Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos Recipe

If you’re craving something fun, refreshing, and ready in a snap, these Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos are an absolute weeknight hero. Perfectly seasoned shrimp are air fried to juicy tenderness, then tucked into warm tortillas with a vibrant cabbage slaw and luscious avocado crema—every bite explodes with flavor, crunch, and creaminess!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos is that the ingredients are simple, super fresh, and each one truly shines. Every element—shrimp, slaw, crema, and tortillas—adds color, texture, and irresistible flavor, creating a taco you’ll want over and over again.

• Raw shrimp (1lb/450g, peeled and deveined): Choose medium to large shrimp for the juiciest, most satisfying bites; thaw before using if frozen.
• Paprika: This brings gentle smoky warmth that pairs so well with seafood.
• Coriander: A spark of citrusy spice that brightens the entire taco; ground coriander is perfect here.
• Salt & black pepper: They’re essential for seasoning—don’t skip or skimp!
• Avocado oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the shrimp and assists with that perfect golden air fry; olive oil also works if you prefer.
• Shredded green cabbage: Adds refreshing crunch and color, making every taco pop.
• Grated carrot: Brings sweetness and vibrant orange hues to your slaw—so pretty and flavorful.
• Fresh coriander (cilantro): Chopped and tossed in the slaw for an herby lift and classic taco flavor.
• Flour tortillas (6–8): Soft shells are easy to fold and hold all the goodness; go gluten-free or use corn tortillas if you like.
• Greek yogurt (for avocado crema): Creamy, tangy, and a healthy base instead of mayo or sour cream.
• Ripe avocado: The star of your crema—choose one that’s soft enough to blend smoothly.
• Lime juice: Adds zingy, refreshing acidity that ties everything together.
• Extra salt & pepper (for the crema): Taste as you blend and adjust as needed for maximum flavor.

Variations

The beauty of shrimp tacos is how easily they adapt—play with the fillings, adjust the spice, or change up toppings to make them totally your own. Here are a few of my favorite ways to remix Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos when I’m craving a change or want to use up what’s in my fridge.

• Spicy Kick: Add chili powder or cayenne to the shrimp seasoning, or top your tacos with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Swap the Slaw: Try purple cabbage, shredded romaine, or even a crunchy radish slaw in place of green cabbage for color and texture variety.
• Tortilla Swap: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free or more traditional vibe, or serve the filling over greens for a taco salad.
• Dairy-Free: Sub coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt in the crema for a totally dairy-free meal—just as creamy and tangy!

How to Make Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by placing your raw shrimp in a medium bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil, then sprinkle over the paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together so the shrimp are evenly coated—a quick marinade that infuses tons of flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Air Fry the Shrimp

Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed for even cooking). Air fry at 400°F/200°C for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. The shrimp should be opaque, plump, and just curled—don’t overcook!

Step 3: Make the Avocado Crema

While the shrimp are cooking, add Greek yogurt, avocado, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust lime or salt for brightness and tang.

Step 4: Toss the Cabbage Slaw

In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and fresh coriander. Pour in as much of your avocado crema as you like (a half-cup is a good start), and toss until everything is glossy and evenly coated—your slaw should be crisp but creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas (trust me, it makes a difference)! Pile on a generous spoonful of cabbage slaw, top with a handful of hot, juicy shrimp, and drizzle with extra avocado crema if you love sauciness. Grab, fold, and enjoy right away!

How to Serve Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Garnishes

For that “wow” factor, garnish your tacos with fresh coriander leaves, extra lime wedges for squeezing, and maybe a sprinkle of queso fresco or thinly sliced radish. A few dashes of hot sauce or a little diced avocado also make these Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos look and taste even more irresistible!

Side Dishes

Balance out your vibrant shrimp tacos with sides like black bean salad, cilantro-lime rice, or grilled corn on the cob. A scoop of fresh pineapple salsa or pickled onions is also amazing and adds a tangy-sweet contrast that’s perfect next to those savory tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Make taco night extra festive by creating a DIY taco bar—let everyone build their own Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos with bowls of slaw, shrimp, crema, and toppings. For parties, serve mini “street taco” versions or layer the components into vibrant shrimp taco salad bowls for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra shrimp or slaw, keep the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, and store the avocado crema and slaw ingredients separately. Combine just before serving for the best crunch and freshness!

Freezing

While the fresh slaw and crema are best made the day of, the air fried shrimp can be frozen for up to two months. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and toss them straight into the air fryer or oven to reheat without drying them out.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F/170°C for a couple of minutes just until warmed through. You can microwave them in short bursts too, but keep an eye out—they heat quickly! Assemble tacos fresh so the slaw stays crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me—once you try these Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos, you’ll want them on repeat! They’re zesty, quick, and bursting with those sunny, fresh flavors that make dinnertime something special. Gather your friends, set out the toppings, and get ready for a delicious taco night that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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