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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

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4 from 70 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe features tender jumbo shrimp coated in a crispy, golden mixture of shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices. Cooked to perfection in an air fryer, these shrimp offer a light, crunchy texture without the excess oil of traditional frying. Served with sweet chili sauce and optional garnishes of cilantro and lime wedges, they make a delicious appetizer or meal that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly flavorful.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Coating

  • 1 pound jumbo or large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Cooking spray

Garnishes and Serving

  • Chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional)
  • Sweet chili sauce, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while preparing the shrimp. This ensures the shrimp will cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: Optionally, butterfly each shrimp by making a shallow cut along the outer curve about ¾ of the way through to lay them flatter for even cooking. Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the coating stick.
  3. Mix Egg Wash and Coating: Place the beaten eggs in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cumin.
  4. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs to moisten, then dredge thoroughly in the coconut mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well to the shrimp.
  5. Arrange Shrimp in Air Fryer: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for proper air circulation and even cooking.
  6. Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  7. Cook the Shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are done when pink, opaque, curled slightly, and the coating turns golden brown.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer, garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired, and serve immediately with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep shrimp in a single layer when possible to maintain crispness.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for crispness; alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid the microwave as it softens the coating.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
  • Tips for Best Results: Pat shrimp dry before coating to improve adhesion. Pulse coconut and panko in a food processor if the mixture is too coarse. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning. Check second batches earlier as they may cook faster. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispness.
  • Alternate Cooking Methods: Oven bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway; deep fry in 350°F oil for 2-3 minutes; or pan-fry in a shallow layer of oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Leftover Serving Ideas: Slice and add to tacos with slaw and lime crema, serve over salads with mango or pineapple, or add to rice bowls with sweet chili drizzle.
  • Additional Notes: Butterflying shrimp increases surface area for even cooking. Tail-on shrimp are easier to handle during coating. Shrimp are fully cooked when pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Press coating gently for better adhesion. Cook in batches for best crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/air-fryer-coconut-shrimp-recipe/