Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

By Danielle Nieman

Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos are EASY and delicious. Seasoned to perfection and topped with fresh ingredients, your taste buds will go crazy!

This post is all about how to make Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos.

These Shrimp Tacos are heaven. They’re easy to make and can be quickly baked in the air fryer. This dinner recipe will elevate your Taco Tuesdays to a new level, and the entire family will agree!

Not only is this taco recipe insanely delicious, but it’s a healthier version because shrimp is nutritious and low in fat and calories. Coat the shrimp in olive oil and begin adding the seasonings. Once the shrimp are covered with the flavorings, they’ll be ready to cook in the air fryer for around seven minutes.

I purchased street taco flour tortillas, but you can choose whatever size you prefer. After warming the tortillas, I topped the baked shrimp with shredded cabbage, red onions, sliced avocados (or guacamole), sour cream, and Mexican cheese.

The air fryer bakes the shrimp perfectly, and the fresh toppings complement the spicy seasonings. Serve these tacos with an (optional) Bomb-Ass margarita, and guests might think you’re a dinner genius.

Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

What Temperature Do I Cook Shrimp In The Air Fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for this recipe. Place one layer of shrimp into the air fryer and bake for about 7 to 8 minutes. If you’re reheating cooked shrimp, drop the temperature to 350 degrees F, and warm the shrimp for 4 to 5 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 35-40 Large Shrimp (1 Pound). Remove the stems.

• Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon

• Red Pepper Flakes, 1 Teaspoon (Cut back to 1/2 teaspoon or omit if you don’t like spice.)

• Chili Powder, 1 Teaspoon

• Salt, 1 Teaspoon

• Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon

• Cumin, 1 Teaspoon

Topping Ingredients, Tortillas, And The Best Margarita Recipe:

• Street Taco Tortillas (or use regular tortillas)

• Sour Cream

• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend or Cotija

• Sliced Avocados (Or try this AMAZING guacamole recipe, pictured above. You won’t be disappointed!)

• Sliced Red Onions

• Green Shredded Cabbage

• Fresh Cilantro, chopped.

• Lime wedges are optional.

• Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos with this BOMB-ASS Margarita Recipe (Adults Only!)

Equipment Needed For Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos:

• Air Fryer

• Paper Towel – for patting the shrimp dry.

• Measuring Spoons

• Sharp Knife– for chopping toppings.

• Mixing Bowl

• Spoon – for coating the shrimp with the seasonings

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Can You Put Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer?

Yes, you can! According to Taste Of Home, air fryers use fans to circulate hot air. Because air fryers use fans instead of electromagnetic radiation (like microwaves), you don’t have to worry about sparks flying. For this recipe, I just sprayed the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray, and it was easy to clean after baking the shrimp.

How To Make Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos, Step-By-Step

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.

Step 2: Chop and prepare the toppings now and set aside. If you’re making the BEST guacamole recipe EVER, do that now so it can marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for best-tasting results. If you’re serving libations, make the BOMB-ASS margaritas now, so they’re ready to serve with the air fryer shrimp tacos.

Step 3: Remove the stems from the thawed (peeled and deveined) shrimp (if needed) and wash them. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Step 4: Add the shrimp to a mixing bowl and add the olive oil and all spices. Toss the shrimp with a spoon to ensure the ingredients are mixed and covered in the seasonings.

Step 5: Add non-stick cooking spray to the air fryer basket and add a single layer of seasoned shrimp to the greased basket. You will need to cook the shrimp in two to three batches.

Step 6: Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes in the air fryer at 400 degrees F.

Step 7: The air fryer shrimp will be ready to serve immediately.

Bonus: How To Assemble A Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp Taco, Step-By-Step

Step 1: Warm the tortillas in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for one minute or in the microwave. Or you can assemble the taco first and then place them in the air fryer for one minute.

Step 2: Grab one tortilla and add sour cream and/or guacamole down the middle. Add shredded cabbage on top.

Step 3: Place three to four air-fried shrimp on the shredded cabbage. Squeezing a bit of lime on top of the shrimp is optional.

Step 4: Next, add the sliced avocado (if you’re not serving guacamole), chopped cilantro, and red onion.

Step 5: Lastly, top the air fryer shrimp taco with a nice helping of Mexican cheese and ENJOY.

FAQs For Cooking Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

How Do You Cook Frozen Shrimp In The Air Fryer?

You can cook frozen shrimp in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for approximately 10 to 11 minutes. This recipe recommends defrosting the shrimp first so the shrimp can be fully coated in the spices.

Can I Add Panko To Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos To Make Them Crispy?

Yes! Coat the shrimp in the spices first and then dredge each one in Panko bread crumbs. Cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes or until crispy.

Are Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos Healthy?

Absolutely! Shrimp is low in fat and calories, making them a healthier taco alternative than meat.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp For This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Because the shrimp are already cooked, you’ll only need to bake them in the air fryer for about 5 to 6 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Is This Recipe Like Bang Bang Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos?

It’s different because the shrimp are not breaded, and no spicy bang bang sauce is added. In my opinion, the spices are the bang!

What Goes With Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos?

Bomb-Ass Margaritas and the BEST Guacamole Recipe EVER are perfect companions to these air fryer shrimp tacos.

How Do You Air Fry Shrimp?

Just follow this simple recipe!

Can I Make This Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Recipe Ahead Of Time?

You can prepare the toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, but it’s best to bake the shrimp when you’re ready to serve the meal. However, the shrimp can be reheated if they are baked ahead of time.

Do You Have To Flip Shrimp In The Air Fryer?

You won’t need to flip the shrimp if they are spaced out in the air fryer. The hot air will circulate and cook the shrimp perfectly.

Does Cooking Shrimp In The Air Fryer Dry Them Out?

No, the opposite! Cooking shrimp in the air fryer is a great way to have tender and delicious shrimp that’s moist and not dried out.

Why Will I Love This Recipe?

You’ll love this recipe because it’s delicious and easy, and the ingredients are simple!

How Should I Store The Leftovers?

You can store the leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts On Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

These Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos are so delicious that they’ll quickly become a dinner favorite! The step-by-step recipe is so easy and most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. If you LOVE this recipe, sharing is caring, so spread the word!

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Bomb-Ass Margaritas

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BEST Guacamole Recipe EVER