If you’re craving something crunchy, tangy, and packed with a bit of a sweet kick, the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is going to wow your taste buds like nothing else. These tacos bring together crispy golden shrimp coated in a luscious, creamy bang bang sauce, all nestled inside warm tortillas with a sprinkle of candied walnuts for a surprising pop of texture. It’s a blend of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to share at every gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. From the juicy shrimp to the sweet and nutty candied walnuts, each element serves a crucial role in making these tacos utterly irresistible.
- Jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined, they’re the star protein delivering tender, flavorful bites.
- Egg whites: They help the crispy coating adhere to the shrimp beautifully once fried or air fried.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- Cornstarch (or alternative flours): This creates a light, crispy exterior without heaviness.
- Vegetable oil: Used for frying, it ensures a perfect golden crust.
- Japanese mayo (or regular mayo): Provides a creamy base for the bang bang sauce with a subtle tang.
- Sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk): Adds that delicious, unexpected sweetness that ties the sauce together.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that enhances the sauce’s richness without overpowering.
- Lemon juice: Brings a burst of brightness to cut through the creamy sauce.
- Walnut halves: Candied walnuts introduce a delightful, crunchy contrast with a hint of caramel flavor.
- Granulated sugar (or brown sugar): Essential for making the candied walnuts shine.
- Cold water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly when candying the walnuts.
- Green onion: Adds a fresh, mildly sharp note as a final topping.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Candy the Walnuts
Start by heating the granulated sugar with cold water in a small pan over medium heat. As the syrup becomes bubbly and thickens, toss in the walnut halves and stir until they’re fully coated with a glossy, sugary layer. Then, spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool and harden into a crunchy, caramelized topping. This little touch adds incredible texture and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
Whisk together the egg whites with salt and pepper in a bowl. Carefully toss the shrimp in cornstarch to ensure every inch is lightly coated before dipping them into the egg whites. This double coating is key for achieving that irresistible crispy texture once cooked. Now, whether you’re frying or using an air fryer, cook the shrimp at around 375°F until golden and crispy, usually about 2 to 3 minutes per side. When done, drain them on paper towels to keep them crisp.
Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp cooks, mix Japanese mayo with sweetened condensed milk, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens — creamy, sweet, tangy, and moreish all at once. It clings beautifully to the crispy shrimp, giving that signature bang bang flavor that makes these tacos unforgettable.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Toss the cooked shrimp in the bang bang sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious glaze. Then, pile them into warm tortillas and sprinkle generously with the candied walnuts and finely chopped green onions. Serve these tacos immediately while the shrimp is still warm and crispy for that perfect bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions provide a lovely sharpness that cuts through the richness, while the candied walnuts add a textural twist with their sweet crunch. You could also add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra pop of freshness that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with light, zesty sides. Think along the lines of a crisp cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice, a cool cucumber salad, or even some black beans and Mexican rice to round out the meal. Each side helps balance the richness of the bang bang sauce while complementing the shrimp’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these tacos on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra bang bang sauce and lime wedges for dipping and squeezing. Or, for a casual gathering, line them up on a colorful platter and let everyone customize their own tacos with your chosen garnishes. The vibrant colors and textures make presentation just as fun as eating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover shrimp or candied walnuts, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay freshest for up to two days, while walnuts can last up to a week if kept dry.
Freezing
Fried shrimp tend to lose some crispness after freezing, so it’s best to freeze the cooked shrimp only if necessary. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Defrost in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness of your shrimp, reheat in a hot air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes rather than microwaving. This way, they regain that desirable crunch without becoming soggy or overcooked.
FAQs
Can I make this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the cornstarch with a gluten-free alternative like tapioca or sweet rice flour, and double-check the mayo and other condiments for gluten ingredients. The recipe adapts perfectly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying the shrimp?
Yes, baking is a great alternative if you want a lighter option. Coat the shrimp as instructed, then bake them on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as frying but will still be delicious.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce in this recipe?
This particular version is designed to be sweet, creamy, and tangy without heat. If you love spice, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sriracha to the sauce for that classic bang bang kick.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The bang bang sauce is best made a few hours ahead or even the day before to let the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated and stir well before tossing with the shrimp.
What type of tortillas work best for these shrimp tacos?
Soft corn tortillas are traditional and add a nice subtle flavor, but flour tortillas are equally delicious and might hold up better for loaded tacos. Warm your tortillas before assembling for the best texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into an exciting food adventure. The blend of crispy shrimp, creamy and sweet sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts is a flavor combination you won’t forget. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to become a favorite at your table, whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping party dish.
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Tacos
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos feature crispy, golden shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy mayo-based sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts and fresh green onions. Quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful dinner, this recipe combines the richness of fried shrimp with a tangy, creamy sauce and the delightful texture of candied nuts, all assembled in a simple taco format.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 egg whites
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup cornstarch (or potato/tapioca/sweet rice flour)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce
- ¼ cup Japanese mayo (or regular mayo)
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup walnut halves
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp cold water
Garnish
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Candied Walnuts: In a small pan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and cold water. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes bubbly and syrupy. Add the walnut halves and stir to evenly coat them in the sugar syrup. Quickly spread the coated walnuts on parchment paper to cool and harden, creating a crunchy candy coating.
- Shrimp Preparation: In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites with salt and black pepper until frothy. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch until fully coated, then dip them into the egg white mixture. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain the shrimp on paper towels to discard excess oil.
- Sauce Mixing: In a separate bowl, combine the Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce that will coat the shrimp perfectly.
- Assembly: Toss the freshly fried shrimp in the prepared bang bang sauce until well coated. Transfer the sauced shrimp to a serving dish and sprinkle generously with the candied walnuts and finely chopped green onions. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still crisp and the sauce is fresh.
Notes
- You can substitute cornstarch with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour for coating the shrimp if preferred.
- Vegetable oil at 375°F is essential for crispy frying; use a thermometer for accuracy.
- For a lighter version, you can air fry the shrimp at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, instead of deep frying.
- Sweetened condensed milk can be replaced with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
- Ensure to serve the shrimp immediately for the best texture and flavor.
