Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray - Optional: Sweet chili sauce for dipping You can swap all-purpose flour for coconut flour if you're going grain-free. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. If you need an egg replacement, try a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce. For the best shrimp, choose fresh, firm ones. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. When picking coconut, go for shredded unsweetened coconut without additives. Panko breadcrumbs are key for that extra crunch. They help create a crispy texture that makes your shrimp irresistible. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. 2. In a shallow bowl, mix the following dry ingredients: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste 3. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. 4. For the coconut coating, mix these in a third bowl: - 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 1. Take each shrimp and first dredge it in the flour mix. Make sure it is fully coated. 2. Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs. This helps the coating stick. 3. Finally, press each shrimp into the coconut mix, ensuring an even coat. 1. Once coated, lay the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. 2. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. This helps them get crispy. 3. Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. 4. Look for a golden brown color when they are done. To make your coconut shrimp crispy, use cooking spray. It helps the shrimp turn golden brown. Spray both sides lightly before cooking. This small step makes a big difference! Cooking in batches is key. If you put too many shrimp in at once, they won't cook evenly. The air needs to flow around each piece. Cook shrimp in two or more batches for the best results. For dipping, sweet chili sauce is a favorite. Its sweet and spicy flavor pairs well with shrimp. You can also try a tangy lemon aioli or a zesty mango salsa. These options add a fresh twist! Garnish your shrimp with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. This adds color and brightness to your dish. It makes for a great presentation, too! One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. This can lead to soggy shrimp instead of crispy ones. Always leave space between each piece. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer long enough. Preheating ensures even cooking. Aim for at least five minutes at 400°F (200°C). This helps your shrimp cook up perfectly! Pro Tips Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed and patted dry to achieve maximum crispiness. Don't Skip the Cooking Spray: A light mist of cooking spray on the shrimp before air frying will help them become extra crispy and golden brown. Experiment with Flavors: Add different spices to the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for heat or lime zest for a citrusy kick, to elevate the flavors. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the shrimp right after cooking while they are hot and crispy. Pair with sweet chili sauce for a delightful dip! {{image_2}} You can easily amp up the flavor of your coconut shrimp. Adding spices to the breading mix makes a big difference. Try using cayenne pepper for heat or curry powder for a warm, earthy flavor. You can also mix in some dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh touch. Another fun option is to use different coatings. Instead of just coconut and panko, think about crushed nuts, like almonds or cashews. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can even blend in some crushed cornflakes for a unique twist. While sweet chili sauce is a classic choice, it's not your only option. Consider trying a tangy mango salsa or a zesty cilantro-lime sauce. These bright flavors can elevate your dish, making it even more exciting. If you want to make a homemade sauce, it’s simple! Mix Greek yogurt with lime juice, garlic, and a bit of honey for sweetness. This creamy dip pairs well with the crispy shrimp and adds a refreshing taste. Shrimp is great, but you can switch it up! Chicken or tofu works well too. If you choose chicken, use thin slices for even cooking. For tofu, press it first to remove moisture, then cut it into cubes. When you change the protein, you may need to adjust cooking times. Chicken typically takes a bit longer, around 12-15 minutes. Tofu may need around 8-10 minutes. Always check for doneness to ensure your meal is safe and tasty! To keep your coconut shrimp fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This prevents steam from making them soggy. The air fryer is the best way to reheat coconut shrimp. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5 minutes. This brings back their crispiness. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is an option, but it may make them soft. If you choose this method, heat in short bursts. To freeze your coconut shrimp, first, let them cool completely. Then, lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze the shrimp for about 1 hour. This prevents them from sticking together. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep their texture. To make coconut shrimp crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add the crunch you want. Coat shrimp in flour, then egg, and finally the coconut-panko mix. Press gently to help it stick. Spray lightly with cooking spray before air frying. This helps the shrimp crisp up nicely, giving you a tasty treat. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel before coating. This helps the breading stick better and keeps the shrimp juicy. The best dipping sauce for coconut shrimp is sweet chili sauce. It adds a nice sweet and spicy kick. You can also try a tangy mango sauce or a creamy lime dip. These flavors pair well with the coconut taste. Shrimp are cooked when they turn a bright pink color. They should also curl into a C shape. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes in the air fryer. Make sure they are not rubbery; they should feel firm to the touch. Yes, you can make the shrimp ahead of time. Prepare the shrimp and coat them, then place them on a tray. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. When ready, air fry them straight from the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. This blog post covered everything you need for crispy coconut shrimp. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare them. We went through step-by-step instructions for a tasty dish. I shared tips to keep your shrimp crunchy and delicious, along with possible variations. Remember, using fresh shrimp and proper preheating makes a big difference. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and sauces! Your perfect coconut shrimp awaits.$

Deliciously crispy shrimp coated in coconut and panko, perfect for a quick appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooking spray
optional sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
In a third bowl, mix the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs together.
Dredge each shrimp in the flour mix, coating it evenly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the coconut and panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Lay the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately, with sweet chili sauce for dipping if desired.

Notes

Arrange the shrimp on a large platter with a bowl of sweet chili sauce in the center and garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, coconut, shrimp