Old Bay Shrimp Tacos

These Old Bay shrimp tacos turn warm, seasoned shrimp into an easy dinner with tortillas, crisp cabbage or lettuce, avocado, and plenty of fresh lime. Add corn, tomatoes, cilantro, or the simple lime sauce when you have them, or keep the tacos basic and let the Old Bay shrimp do most of the work.

The shrimp can be cooked in the air fryer or on the stovetop, so you can use whichever method makes dinner easier that night. Once the shrimp are done, everything else is mostly assembly.

I like getting the tortillas and toppings ready before I start cooking the shrimp. They cook quickly, and the tacos are best when the shrimp go into the tortillas while they are still warm.

Quick Success Tips

• Prep the taco toppings first. Once the shrimp start cooking, dinner moves quickly.
• Pat the shrimp dry. This helps the oil and Old Bay coat them evenly.
• Start with 2 teaspoons Old Bay. You can add more when you want a stronger Old Bay flavor.
• Cook the shrimp in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly whether you use the air fryer or a skillet.
• Remove the shrimp as soon as they are opaque. Shrimp can turn tough when they stay in the heat too long.
• Warm the tortillas before assembling. Warm tortillas fold more easily around the shrimp and toppings.
• Add lime at the end. A fresh squeeze brightens the Old Bay seasoning.

Why This Recipe Works

Old Bay gives the shrimp plenty of savory seafood flavor, so the tacos do not need a long list of seasonings.

The cabbage or lettuce adds crunch, avocado adds creaminess, and fresh lime keeps the tacos bright. Corn, tomatoes, and cilantro can be added when you have them, but the tacos still work without piling on extra toppings.

Cooking the shrimp separately also gives you a choice between the air fryer and stovetop without changing the finished taco.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Old Bay gives the shrimp plenty of flavor without a complicated marinade
• Cook the shrimp in the air fryer or on the stovetop
• Makes 12 tacos for an easy family dinner
• Use corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings are flexible
• The lime sauce is optional
• Easy to assemble once the shrimp are cooked
• Works well for a weeknight taco dinner

Ingredients for Old Bay Shrimp Tacos

Find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.

For the Old Bay Shrimp

Large shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. With 2 pounds of shrimp, you should have enough for about 3-4 shrimp per taco depending on their size.

Olive oil: Helps the Old Bay seasoning coat the shrimp.

Old Bay seasoning: Start with 2 teaspoons and use up to 3 teaspoons when you want a stronger Old Bay flavor.

Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness to the seasoned shrimp.

For the Tacos

Small tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both work. Use whichever your family prefers.

Shredded cabbage or lettuce: Adds crunch and makes an easy base for the warm shrimp.

Avocado: Adds a creamy contrast to the Old Bay seasoning.

Lime wedges: Serve them alongside the tacos for squeezing over the top.

Optional Toppings

Corn: Fresh, thawed frozen, or drained canned corn all work.

Cherry tomatoes: Halve them so they are easy to eat inside the tacos.

Fresh cilantro: Add it at the end when you like fresh cilantro with seafood tacos.

Optional Simple Lime Sauce

Greek yogurt or sour cream: Either works as the creamy base.

Lime juice: Start with 1 tablespoon and add up to 2 tablespoons depending on how tangy you want the sauce.

Salt: Add to taste.

Mix the sauce ingredients together and drizzle lightly over the tacos when serving.

How to Make Old Bay Shrimp Tacos

Start by getting the tortillas and toppings ready. Then season and cook the shrimp using either the air fryer or stovetop method before assembling the tacos.

Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Toss the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh lemon juice until evenly coated.

Air Fryer Method

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches when necessary rather than crowding the basket.

Air fry at 360°F for 8-10 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Remove the shrimp from the air fryer as soon as they are done.

Stovetop Method

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet as soon as they are done.

Warm the Tortillas

Warm the tortillas using your usual method until soft and flexible.

Keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel while you finish the tacos so they stay warm.

Assemble the Tacos

Add shredded cabbage or lettuce to each tortilla.

Top with warm Old Bay shrimp.

Add sliced avocado and any optional corn, tomatoes, or cilantro.

Drizzle lightly with the lime sauce if using.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and serve immediately.

Air Fryer vs. Stovetop Shrimp

Both methods work well for these tacos.

The air fryer is useful when you want the shrimp cooking while you finish the toppings and warm the tortillas.

The stovetop makes it easy to watch the shrimp closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they are done.

Use whichever method is easier for dinner that night. The finished taco stays the same.

Easy Ways to Build the Tacos

You do not need every optional topping for these tacos to work.

Start with warm tortillas, cabbage or lettuce, Old Bay shrimp, avocado, and lime.

Add corn when you want a little sweetness, tomatoes when you have them, and cilantro when your family likes it.

The lime sauce adds a creamy finish, but I keep it optional because the shrimp already have plenty of flavor from the Old Bay.

Helpful Tips

• Thaw frozen shrimp completely before seasoning.
• Cook shrimp in batches when the air fryer basket or skillet is crowded.
• Old Bay can taste salty, so start with the lower seasoning amount and add more when needed.
• Keep chopped toppings ready before cooking the shrimp.
• Warm tortillas shortly before serving so they stay flexible.
• Use cabbage when you want more crunch or lettuce for a softer taco.
• Make the lime sauce ahead and refrigerate it until dinner.
• Set the toppings out separately when everyone likes their tacos a little different.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the cabbage or lettuce, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime sauce ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until dinner.

For the best texture, cook the shrimp close to serving time.

Store leftover shrimp separately from the tortillas and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat the shrimp gently just until warmed through, then assemble fresh tacos. Keeping everything separate prevents the tortillas and vegetables from becoming soggy.

FAQs

For more air fryer-specific cooking tips, timing guidance, and Old Bay shrimp serving ideas, see my Air Fryer Old Bay Shrimp recipe.

More Easy Shrimp Dinners

If shrimp is already on the menu, here are a few more ways to turn it into a complete dinner:

• Old Bay Shrimp Salad: another easy way to use the classic Old Bay flavor in a complete meal.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bowl: shrimp with rice or quinoa and vegetables for an easy bowl dinner.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: a bright shrimp pasta with lemon, garlic, and a light olive-oil-based sauce.
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: a lighter sweet-savory shrimp dinner with crisp lettuce and fresh toppings.
• Shrimp Fajitas: an easy shrimp-and-vegetable dinner when you want another tortilla option.
• Steak and Shrimp Kabobs: a heartier surf-and-turf dinner.
• Sausage and Shrimp Kabobs: an easy protein-packed shrimp dinner with sausage.

Please, do not forget to subscribe and follow us on  Instagram and Pinterest.  for more healthy recipes and ideas. Thank you for reading Enjoy Clean Eating!