Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

a plate of air fryer shrimp tacos with jalapenos and cilantro.

5 from 7 ratings

Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

My recipe for tasty air fryer shrimp tacos comes together in only a few minutes, including a delicious quick cabbage slaw. Ready in 25 minutes and customizable with whatever toppings you choose, perfectly seasoned and tender shrimp tacos are my go-to choice for a quick dinner! Yields 6.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Fusion

Keyword: air fried shrimp tacos, shrimp tacos air fryer

Servings:

Author: Sarah Cook

Equipment

Ingredients

Shrimp Tacos

1 lb shrimp {I used precooked and frozen. See step 4 for cooking time for other varieties}
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper {optional}
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp oregano
1.5 tbsp olive oil {plus more for basket and skillet}
1 tsp lime juice
12 street taco tortillas

Lime Cabbage Slaw

3 cups shredded green cabbage
1/4 cup cilantro {stems removed, roughly chopped}
2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Lime Coleslaw

Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Making the Shrimp Tacos

Preheat air fryer basket for 3 minutes at 390˚F.
Toss shrimp, olive oil, lime juice, and seasoning in a medium mixing bowl. It won't mix evenly because the shrimp if frozen. That's ok!
1 lb shrimp, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1.5 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lime juice
Brush heated air fryer basket with olive oil and add the shrimp. Shake to distribute.
Cook for 5 minutes at 390˚F or until shrimp are lightly grilled and pink.
*Frozen raw shrimp will need 8-10 minutes to cook.
*Fresh raw shrimp will need 7-8 minutes.
Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Brush skillet with a tiny bit of olive oil and warm tortillas one at a time until lightly toasted and pliable. For best results, add more olive oil to the skillet every 1-2 tortillas.
12 street taco tortillas
Fill the base of each tortilla with some of the cabbage slaw and place 4-6 shrimp per taco on the cabbage.

Notes

You do not need to thaw the shrimp prior to cooking.
Preheat the air fryer to make sure the shrimp start cooking right away; that will give you that perfectly grilled outside and plump and juicy insides.
If the frozen shrimp come with tails on, cook with the tails and then snip them off with kitchen scissors before serving.
Shrimp are ready when the internal temp has reached 145˚F using an instant-read thermometer.

Nutrition