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Easy Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos - Fast, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 pound medium shrimp (16–20 or 21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • Tortillas: 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Seasonings: Chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Lime: 2 limes (zest one, juice both)
  • Fresh cilantro: A small bunch, chopped
  • Red cabbage: About 2 cups, thinly shredded (or a bagged slaw mix)
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Jalapeño: 1, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
  • Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a richer crema)
  • Honey or agave: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic: 1 small clove, finely grated (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)

Instructions

  • Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sear better and won’t steam in the air fryer.
  • Mix the seasoning: In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, a few cracks of black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  • Season and oil: Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon oil, the zest of 1 lime, and the spice mix until evenly coated.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps build color fast.
  • Cook the shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re done when opaque and slightly curled with light browning on the edges. Do not overcook.
  • Make the lime crema: In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 tablespoon mayo (optional), juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon honey, the grated garlic, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro. Adjust with more lime or salt to taste.
  • Prep the toppings: Toss the shredded cabbage with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt. Slice the avocado, red onion, and jalapeño. Chop extra cilantro.
  • Warm the tortillas: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave 20–30 seconds, or toast in a dry skillet until soft and pliable. Warm tortillas won’t crack.
  • Assemble the tacos: Layer cabbage, shrimp, avocado, and onion in each tortilla. Spoon over the lime crema and finish with cilantro and extra lime juice.
  • Serve right away: Shrimp taste best hot. Put lime wedges on the table for extra brightness.