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Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos – Quick & Easy Recipe

These Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos With Crispy Coating are a delightful twist on a classic dish, featuring succulent shrimp encased in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy crust. Enjoy a quick and easy meal that brings gourmet flavors to your weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • Raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp (preferably large or jumbo)
  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Large egg
  • Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Cayenne (optional)
  • Neutral cooking oil spray (like avocado or canola)
  • Soft corn or flour tortillas
  • Finely shredded green or red cabbage
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Mayonnaise or sour cream
  • Mayonnaise (for chipotle sauce)
  • Adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
  • Minced garlic (for chipotle sauce)
  • Sliced avocado (optional)
  • Pickled red onions (optional)
  • Crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
  • Extra cilantro (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. First, ensure your shrimp are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat them very dry with paper towels.
  2. Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: In the first dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the egg until well beaten. In the third dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat each piece of shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the shrimp firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are completely coated on all sides. Place the coated shrimp on a clean plate or wire rack.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with neutral cooking oil spray.
  5. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. Lightly mist the tops of the shrimp with oil spray. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
  6. While the shrimp are air frying, prepare your toppings: In a small bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a dollop of mayonnaise or sour cream. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, adobo sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic for the chipotle sauce. Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  7. Once all the shrimp are cooked, assemble your tacos by placing a few pieces of shrimp into a warm tortilla. Top with cabbage slaw, chipotle sauce, and any additional toppings like avocado or pickled red onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure panko is gluten-free. For dairy-free options, use dairy-free mayonnaise or sour cream alternatives. You can adapt the coating method for tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian/vegan option.