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Healthy Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos - Fresh, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper
  • Lime: 2 limes (zest and juice)
  • Corn or flour tortillas: 8–10 small
  • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (or light sour cream)
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon
  • Red cabbage: 2 cups finely shredded (or a pre-shredded slaw mix)
  • Fresh cilantro: Small bunch, chopped
  • Avocado: 1 ripe, sliced or diced
  • Red onion: 1/4 small, thinly sliced
  • Jalapeño: 1, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
  • Garlic: 1 small clove, minced (for the sauce)
  • Optional toppings: Pico de gallo, hot sauce, cotija cheese

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp brown better and don’t steam in the air fryer.
  2. Mix the spice rub: In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon oil and the zest of 1 lime. Toss with the shrimp until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. A hot basket helps sear the shrimp quickly.
  4. Make the quick slaw: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cabbage, a handful of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss and set aside to soften slightly.
  5. Stir together the sauce: Mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, juice of 1/2–1 lime, 1 teaspoon honey, a pinch of salt, and the minced garlic. Adjust lime and salt to taste. The sauce should be creamy and tangy, not too thick.
  6. Air fry the shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes, shaking once halfway. Shrimp are done when pink, opaque, and lightly browned on the edges.
  7. Warm the tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 20–30 seconds, or warm directly on a dry skillet until pliable and slightly charred.
  8. Assemble: Spread a little sauce on each tortilla. Add a handful of slaw, 3–4 shrimp, avocado slices, red onion, and jalapeño if using. Drizzle with more sauce and a squeeze of lime. Finish with cilantro.
  9. Serve immediately: Tacos are best hot, while the shrimp are juicy and the tortillas are soft.