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Crispy Healthy Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

crispy healthy air fryer shrimp tacos - featured image

Quick, light, and flavorful shrimp tacos made crispy in the air fryer, topped with a zesty cabbage slaw and creamy sauce. A healthy and easy dinner option ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium size
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes/almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • For the slaw:
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage (packed)
  • 1 medium grated carrot
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or light sour cream (use dairy-free yogurt for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, extra lime wedges, hot sauce, crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated.
  2. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  3. Press each shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  6. While shrimp cooks, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Whisk lime juice, Greek yogurt, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour dressing over slaw and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds until soft and pliable.
  8. Assemble tacos by placing 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla, topping with slaw and optional toppings like avocado or hot sauce.
  9. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before coating for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Slaw can be made ahead without dressing; add dressing just before serving. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent tearing. Reheat shrimp in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispness.

Nutrition

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