Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp is a delicious and healthier version of the classic deep-fried shrimp dish. With the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It's paired with a delicious homemade sauce.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You'll Need
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• Variations
• Storing
• Recipe FAQ's
• More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Check out my Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos and my Air Fryer Breaded Sea Scallops for more delicious air fryer recipes.

Air fryer coconut shrimp is a popular seafood dish that is both crispy and flavorful, yet healthier than its traditional deep-fried counterpart. The shrimp is then cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crunchy and golden-brown crust while the inside stays tender and juicy.

It can be served as a delicious appetizer or as a main course with sides such as rice, salad, or vegetables. Whether you're a seafood lover or not, this dish is definitely worth trying for its crispy texture and tropical flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Healthier alternative. This recipe uses an air fryer instead of deep-frying, making it a healthier option as it requires less oil.
• Crispy and flavorful. The combination of panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut creates a crispy texture while adding a tropical flavor to the shrimp.
• Easy to make. This recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few simple ingredients.
• Quick cooking time. Cooking the shrimp in the air fryer takes only 7 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.
• Dipping sauce. The homemade dipping sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the crispy shrimp.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the dipping sauce:

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dipping sauce.
• Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dipping sauce.
• White Vinegar: Adds acidity and balances the sweetness of the dipping sauce.
• Water: Dilutes the dipping sauce and makes it a bit thinner in consistency.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds coconut flavor and texture to the dipping sauce.

For the shrimp:

• Shrimp: The main ingredient in the recipe. Choose fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined.
• Eggs: Used to coat the shrimp before dipping in the breadcrumb mixture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to dredge the shrimp before dipping in the egg mixture.
• Cornstarch: Helps to make the shrimp coating crispy and provides a nice texture.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides a crispy texture to the shrimp coating.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the shrimp coating and enhances the coconut flavor of the recipe.

Step-By-Step Instructions

For the dipping sauce:

Step 1:

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, ketchup, white vinegar, water and shredded coconut. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly. Set aside.

For the shrimp:

Step 1:

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs. Combine the flour and cornstarch in another shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut.

Step 2:

Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko/coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3:

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Step 4:

Cook the shrimp for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5:

Serve the shrimp hot with the coconut dipping sauce on the side.

NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

Expert Tips

• Use fresh shrimp. For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp that has been properly cleaned and deveined.
• Peel shrimp to the tail. Leave the tail on the shrimp as it makes for a great handle to hold while eating.
• Use panko bread crumbs. Panko bread crumbs are lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs, making them perfect for this recipe.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and don't overcrowd them. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly.
• Serve immediately. Air fryer coconut shrimp is best served immediately while it's still warm and crispy.

Variations

• Coconut shrimp tacos: Serve the air fryer coconut shrimp in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
• Curry coconut shrimp: Add some curry powder to the panko bread crumb mixture for a fragrant and spicy twist.
• Lemon coconut shrimp: Add some lemon zest to the panko bread crumb mixture for a refreshing and tangy flavor.
• Coconut shrimp salad: Serve the air fryer coconut shrimp on a bed of mixed greens with sliced mango, red bell pepper, and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette.

Storing

Storing: Air fryer coconut shrimp is best served immediately while it's still warm and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat the shrimp, preheat the air fryer to 350° degrees F. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Recipe FAQ's

More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love

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