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    Home » Recipes » Fish and Seafood

    Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

    By: Kim Peterson · Posted: May 2, 2022 · Updated: May 2, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Image to pin to Pinterest of four air fried shrimp tacos with pineapple poblano salsa on the side.

    Make every night Taco Tuesday with these air fryer shrimp tacos! Spiked with a tequila lime marinade that’s perfectly sweet n’ spicy then topped with a fresh pineapple salsa. An ideal super delicious 20-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights!

    Air fryer tequila lime shrimp tacos with cilantro and Mexican crema on a wooden board with beer in the background.

    The shrimp marinate for just ten minutes and take on great flavors from the tequila, lime juice, jerk seasoning, adobo sauce and honey. Then they take no more than five minutes to cook. Quick, easy and just an air fryer basket to clean after!😊

    Admittedly, I’m a little late to the air fryer movement but totally embracing it! In addition to this air fryer shrimp recipe, these lion’s mane mushroom crab cakes were awesome. Crispy outside and tender inside.

    This kitchen gadget is definitely an easy way to enjoy healthier cooking and I look forward to sharing new air fryer recipes along the way!

    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love these Air Fryer Tacos
    • Main Ingredients
    • Air Fryer Shrimp Cooking Steps
    • Recipe Tips
    • Taco Toppings
    • What goes with Shrimp Tacos
    • Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos FAQs
    • More Great Taco Night Ideas!
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • More Shrimp Recipes You'll Love!
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You’ll Love these Air Fryer Tacos

    • Healthy, perfectly plump shrimp without excess oil when air frying
    • Full of delicious Mexican flavors
    • Awesome meal on the dinner table in 20 minutes!
    • Gluten free and dairy free
    • Easy recipe using basic ingredients

    Main Ingredients

    Shrimp taco ingredients arranged in bowls on a beige surface.

    Shrimp – I use large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) that are frozen from Costco and already peeled and deveined so all I have to do is pinch off the tails. You can use fresh shrimp as well.

    Marinade – A sweet n’ spicy blend of tequila, lime zest and juice, honey, jerk seasoning, adobo, Worcestershire sauce and cilantro has a little kick. You can take it up a notch with chili powder, cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

    Salsa – Another sweet n’ spicy layer of flavor with fresh pineapple, red onions, poblano and jalapeno peppers, cilantro and lime.

    Warm Tortillas – I like having corn tortillas on hand as a gluten-free option but grab flour tortillas if that’s what your gang likes.

    Air Fryer Shrimp Cooking Steps

    Whisk the marinade ingredients in a measuring cup and pour over the prepped shrimp in a shallow bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Let shrimp marinate at room temperature.

    Large raw shrimp in tequila lime marinade in a white bowl.

    Preheat air fryer to 370 degrees F. Drain marinade from shrimp and light pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture. The shrimp cooks best when kept in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.

    About one pound of marinated shrimp in the air fryer basket ready to cook.
    Plump cooked shrimp done in the air fryer basket.

    Make the salsa while the shrimp marinate or while they cook and gather your toppings. Warm the tortillas in the oven or in a skillet if you like more char. Then you can start building the best shrimp taco ever!🌮

    Overhead view of four shrimp tacos in charred corn tortillas and a bowl of salsa on a wooden surface with a glass of beer to the side.

    Recipe Tips

    1. Be sure to remove the tail shells on the shrimp so your family or guests don’t have to.
    2. Don’t marinate the shrimp more than 15 minutes. The acidity of the lime juice will begin to cook the shrimp and toughen the texture.
    3. No need for cooking spray in this recipe. There’s a little olive oil in the marinade that keeps the shrimp of sticking.
    4. Resist any urge to overcrowd the basket. The best way to cook the shrimp is in a single layer.
    5. Don’t overcook the shrimp! They become tight and rubbery when overdone. You want them plump and opaque.
    6. Keep in mind every air fryer cooks a bit differently so the level of heat and cooking time may need to be adjusted for your appliance. This recipe is written based on our 5.8-quart Cosori Pro Air Fryer.
    Close up of three tacos filled with shrimp and salsa with a squeeze of lime juice.

    Taco Toppings

    In addition to the pineapple salsa shown in the recipe card, here are some of our favorite toppings to add to the taco bar!

    • Tomatillo Salsa Verde
    • Mango Salsa
    • Pico de gallo
    • Guacamole
    • Mexican crema
    • Sour cream
    • Fresh cilantro
    • Green onions
    • Lime wedges

    What goes with Shrimp Tacos

    Here are some side dishes that will go great with these tacos when you’re looking to expand the menu!

    • Red Cabbage Slaw
    • Mexican Street Corn Salad
    • Grilled Cantaloupe Salad with Black Beans
    Air fryer shrimp tacos topped with pineapple salsa, cilantro and crema on a wooden board.

    Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos FAQs

    How do I know the shrimp are done?

    Shrimp are done when they become pink in color outside and just opaque inside. The internal temperature should be 120 degrees when pierced with an instant-read thermometer. Overcooked shrimp will be tough.

    Do you have to flip the shrimp when air frying?

    No need! Air fryers are designed to maximize the circulation of heat throughout the basket so you don’t have to do any flipping. Just be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the shrimp don’t stick.

    Can you cook frozen shrimp in an air fryer?

    Place frozen cooked shrimp in the basket of preheated air fryer to 370°F for 5 minutes. For frozen raw shrimp cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for both. However, I recommend thawing frozen raw shrimp first so seasoning adheres better.

    How long will leftover shrimp last?

    Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days. To freeze, cool cooked shrimp completely, flash freeze on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer safe bag. Keep frozen up to 3 months. Let thaw before reheating.

    What can I substitute for tequila in the marinade?

    Alcohol adds flavor to dishes and completely burns off during the cooking process. If you don’t have tequila on hand, rum is a good substitute. You could also use dry white wine or beer. Simply add chicken stock if you have none of the above.

    More Great Taco Night Ideas!

    • Birria Tacos with Consommé
    • Seared Ahi Tuna Tacos (Quick & Easy!)
    • Spicy Glazed Lamb Tacos with Mediterranean Salsa
    • Fish Tacos Al Pastor with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

    🌟Love the recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card and/or a review in the Comments section below!

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    📋 Recipe Card

    Air fryer shrimp tacos topped with pineapple salsa, cilantro and crema on a wooden board.

    Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

    These spiked Air Tacos Shrimp Tacos in a tequila lime marinade strike the perfect balance between sweet n' spicy Mexican flavors. A healthy and delicious meal that's on the dinner table in 20 minutes!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 256kcal
    Author: Kim Peterson

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Mixing bowls

    Ingredients

    Shrimp

    • 1 ½ pounds large shrimp , peeled and deveined, tails removed
    • ¼ cup tequila
    • ¼ cup lime juice , plus zest of 1 lime
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro , chopped
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Corn or flour tortillas , warmed
    • Toppings: Pineapple Poblano Salsa, guacamole or avocado, crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, squeeze of lime, and Mexican crema

    Salsa

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil , divided
    • 1 poblano pepper , chopped
    • ½ red onion , thinly sliced
    • 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn
    • 1 jalapeño pepper , minced
    • 8 ounces cubed pineapple
    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro , chopped
    • Zest and juice of 1 lime

    Instructions

    Shrimp

    • Place the shrimp in a medium bowl.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the tequila, lime juice, zest, olive oil, cilantro, honey, Worcestershire, jerk seasoning, adobo, and salt until well combined.
    • Pour marinade over shrimp. Let sit at room temperature 10 minutes. Meanwhile make the Pineapple Salsa if you hadn't already.
    • When the shrimp are almost done marinating, preheat air fryer to 370 degrees F.
    • Drain shrimp from marinade and discard. Carefully place shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can fit about one pound at a time.
    • Cook each batch of shrimp for 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be plump and just opaque in the center when done.
    • Serve shrimp warm with your favorite tortillas, Pineapple Salsa, and other suggested toppings, as desired. Happy taco building!

    Salsa**

    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add poblano, red onion and corn to the skillet and cook until softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
    • Add jalapeño and cook 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and set aside
    • Maintain skillet’s heat and add pineapple chunks. Cook 4-5 minutes until slightly charred, stirring once halfway through.
    • Dice the pineapple when it’s cool enough to handle. Add to the corn mixture.
    • Stir in remaining tablespoon olive oil, cilantro, lime juice and zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    • Salsa can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. Let come to room temperature before serving.

    Notes

    Recipe Tips
    1. Be sure to remove the tail shells on the shrimp so your family or guests don’t have to.
    2. Don’t marinate the shrimp more than 15 minutes. The acidity of the lime juice will begin to cook the shrimp and toughen the texture.
    3. No need for cooking spray in this recipe. There’s a little olive oil in the marinade that keeps the shrimp of sticking.
    4. Resist any urge to overcrowd the basket. The best way to cook the shrimp is in a single layer.
    5. Don’t overcook the shrimp! They become tight and rubbery when overdone. You want them plump and opaque.
    6. Keep in mind every air fryer cooks a bit differently so the level of heat and cooking time may need to be adjusted for your appliance. This recipe is written based on our 5.8-quart Cosori Pro Air Fryer.
    ** Quickly caramelizing the veggies and pineapple makes them sweeter by concentrating their flavors but you don’t have to cook them. The salsa can be prepared raw. Your call! 😊

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1030mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 815IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 80mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @giveitsomethyme or tag #giveitsomethyme!

    This page contains affiliate links. Meaning, whenever you purchase an item after clicking an Amazon link through this website, we receive a small percentage from Amazon. It doesn’t cost anything extra to you! It simply helps maintain the blog. Thanks so much!

    More Shrimp Recipes You'll Love!

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    • Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe
    • Orange and Honey Glazed Shrimp
    « Creamy Mexican Chicken Skillet Recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heidi | The Frugal Girls says

      May 09, 2022 at 3:58 pm

      What a delicious way to change up Taco Tuesday this week... and I love how you topped these with Pineapple Salsa! YUM!

      Reply
      • Kim Peterson says

        May 09, 2022 at 4:12 pm

        Thanks so much! Yes, so good!

        Reply
    2. Chocoviv says

      January 12, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      Looks good!

      Reply
    3. Ben @ Havocinthekitchen says

      January 10, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      We honestly rarely eat tacos and other similar things, but when it comes, it's usually fish and seafood versions, That's why this recipe is calling my name. Love this corn-pineapple salsa. So delicious!

      Reply
      • Kim Peterson says

        January 12, 2020 at 11:29 pm

        Thanks Ben!! I'm all about anything other than traditional beef taco! 🙂

        Reply

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    Kim | Creator and Author of Give it Some Thyme

    Welcome! I'm Kim - author, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Give it Some Thyme. Here you'll find wholesome, classic and contemporary recipes that make memorable meals every home chef can prepare. Pull up a chair!

    More about me →

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