Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home with Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! This dish combines crispy, flavorful shrimp with a spicy bang bang sauce, all in soft tortillas. Whether you’re cooking for friends or a cozy night in, this easy recipe will impress everyone. I’ll walk you through every step, share helpful tips, and make sure you achieve that perfect crunch. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Key Ingredients
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– Shredded lettuce, for garnish
– Diced tomatoes, for garnish
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Cooking Essentials and Tools
You need a few key items to make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. First, grab a mixing bowl for the coating. You also need another bowl for the buttermilk. A third bowl is for the panko breadcrumbs. The air fryer is the star of this meal. It cooks the shrimp and makes them crispy. A skillet or microwave will help warm the tortillas. Finally, have a spatula or tongs ready to flip the shrimp.
Nutritional Information per Serving
One serving of these tacos contains about 300 calories. Each taco has a good mix of protein and carbs. With shrimp as the main protein, you get around 20 grams of protein per taco. The fat comes from the mayonnaise and cooking spray, adding flavor. Each taco also has healthy veggies, like lettuce and tomatoes, which add fiber and vitamins.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Coating
First, grab three bowls. In the first bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. In the second bowl, pour in 1/2 cup of buttermilk. The third bowl will hold 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This setup is key for a tasty coating.
Coating the Shrimp
Take each shrimp and dip it into the flour mix first. Then, move it to the buttermilk. Lastly, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly. This helps the crumbs stick. Repeat until all the shrimp are coated.
Cooking the Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. The shrimp should turn golden and crispy.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Adjust the sriracha based on how spicy you want it. This sauce adds great flavor to the tacos.
Assembling the Tacos
Warm 8 small tortillas in a skillet or microwave. On each tortilla, start with a layer of shredded lettuce. Add a few pieces of crispy shrimp on top. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Finish with diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro. Your tacos are now ready to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure Crispy Shrimp
To get crispy shrimp, follow these steps:
– Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a light, crunchy texture.
– Coat Well: Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the shrimp.
– Don’t Overcrowd: Place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer.
– Spray Lightly: Use cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Adjusting Spice Levels
You can change the heat in your Bang Bang sauce easily. Start with:
– 1 tablespoon of sriracha: This gives a good kick.
– Less for mild: Use half a tablespoon for a gentle heat.
– More for spicy: Add extra sriracha if you want a bold flavor.
Taste the sauce as you mix to find your perfect level.
Best Practices for Cooking in an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer can be fun and simple. Here are some tips:
– Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat for even cooking.
– Use Cooking Spray: This helps the food brown nicely.
– Cook in Batches: If you have a lot of shrimp, fry them in smaller groups.
– Flip Halfway: Turn the shrimp for even cooking and crispiness.
These tips will help make your meal tasty and fun!
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change some ingredients to fit your taste. Here are some ideas:
– Shrimp: Use chicken or tofu if you need a different protein.
– Flour: Almond flour or gluten-free flour works well for a gluten-free option.
– Panko Breadcrumbs: Try crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture.
– Buttermilk: You can mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute.
– Tortillas: Use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos taste great with various sides. Here are some options:
– Rice: Serve with cilantro lime rice for a fresh touch.
– Beans: Black beans or refried beans add protein and fiber.
– Salad: A simple side salad with lime dressing complements the tacos.
– Guacamole: Add creamy guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
Alternative Sauces and Toppings
You can switch up the sauce and toppings for fun. Consider these:
– Sauces: Try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a simple salsa.
– Toppings: Add avocado slices, jalapeños, or shredded cheese for more taste.
– Fresh Herbs: Use green onions or basil for a fresh twist.
– Pickled Veggies: Top with pickled onions for a tangy bite.
Experimenting with these variations can make your Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos even more enjoyable!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the shrimp tacos in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have extra Bang Bang sauce, store it separately. This keeps the tacos fresh and tasty.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the shrimp regain their crispiness. If you use the microwave, heat the tacos gently. This keeps the tortillas from getting too soggy.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the shrimp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. However, I recommend freezing the shrimp only before cooking. The tortillas and toppings do not freeze well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. This will help them thaw quickly. Pat them dry with a paper towel before coating. This way, they will get crispy in the air fryer.
What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas add a nice texture and flavor. Flour tortillas are soft and flexible. Choose what you like best. Both options work well with the crispy shrimp.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. They should also curl up slightly. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes in the air fryer. If you’re unsure, check one shrimp by cutting it open. It should be opaque and tender inside.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the tacos.
In this post, we covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. You learned how to prepare crispy shrimp tacos and make a tasty Bang Bang sauce. I shared variations and storage tips for your leftovers too.
These tacos are fun to make and taste great! Enjoy trying new ingredients and flavors. Cooking should be exciting, and I hope you feel inspired to get started now.
