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Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

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Cook Time 6 minutes
Pre-heat 3 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (tail off).
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon or avocado oil.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional), 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Lime: Zest and juice of 1 lime.
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small tortillas warmed.
  • Slaw: 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, pinch of salt.
  • Creamy sauce optional but great: 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon mayo, 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or sriracha, 1 teaspoon lime juice, pinch of salt.
  • Toppings: Fresh cilantro sliced avocado, pickled red onions, extra lime wedges, and cotija or feta (optional).

Instructions
 

  • Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp get better color and don’t steam in the air fryer.
  • Season: In a bowl, combine shrimp, oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, lime zest, and 1 teaspoon lime juice. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes to get the basket hot.
  • Air fry: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook 5–6 minutes, shaking halfway, until opaque and slightly curled with a light char. Do not overcook.
  • Make the slaw: In a bowl, whisk mayo (or yogurt), lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Toss with cabbage until lightly coated. It should be crisp, not soupy.
  • Make the sauce: Stir together sour cream (or yogurt), mayo, hot sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust heat to taste.
  • Warm the tortillas: Dry-skillet over medium heat 15–30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp towel and microwave 20–30 seconds.
  • Assemble: Add a little slaw to each tortilla, top with shrimp, drizzle with sauce, and finish with cilantro, avocado, pickled onions, and a squeeze of lime.
  • Serve immediately: Shrimp are best hot and juicy right out of the air fryer.