Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the spices adhere to the shrimp.

Chili powder: Provides a mild heat and rich flavor.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic element.

Cumin: Gives a warm, earthy taste to the shrimp.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Tortillas: Soft wraps that hold all the delicious fillings.

Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture.

Tomatoes: Diced for a juicy, tangy topping.

Sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy finish.

Lime juice: A squeeze of freshness to brighten up the tacos.

To ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked and flavorful, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before tossing them in the olive oil and spices. This helps the seasoning adhere better and prevents excess moisture, which can lead to steaming rather than crisping in the air fryer. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cooking the shrimp in a single layer allows for even air circulation and ensures they cook evenly.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be cut into small pieces and seasoned similarly, providing a different but still delicious protein option.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a milder heat and a slightly sweet flavor, which can be a good alternative if you want less spice.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor profile, adding depth to the seasoning mix.

• cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that can provide a different but pleasant taste to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the tacos.

• tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: Lettuce wraps are a low-carb alternative that can provide a fresh and crunchy texture.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with cabbage slaw: Cabbage slaw adds a crunchy texture and a slightly tangy flavor, which can complement the other ingredients well.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can add a more complex flavor with additional spices and ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of the tacos.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor but with added protein and fewer calories.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, making it a good alternative for adding brightness to the dish.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.
• Transfer the cooked shrimp to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers of shrimp, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
• Store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for about an hour. This flash-freezing method prevents the shrimp from clumping together.
• Once the shrimp are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• For the tortillas, store them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If freezing, wrap them in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Use within 2-3 days for the best freshness.
• Sour cream should be kept in its original container or transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Consume within a week of opening.
• Lime juice can be stored in a small airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the juice in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they are warm and pliable. Meanwhile, spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through.

• Use a skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the shrimp in the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Warm the tortillas in the same skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.

• For a quick microwave method, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp back in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place them in the air fryer for the last minute of cooking.

• To maintain the freshness of the shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, store them separately and add them to the tacos just before serving. This will keep the vegetables crisp and the flavors vibrant.

• Air fryer: Used to cook the shrimp to perfection with a crispy texture without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the shrimp with olive oil and spices to ensure even coating.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the shrimp into the air fryer basket and for shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

• Dry skillet: Used to warm the tortillas, giving them a slight crisp and enhancing their flavor.

• Microwave: An alternative tool for warming the tortillas quickly if you prefer not to use a skillet.

• Cutting board: Necessary for dicing the tomatoes and preparing any other toppings.

• Knife: Used for dicing tomatoes and any other chopping needs.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices and olive oil for consistent flavor.

• Spoon: Useful for spreading sour cream onto the tacos.

• Serving plate: Ideal for assembling and serving the shrimp tacos.

• Lime squeezer: Helps extract the lime juice efficiently for a fresh squeeze over the tacos.

Pre-mix the spices: Combine the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt in advance to save time when seasoning the shrimp.

Use pre-shredded lettuce: Opt for pre-shredded lettuce to cut down on prep time.

Microwave tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds instead of using a skillet.

Pre-dice tomatoes: Dice the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until needed.

Batch cook shrimp: Cook a larger batch of shrimp in the air fryer and save leftovers for another meal.