Go Back
+ servings
Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos With Slaw - Fresh, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Pre-heat 3 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off
  • Spices for shrimp: Chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Slaw base: 3 cups shredded cabbage (green, red, or a mix) and 1 small carrot, grated (optional)
  • Slaw dressing: Greek yogurt or mayo, lime juice, honey or sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper
  • Fresh add-ins: Cilantro, green onions (optional), lime wedges
  • Tortillas: 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Toppings (optional): Avocado, hot sauce, pickled onions, cotija or feta, jalapeño slices

Instructions
 

  • Prep the shrimp. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp brown better and don’t steam in the air fryer.
  • Mix the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon oil and stir into a paste.
  • Coat the shrimp. Toss shrimp with the spice paste until evenly coated. If time allows, let them sit for 5–10 minutes while you make the slaw.
  • Make the slaw dressing. In a large bowl, whisk 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo), juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Toss the slaw. Add 3 cups shredded cabbage and the grated carrot to the bowl. Toss until coated. Stir in a handful of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if using. Taste and adjust lime, salt, or sweetness. You want it bright and tangy.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps with a little sear.
  • Cook the shrimp. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 5–7 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly curled with light browning on the edges. Don’t overcook.
  • Warm the tortillas. While the shrimp cook, warm tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 20–30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds. Keep them covered to stay pliable.
  • Build the tacos. Add a generous layer of slaw to each tortilla. Top with shrimp, a squeeze of lime, and any extras: avocado slices, pickled onions, cotija, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
  • Serve right away. Shrimp are best hot and juicy, and the contrast with cool slaw is the whole point.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!