Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs Large shrimp are key to this dish. They provide a nice bite and hold flavor well. Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease in eating. I recommend using fresh shrimp if possible, but frozen works fine too. Unsweetened shredded coconut gives a wonderful texture. It adds a subtle sweetness and crunch. Panko breadcrumbs add extra crispiness. Their lightness helps achieve that perfect crunch in the air fryer. Eggs act as a binder. They help the coconut and Panko stick to the shrimp. All-purpose flour coats the shrimp first. It helps the egg mixture adhere better, leading to a crispy coating. - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Lime juice adds a fresh zing. It brightens the flavors and pairs well with shrimp. Garlic powder gives a savory depth. Paprika adds warmth and a pop of color. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite tasty. - Cooking spray - Tools needed for preparation Cooking spray is vital. It helps achieve that golden brown crust without excess oil. You will need mixing bowls for the coatings. A whisk or fork for the eggs is helpful too. Lastly, make sure to have your air fryer ready for use. Proper tools make cooking fun and easy! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step takes about 5 minutes. Preheating gets the air fryer ready for even cooking. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs. Mix these two until they blend well. This mixture gives your shrimp a crunchy and tasty coating. Next, in another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Add 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk this mixture until smooth. This egg wash helps the coating stick to the shrimp. Now, prepare a third bowl with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Dredging the shrimp in flour helps the egg wash stick better. Take each shrimp and coat it in the flour. Shake off any extra flour. Then, dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, covering it fully. After that, coat the shrimp in the coconut and Panko mixture. Press gently to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch each other. This space allows hot air to circulate, making them crispy. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. This step adds extra crispiness during cooking. Air fry the shrimp for about 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the shrimp halfway through for even cooking. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Enjoy them right away with sweet chili sauce or mango salsa! Timing and temperature play a big role in getting your shrimp crispy. Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook. They should take about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway for uniform crispiness. Using cooking spray is key for the texture. After placing the shrimp in the basket, lightly spray them. This adds extra crunch and helps the coating stick. Just a few quick sprays will do the trick! One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you pile shrimp on top of each other, they won't cook evenly. Instead, arrange them in a single layer. Give each shrimp space to breathe. Another mistake is not coating the shrimp properly. Make sure you follow the dredging steps closely. Start with flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the coconut and Panko. Press down gently to ensure the coating sticks well. For dipping sauces, sweet chili sauce is a favorite. It balances the coconut's sweetness perfectly. Mango salsa also adds a fresh twist. As for side dishes, try serving your shrimp with a simple salad. A light coleslaw pairs well too. You could also serve it over rice for a hearty meal. Enjoy your crispy coconut shrimp! Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before coating. Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the egg mixture to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick if you enjoy some heat! Single Layer Cooking: Ensure the shrimp are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Serving Suggestions: Serve your coconut shrimp with a side of sweet chili sauce or a fresh mango salsa to complement the flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} You can take your coconut shrimp to the next level with spices. A pinch of cayenne adds heat and pairs well with the sweetness of the coconut. If you like a warm kick, try mixing in some chili powder or crushed red pepper. You can also switch up the coconut type. Try sweetened coconut for a richer flavor. You could use toasted coconut for a nutty crunch. Each choice gives a new taste to your dish. If you're gluten-free, you can still enjoy this dish. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. These options keep the shrimp crispy and tasty. For vegans, replace shrimp with large pieces of breaded tofu or cauliflower. Use plant-based eggs or a mixture of ground flaxseed and water to bind the coating. This way, everyone can enjoy coconut shrimp! Air frying is quick and gives a great crunch. But you can also bake or fry. Baking takes longer but still tastes good. Frying gives a rich flavor but adds more oil. Air frying cuts down on fat and calories while keeping the shrimp crispy. It’s a smart choice if you want a healthy treat! Each method has its perks, so choose what fits your mood today. To keep your air fryer coconut shrimp fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. This will help keep the shrimp from drying out. Make sure to eat leftovers within two days for the best taste. When reheating, you want to keep that crispy texture. The best way is to use the air fryer again. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer and heat for about 4-5 minutes. This will make them crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy. If you want to freeze your coconut shrimp, start by cooling them completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about one hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should cook air fryer coconut shrimp for about 8 to 10 minutes. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Flip the shrimp halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. This timing works well for large shrimp. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, thaw the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the coating stick better. If the shrimp are wet, the breading may not adhere well. Follow the same steps to coat and cook them as fresh shrimp. Coconut shrimp tastes great with sweet and tangy dips. Popular choices include sweet chili sauce and mango salsa. You can also try a spicy aioli for a kick. These sauces enhance the shrimp's flavor. Their sweetness balances the coconut's richness. Feel free to experiment with different sauces based on your taste. This blog post gives you everything you need to make delicious air fryer coconut shrimp. You learned about key ingredients, how to prepare and cook the shrimp, and tips for the best texture. We explored flavor variations and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Now, you can impress your friends and family with this easy and tasty dish. Take this recipe, try it out, and enjoy the crispy goodness of coconut shrimp at home!$

Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Deliciously crispy shrimp coated in coconut and Panko, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
as needed Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut; mix until well blended.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, adding lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare a third bowl with the all-purpose flour, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Finally, coat the shrimp with the coconut and Panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Air fry the shrimp for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with a side of sweet chili sauce or mango salsa.

Notes

Serve with sweet chili sauce or mango salsa for added flavor.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, coconut, shrimp