Easy air fryer Mexican shrimp tacos packed with bold spices, fresh pico de gallo, and a creamy bang bang sauce. This healthy taco recipe uses corn tortillas, garlic-seasoned shrimp, and a quick homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or taco night. Gluten-free and dairy-free options included.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1½ lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
¾ tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp chili powder
½ tsp paprika
4 tbsp dairy-free butter, melted
1 tbsp garlic olive oil (Costabile recommended)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1½ tsp rice vinegar
½ tsp sriracha
⅛ tsp garlic powder

For Assembly

Corn tortillas
Shredded purple cabbage
Fresh pico de gallo
Queso fresco
Cooked shrimp
Bang bang sauce

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic olive oil, and all the seasonings.
Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with ¾ of the marinade until evenly coated. Reserve the remaining ¼ marinade for later.
Preheat and prep the air fryer: Lightly oil the air fryer basket. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, without overlapping.
Cook the shrimp:
- Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes.
- Flip the shrimp and brush with the reserved marinade.
- Air fry for an additional 2 minutes until fully cooked. (You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.)
Make the bang bang sauce: In a bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and garlic powder until smooth.
Assemble the tacos: Warm the tortillas, then layer with shredded cabbage, shrimp, fresh pico, queso fresco, and drizzle generously with bang bang sauce.

Tips

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; shrimp need space to cook evenly.
Use raw shrimp for better texture; pre-cooked shrimp may turn rubbery.
Warm your tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap corn tortillas for flour or lettuce wraps.
For extra heat, increase the sriracha in the sauce or add jalapeños.
Use dairy butter if preferred, or try ghee for a richer flavor.
No air fryer? Sauté shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat dry before marinating.

How long will the shrimp keep?
Store cooked shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before using.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of Mexican rice or black beans.
Add avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy touch.
Great paired with a light margarita or sparkling lime water.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy weeknight meal using the air fryer.
Bursting with bold flavors and just the right amount of spice.
Fully customizable with toppings and tortillas of your choice.
A crowd-pleasing taco recipe that works for parties, dinners, or meal prep.