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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 large eggs - Cooking spray for air frying When preparing air fryer coconut shrimp, you need a mix of fresh ingredients. The main star is shrimp. I always choose large shrimp for a nice bite. Peel and devein them for the best taste. Next, we use unsweetened shredded coconut. This gives a delightful crunch and sweet flavor. Panko breadcrumbs add an extra layer of crispiness. They are light and airy, perfect for air frying. For the dry mix, we have all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and paprika. The flour helps the coating stick. Garlic powder adds a savory kick, while paprika gives a warm color. Don't forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the flavors. We also need eggs. They act as a binder for the coating. Cooking spray is key for crispiness in the air fryer. It helps the shrimp become golden brown and delicious. Gather these ingredients before you start. This way, cooking becomes a fun and smooth process. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Prepare the seasoned flour mixture: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and some salt and black pepper. This adds flavor to the shrimp. - Beat the eggs in a separate bowl: In another shallow bowl, crack 2 large eggs. Whisk them until they are well mixed and a little frothy. This helps the coating stick to the shrimp. - Create the coconut coating: In a third shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded coconut and 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Mix them well to form a uniform coating. This adds a crunchy texture to your shrimp. - Dredging in seasoned flour: Take one shrimp and dip it into the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. This step adds a base layer of flavor. - Egg dipping process: Next, dip the flour-coated shrimp into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip back into the bowl. This makes the shrimp sticky for the final coating. - Rolling in coconut and panko mixture: Roll the shrimp in the coconut and panko mix. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. This gives the shrimp a tasty, crispy crust. - Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat it for about 5 minutes. This helps cook the shrimp evenly. - Arrange shrimp in the basket: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch. This helps them crisp up nicely. - Cooking time and flipping instructions: Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. Air fry them for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through. To make your shrimp crispy, spacing is key. When you place the shrimp in the air fryer, make sure they do not touch. This allows hot air to flow around each shrimp. If they overlap, they will steam instead of fry. Using cooking spray helps too. A light spray on each shrimp before cooking creates a golden crust. It enhances browning and crunchiness. Be careful not to drench them. Just a light mist will do. If you want to switch things up, try chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Both options can still give you that crunchy texture. Just make sure to cut chicken into small pieces or use firm tofu. Adjust your cooking time based on what you choose. You can also change the seasoning. If you love spicy, add more paprika or a dash of cayenne. Feel free to use your favorite spices to make it your own. Keep an eye on your shrimp while they cook. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If they look pale or soft, they need more time. Cooking at 400°F (200°C) works well for most air fryers. However, some may cook faster than others. Adjust the time as needed for perfect results. Pro Tips Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp that are fresh or properly thawed to ensure a juicy and flavorful bite. Double Coating for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, consider dipping the shrimp in the egg mixture a second time before the final coconut coating. Avoid Overcrowding: Give each shrimp enough space in the air fryer to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy without steaming. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or lime zest to the coconut mixture for an extra kick of flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your coconut shrimp. Adding spices makes a big difference. Try cayenne for heat or cumin for a warm flavor. A pinch goes a long way. You can also mix in garlic powder or onion powder for extra zest. When it comes to breadcrumbs, feel free to experiment. Regular breadcrumbs work well, but panko gives a crunchier texture. You could even try crushed cornflakes for a unique twist. Each option brings its own taste and crunch to the dish. Dipping sauces can make your shrimp even better. A sweet chili sauce pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp. You can make your own by mixing chili sauce with a bit of honey. If you want something tangy, mix Greek yogurt with lime juice and cilantro. This creamy dip adds a nice contrast. You might also enjoy a spicy mayo or a simple garlic aioli. Each sauce adds a fun flavor burst. Coconut shrimp isn't just for snacking. You can serve it in fun ways. Try making shrimp tacos with fresh toppings. Add slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime. You can also toss the shrimp in a salad. Use mixed greens, mango, and a light vinaigrette. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of lime adds brightness too. These ideas make it easy to enjoy coconut shrimp in new ways. To keep your leftover coconut shrimp fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps keep the shrimp crispy. Refrigerate them for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat them in your air fryer for a few minutes. This keeps them crunchy and delicious. You can freeze coconut shrimp for later use. First, let the cooked shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until solid. After that, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This method helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat, cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Cooked shrimp can last in the fridge for about three days. If frozen, they can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If the shrimp looks or smells strange, it’s best to toss them. Keeping shrimp stored properly ensures you enjoy every bite. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, thaw them before cooking. To thaw, place shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Change the water halfway for best results. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the coating stick better. You can definitely double this recipe. Just keep in mind the cooking time. Cook in batches if needed. Make sure not to crowd the air fryer. This way, each shrimp gets nice and crispy. Adjust the cooking time to ensure all shrimp cook evenly. The ideal air fryer temperature for shrimp is 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives a perfect crisp. If your shrimp are larger, you may need to cook a little longer. Always check for a golden brown color and that the shrimp are cooked through. In this blog post, we covered the complete guide to making crispy coconut shrimp. We discussed the essential ingredients, preparation steps, and optimal cooking methods. I shared tips for achieving perfect crispiness and creative variations for flavor. Remember, air frying makes this dish easy and fun. You can store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these insights, you can cook, enjoy, and impress with your delicious coconut shrimp. Trust me, it’s worth trying out these recipes and tips in your kitchen!

Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Deliciously crispy coconut shrimp made in an air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • as needed cooking spray for air frying

Instructions
 

  • In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.
  • In a second shallow bowl, beat the two large eggs until they are thoroughly mixed and slightly frothy.
  • In a third shallow bowl, combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs, mixing them together to form a uniform coconut coating.
  • Taking one shrimp at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring to shake off any excess flour.
  • Submerge the flour-coated shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip back into the bowl.
  • Roll the shrimp in the coconut and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well and creates a nice crust.
  • Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
  • Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch or overlap for optimal crispiness.
  • Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray to enhance browning and crunchiness during cooking.
  • Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through.
  • Carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving.

Notes

Serve with sweet chili sauce and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, coconut, shrimp