Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Satisfy your seafood craving with these easy-to-make air fryer shrimp tacos. They are made with tender Tex-Mex-style shrimp that are wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with fresh vegetables. A great way to change up Taco Tuesday.

Jump to:

• Shrimp Tacos
• Ingredients you'll need
• Step by step: instructions
• Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
• My notes
• Storage and reheating
• Make Ahead
• Serve With
• 💬 FAQs
• 📣 Related Recipes
• Mexican Style Dinners
• Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos

• Easy shrimp recipe with simple ingredients and Tex-Mex flavors.
• Because shrimp cook so fast, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes so it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get something on the table quickly. 
• This healthy recipe for your dinner table will soon be a family's favorite meal. Great for picky eaters, too.

Shrimp tacos are a delicious and easy way to get a kid approved healthy dinner on the table quickly. These little bite-size shrimp are great.

Ingredients you'll need

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

• Shrimp - I used large deveined and tails off raw shrimp. Medium would also work.
• Seasonings - You will need chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt.
• Fresh garlic cloves - if you don't have fresh garlic, you can use the jarred kind as well.
• Oil - I like to avocado oil. You can use your favorite oil.
• Lime juice - I've found that freshly squeezed lime juice gives the best flavor.
• Mayo - This is the base of your creamy sauce, I prefer to use full-fat mayo for the best flavor.
• Sour cream - If you don't have sour cream, you can also use plain Greek yogurt.
• Sriracha- This spicy sauce adds a kick of flavor to this creamy sauce.
• Tortillas - You can use corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference.
• Toppings - I like to use avocado, fresh cilantro, Cotija cheese, shredded cabbage, or coleslaw mix. However, you can use your favorite toppings.

Step by step: instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp ingredients well together.
2. Then place the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket and air fry for 7 minutes, shaking the basket in the middle until fully cooked.
3. Place cooked shrimp on a plate and toss with a squeeze of lime. Meanwhile, warm up your tortillas for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.
4. Spoon shrimp in warm tacos and top with shredded cabbage, cheese, sauce, and your favorite taco toppings.

Adaptable recipe – make it your own!

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for spicy shrimp tacos.
• Make it more citrusy; add the zest and juice of one lime to the shrimp marinade for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Make Cajun seasoned shrimp tacos by using Cajun seasoning.
• Use corn tortillas for a change in flavor.
• If you do not have an air fryer this shrimp recipe can be done on the stove as well. Place a skillet on medium heat, add some oil and cook until done. It is also a fantastic food for a barbecue with friends!

My notes

• You can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. For best flavor, thaw out per package instructions, usually in cold water in your sink or refrigerator overnight. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper if you wish the tacos to be a tad spicier or more mild tasting.
• Use a teaspoon of garlic powder if you don't have any fresh garlic on hand.
• You can use olive oil in place of avocado oil.
• You can use your favorite cheese, the Cotija cheese tastes similar to feta cheese and adds a salty tangy taste to the shrimp tacos.
• You can use a package of taco seasoning in place of the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and garlic if you wish.
• Don't skip out on the squeeze of lime, as it adds such wonderful flavor to the meal.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate: leftover shrimp can be kept in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating: I've found the best way to reheat shrimp is in the air fryer. Simply place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Make Ahead

Shrimp tacos are quick to cook, however you could prep your taco toppings before you cook up dinner. Shred the cabbage, mince the garlic, and make the sauce ahead of time.

You could also season the shrimp and keep in your refrigerator until you're ready to cook in the air fryer. Thawed or fresh shrimp should be cooked within 24 hours.

Serve With

• This air-fried shrimp tacos recipe can be eaten alone or alongside this Instant Pot Basmati Rice, Black Beans and Chickpea Salad or this No Tomato Guacamole.
• Check out the many options we listed for what to serve with fried fish; you'll surely find something you will like.
• Serve some Virgin Mojito with this meal, and make it a party!

💬 FAQs

📣 Related Recipes

• The bold spices and tangy sour cream sauce on these Baja Shrimp Tacos are going to make your mouth sing. Kick back and relax on a tropical vacation with this 20-minute easy dinner idea.
• Baked shrimp scampi is a simple and delicious meal that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp are baked with garlic, lemon, and butter, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that is ready in just 20 minutes.
• Tender shrimp are combined with a luxurious, rich cream sauce in this Italian-inspired Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta dish. A 30-minute, one-pot restaurant quality dinner your family will never forget.
• Craving Shrimp Scampi without Wine? Try my delicious recipe with all the garlicky goodness and a simple substitution!
• This Baked Sea Bass is one of our favorite fish recipes. A whole fish is seasoned and topped with the most fresh and flavorful vegetable mix and baked perfectly for a flaky, healthy dinner.

Mexican Style Dinners

• Beef and Potato Tacos combine the best of the two worlds: crispy potatoes and tacos. Warmly spiced ground beef with comforting crispy potatoes is wrapped in warm tortillas. So, that means that this hearty and flavorful dish is an easy dinner or crowd-pleaser.
• Make a fiesta dinner in one skillet in just 20 minutes. And, this sizzling Shrimp Fajitas recipe is the perfect juicy shrimp dinner for family and friends.
• These Chicken Fajita Wraps are a perfect weeknight dinner or a fun get-together meal. Perfectly seasoned tender chicken with colorful peppers all in a crispy wrap for a satisfying meal.
• This Chicken Fajita Salad is a healthy twist on fajitas. Skip the tortillas and enjoy the bold flavors of fajitas on a bed of crisp lettuce.

This is an easily scalable recipe, so you can enjoy it with a large crowd for a backyard barbecue. Just Place everything on the table and let everyone help themselves. Perfect!

Let me know in the comment how you like to serve your shrimp tacos.