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 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper - Cooking spray You can swap the shrimp with other seafood like chicken or fish. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These swaps work well and still taste great. To make your shrimp even tastier, try adding spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick. When selecting fresh shrimp, look for a mild scent and a nice pink color. Fresh shrimp will always give you the best results. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). - Allow about 5 minutes for preheating. Starting with a hot air fryer helps the shrimp cook evenly. It also gives them that nice crunch we all love. - First, mix together 1/2 cup of flour, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of coconut with 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs. - For the flour, add a pinch of salt and pepper to season. - To the eggs, mix in 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Now, coat each shrimp one by one. First, dredge it in the flour. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it in the egg mix, covering it well. Finally, coat it with the coconut and Panko mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick. This process is key for a crispy bite. - Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. - Make sure they are not touching, as this helps them crisp up. - Mist them lightly with cooking spray for a golden finish. Air fry the shrimp for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This ensures both sides get that perfect crisp. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown. Once done, serve them right away for the best taste. To get the best crispiness, space the shrimp in the air fryer. They should not touch each other. This helps hot air flow around them. I always use cooking spray to get a nice golden color. A light mist on the shrimp does wonders! For air frying coconut shrimp, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the shrimp halfway through for even browning. Watch them turn golden and crispy! Pair these shrimp with sweet chili sauce for a fun kick. Mango salsa also adds a fruity twist. Both sauces enhance the shrimp's rich flavors. For side dishes, try a fresh salad or a bowl of rice. You can also serve them with crunchy slaw. These sides balance the meal and add texture. Make your dish pop! Garnish shrimp with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. The bright colors make it more appealing. Arrange the shrimp on a vibrant platter. Plating can be fun! Try stacking the shrimp or creating a fan shape. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Your guests will be impressed! Pro Tips Perfecting the Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, consider double coating the shrimp. After the initial coating, dip them again in the egg mixture and the coconut-Panko mix before air frying. Temperature Check: Ensure your air fryer is preheated properly. A hot air fryer ensures the shrimp cook evenly and develop that golden-brown crust you’re aiming for. Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding spices to the Panko-coconut mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper or some grated lime zest can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Serving Suggestions: Serve your crispy shrimp with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or a tangy mango salsa to complement the coconut flavor. {{image_4}} Want to spice things up? You can add cayenne or chili powder for heat. Just a pinch can change the whole dish! If you love a bit of kick, try this. You can also play with coatings. Mix in crushed nuts or sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Switch up the coconut with crushed cornflakes for a fun twist. Each change gives a unique flavor that keeps things exciting. This recipe isn't just for shrimp. You can use chicken or fish too. Chicken strips can work great and taste yummy. For a vegan option, try tofu or tempeh. Just coat them like you would the shrimp. They will soak up all the flavors and cook beautifully. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, skip the flour. Use almond flour instead. It keeps the crispiness while reducing carbs. If you need allergen-friendly options, you can make it dairy-free and nut-free. Use coconut milk instead of eggs for binding. This keeps the dish safe for those with allergies. Enjoy this crispy coconut treat while meeting dietary needs. To keep your cooked coconut shrimp fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp cool down first. This helps avoid moisture build-up, which can make them soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you put them away, layer paper towels at the bottom of the container. This will absorb any extra moisture and keep them crispy longer. For the best results, reheat your shrimp in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method keeps them crisp. You can also use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to freeze your shrimp, it’s best to do this before cooking. Spread the uncooked shrimp on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. To cook frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, cook them right after thawing. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them before cooking. To thaw shrimp, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Change the water if it gets too warm. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before coating. This helps the coating stick better. Cooked shrimp turn a bright pink color. When they curl into a C shape, they are done. The coating should be golden brown and crispy. You can also cut one open. If it is opaque in the middle, it's ready to eat. Coconut shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Zesty sweet chili sauce for dipping - Refreshing mango salsa for a fruity kick - A simple green salad for freshness - Coconut rice for a tropical vibe - Fries or plantains for a fun crunch These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable! This article covered everything you need to know to make air fryer coconut shrimp. We explored ingredients and seasonings, along with steps for cooking and achieving crispiness. You learned about storage, variations, and serving ideas. In closing, enjoy your tasty coconut shrimp! With these easy instructions and tips, you can impress anyone at your next meal. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors and adapt as you like. Your kitchen can be a fun place for cooking. Happy frying!$

Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Deliciously crispy shrimp coated in coconut and Panko, perfect for an appetizer or snack.

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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 (tails on for presentation, if desired)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
as needed cooking spray

Instructions

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes until ready.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened shredded coconut. Stir until evenly mixed, creating a deliciously textured coating.
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them thoroughly. Then, mix in the fresh lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
In another bowl, place the all-purpose flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste for an added layer of flavor.
Take each shrimp and first dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step.
Next, dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the mixture for a well-adhered crust.
Finally, coat the shrimp with the coconut and Panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well not only for texture but also to lock in flavor.
Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart and not touching, which helps them crisp up nicely.
Lightly mist the shrimp with cooking spray, which aids in achieving that delightful golden-brown crispiness.
Air fry the shrimp for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and incredibly crispy.
Once they are cooked to perfection, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair them with a side of zesty sweet chili sauce or refreshing mango salsa for a delicious contrast.

Notes

Arrange the shrimp on a vibrant platter garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an elevated presentation.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, coconut, shrimp