-sized shrimp work best for tacos, as they cook quickly and evenly. Make sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
- Cornstarch & Panko Breadcrumbs: For the coating, cornstarch gives the shrimp a crisp texture, while panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch.
- Egg: Acts as the binder to hold the coating on the shrimp.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A mixture of mayonnaise, sriracha (for heat), and honey (for sweetness). Some recipes also add garlic or rice vinegar for extra flavor.
- Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas or corn tortillas can be used to wrap the shrimp and toppings. Flour tortillas offer a softer texture, while corn tortillas provide a slightly firmer base.
- Lettuce & Cilantro: Fresh lettuce, like shredded iceberg or romaine, adds crunch, while cilantro adds a bright, herbal note.
- Optional Toppings: You can add avocado, red onion, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for a more elegant presentation (optional).
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Make the Coating:
- In one bowl, whisk an egg.
- In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- Coat the Shrimp:
- Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks evenly.
- Air Fry the Shrimp:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or use a brush to coat the shrimp with a small amount of oil to ensure crispiness.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Place a layer of shredded lettuce on each tortilla.
- Add the crispy shrimp on top of the lettuce.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp.
- Add optional toppings like cilantro, avocado, red onion, or jalapeños.
- Serve:
- Serve the tacos immediately with a squeeze of lime and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:
- Dry the Shrimp Well: Ensuring the shrimp are dry before coating them helps the breading stick better and results in a crispier texture.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: For the shrimp to cook evenly and become crispy, make sure the shrimp aren’t touching. If needed, cook in batches.
- Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For maximum flavor, use fresh shrimp and toppings. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring brightness and balance to the dish.
- Check Shrimp for Doneness: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They should be opaque and slightly curled when done.
Variations and Customizations:
- Different Proteins:
- Chicken: You can replace shrimp with grilled or crispy chicken tenders. Season the chicken with your favorite spices or a Cajun rub for added flavor.
- Fish: Swap shrimp for fish fillets like tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi. Bread the fish and air fry as you would the shrimp.
- Tofu (Vegetarian Option): For a vegetarian alternative, use crispy air-fried tofu instead of shrimp, and toss it in the Bang Bang sauce.
- Spicy Bang Bang Sauce:
- If you want to increase the heat, add extra sriracha or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
- For a different flavor profile, you could add a little lime juice or rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy kick.
- Additional Toppings:
- Top the tacos with a crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing for extra texture.
- Sliced avocado or guacamole will add creaminess and richness to balance the spice.
- Pickled red onions or jalapeños can add a nice tangy contrast to the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
- Use Corn Tortillas:
- For a more authentic feel, swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas. Just be sure to warm them up properly to avoid them breaking apart.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Calories:
A typical serving of 2 tacos with shrimp can range from 350 to 500 calories depending on the toppings and how much sauce you use. The Air Fryer method cuts down on oil and fat compared to traditional frying, making this a lower-calorie option. - Protein:
Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, providing about 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. This makes it an excellent choice for a balanced meal. - Carbs and Fiber:
The tortillas and shrimp provide some carbs. To keep the dish lower in carbs, you can use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas or opt for a whole-wheat or low-carb tortilla. - Healthy Fats:
The addition of avocado and the use of olive oil or a light spritz of cooking spray in the Air Fryer adds healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health. - Sodium:
Keep in mind that the Bang Bang sauce contains mayo and sriracha, both of which can be higher in sodium. If you are watching your sodium intake, consider making your own sriracha sauce or using a low-sodium mayo alternative.
FAQ:
1. Can I make the Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. For best results, cook the shrimp fresh in the Air Fryer to retain their crispiness. You can store the shrimp and sauce separately in the fridge and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before coating them and cooking them in the Air Fryer.
3. What other sauces can I use for these tacos?
If you’re not a fan of Bang Bang sauce, you can use creamy garlic sauce, chipotle mayo, or even a simple cilantro-lime crema for a different twist.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed rice cereal as a gluten-free alternative. Make sure your tortillas are also gluten-free.
5. How can I make these tacos spicier?
To kick up the heat, add extra sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce or toss the shrimp in a spicy seasoning blend before air frying. You can also add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the tacos for an extra burst of heat.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. With their crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and customizable toppings, they are a quick and tasty meal perfect for any occasion!
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients
- 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
- To Serve:
- 10 flour tortillas
- chopped green onion
Instructions
- First, pat the shrimp dry. Then set up your dredging station with 3 shallow bowls. To one of the bowls, add the tapioca flour and seasonings. To the second bowl, add the breadcrumbs. To the last bowl, add the eggs and a splash of water and whisk until combined.
- 1 lb large raw shrimp,2 large eggs,½ cup tapioca flour,½ tsp paprika,½ tsp garlic powder,¼ tsp onion powder,kosher salt & black pepper,1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Dip each shrimp into the tapioca flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs. I like using one hand for the wet ingredients and one for the dry, to make it a little less messy. Place breaded shrimp onto air fryer basket and spray the top with oil. You will likely need to cook the shrimp in two separate batches.
- cooking spray
- Air fry the shrimp at 390F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. After you flip the shrimp, spray the other side with oil and return to the air fryer.
- While the shrimp is cooking, add all of the bang bang sauce ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Then, add all of the slaw ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine.
- ½ cup mayonnaise,¼ cup thai sweet chili sauce,1 tsp sriracha,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
- After the shrimp is done cooking, add it to a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over top (reserving a little bit for garnish, if you’d like). Gently toss or shake the bowl to coat the shrimp in the bang bang sauce.
- Warm your tortillas over an open flame, on a pan, or in the microwave. Then, assemble your tacos, starting with the tortillas, a bit of the slaw, the shrimp, any leftover bang bang sauce you have, and garnish with some sliced green onion. Enjoy!
- 10 flour tortillas,chopped green onion