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To make delicious Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, gather these fresh ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray These ingredients work together to create a crispy and flavorful treat. The large shrimp provide a juicy base. The shredded coconut adds a sweet, tropical touch. Panko breadcrumbs bring a satisfying crunch. Garlic powder and paprika give a warm, savory flavor. Salt and black pepper enhance the dish without overpowering it. Don’t forget the cooking spray to achieve that perfect crispiness in the air fryer! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a shallow bowl, mix together: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. - In a third bowl, combine: - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for crunch) - First, dry 1 pound of large shrimp with paper towels. This helps them crisp up. - Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour. - Next, dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, coating them fully. - Finally, press each shrimp into the coconut-breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they are well-coated. - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket. You may need to work in batches. - Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with cooking spray. - Cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. - Once done, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. To get that perfect crunch, drying the shrimp is key. Moisture makes them soggy. Pat each shrimp dry with paper towels before you start. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs adds extra crunch. Panko has a coarser texture, which helps the shrimp fry up crispy. Also, don't skip the cooking spray! A light mist on the shrimp before cooking helps them crisp up. For dipping sauces, sweet chili sauce works wonders. It adds a nice kick. You might also like a tangy mango salsa for a fruity twist. Pair the shrimp with a fresh salad or rice. Both sides complement the dish well and balance the flavors. One big mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. If the shrimp are too close, they won't cook evenly. Always leave space for air to flow. Another mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating helps the shrimp cook faster and become crispy. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes before cooking. Pro Tips Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Patting the shrimp dry before dredging helps achieve maximum crispiness. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Pair with sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, or a tangy lime dip for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can make your coconut shrimp even more exciting. Try adding spices to the flour mixture. A pinch of cayenne gives heat. Or, add cumin for a warm flavor. Using different types of breadcrumbs can also change the taste. Try crushed cornflakes for a unique twist. They add a fun crunch. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. They work just as well. You can also make vegan coconut shrimp. Replace shrimp with plant-based alternatives like chickpeas or tofu. Coat them the same way, and you will still enjoy a crispy bite. Make your dish pop with creative plating. Serve the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens. This adds color and freshness. Use small bowls for sauces. Garnish with lime wedges or fresh herbs. These small touches enhance the dish's appeal and flavor. After you finish your meal, store any leftover shrimp right away. Let them cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh longer. You can use glass or plastic containers for storage. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. The shrimp will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat your coconut shrimp, the air fryer is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them crispy. You can also use a regular oven at the same temperature. Just keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. If you want to freeze the shrimp, follow these steps. First, let the cooked shrimp cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together. After this, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Just be careful not to cook them. Cook from frozen if you like, but add a few extra minutes to the air fryer time. Enjoy your meal! You cook coconut shrimp for about 6 to 8 minutes in the air fryer. Flip them halfway to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it is best to thaw them first. Place shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. Coconut shrimp pairs well with various sides. Here are some great options: - Sweet chili sauce - Mango salsa - Fresh salad - Coconut rice - Coleslaw Yes, you can prep coconut shrimp ahead of time. Coat the shrimp and store them in the fridge. Cook them fresh when you are ready to serve for the best crunch. You can make coconut shrimp in a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. This blog post covered easy steps for making coconut shrimp in an air fryer. I shared ingredients, prep steps, and cooking techniques for perfect results. You learned tips for a crispy texture and common mistakes to avoid. Variations and storage options help you explore your creativity. In closing, making coconut shrimp can be simple and fun. Enjoy the process and share your tasty results!

Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Deliciously crispy shrimp coated in coconut and breadcrumbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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 breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 spray cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  • In a third bowl, combine the shredded coconut and breadcrumbs.
  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely.
  • Dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
  • Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
  • Finally, press the shrimp into the coconut-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches).
  • Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with cooking spray.
  • Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, coconut, shrimp