Crispy Coconut Shrimp Air Fryer

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray Gather these ingredients before you start. Using fresh shrimp makes a big difference. Sweetened coconut adds a nice taste, but unsweetened works well too. Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. All-purpose flour helps the coating stick. The eggs bind everything together with flavor from garlic and onion powders. Salt and pepper bring out the best in the shrimp. Cooking spray helps achieve that perfect crispiness in the air fryer. This simple list makes it easy to prepare crispy coconut shrimp. Don’t forget to check your pantry for these items before cooking! Start by setting up your breading station. You need three shallow bowls. - In the first bowl, add ½ cup of all-purpose flour. - In the second bowl, crack two large eggs and whisk them until smooth. - In the third bowl, mix 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This setup makes it easy to coat the shrimp nicely. Now, it’s time to coat the shrimp. Grab a large shrimp, peeled and deveined. - First, dip the shrimp in the flour. Make sure to coat it well and shake off any extra flour. - Next, dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture. Let any extra drip off. - Finally, roll the shrimp in the coconut and panko mix. Press gently so it sticks well. Repeat this with all the shrimp. Before cooking, 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 breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd them; this helps them cook evenly. - Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray. This step helps them become crispy. Cook the shrimp for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, take the shrimp out and let them cool for a bit. Enjoy the crunchy delight! Using cooking spray is key for crispy coconut shrimp. It helps the coating brown nicely. Lightly spray the basket before adding shrimp. Then, spray the tops of the shrimp too. This small step makes a big difference. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. If you fit too many shrimp in at once, they will steam instead of crisp. Work in batches to give each shrimp space. This will ensure they cook evenly and turn out golden. Flipping shrimp is important for even cooking. Halfway through, gently turn each shrimp. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid breaking the coating. This helps both sides get that nice, crisp texture. {{image_2}} To boost the taste of your crispy coconut shrimp, try adding spices to the coating. Here are some great options: - Cayenne pepper: A pinch adds heat and depth. - Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and bright color. - Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy tone. - Lemon zest: Freshens the mix and adds brightness. Mix these spices into the coconut-panko blend. Adjust the amounts based on your taste. If you want a twist on the classic coating, consider these alternatives: - Almond flour: A gluten-free option with a nutty flavor. - Crushed cornflakes: Adds crunch and a fun texture. - Pretzel crumbs: For a salty, savory kick. - Oats: Provides a wholesome, chewy texture. Each option gives a unique flair to your shrimp. Experiment to find your favorite! Pair your crispy coconut shrimp with tasty dips and sides for a full meal. Here are some ideas: - Sweet chili sauce: A perfect balance of sweet and spicy. - Coconut curry sauce: Adds a rich, creamy element. - Mango salsa: Fresh and fruity, it brightens the dish. - Coleslaw: A crunchy side that complements the shrimp's crispiness. Serve these alongside your shrimp for a delightful dining experience. Enjoy the flavors together! To store your cooked crispy coconut shrimp, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. The best way to reheat your shrimp is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and delicious, so you enjoy them just like before. For freezing, you can freeze both uncooked and cooked shrimp. If uncooked, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. This prevents them from sticking together. For cooked shrimp, let them cool, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. They last for about two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place frozen shrimp in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them defrost quickly. After thawing, pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will hold the coating better. Cook shrimp in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the shrimp. Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Check for a golden brown color to know they are done. Coconut shrimp pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with sweet chili sauce for dipping. A fresh salad can bring a nice crunch. You can also add rice or coleslaw for a full meal. Lime wedges brighten the dish and enhance the flavor. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious coconut shrimp. You learned about the key ingredients, including shrimp, coconut, and panko breadcrumbs. I shared easy step-by-step instructions for breading and air frying your shrimp until crispy. Remember, using cooking spray is essential for that perfect crunch. Explore the variations I suggested to customize your dish. Lastly, I provided tips on storage and reheating to keep your leftovers tasty. Enjoy making this dish and share it with friends and family!$

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Air Fryer

Dive into a deliciously crispy coconut shrimp delight! This easy air fryer recipe is packed full of flavor, combining sweet coconut and crunchy panko for the perfect bite. With simple ingredients and prep in just 30 minutes, make this tantalizing dish for your next gathering or cozy night in. Click through for the full recipe and impress your guests with this tropical treat!

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Instructions

Begin by setting up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Dip each shrimp first into the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.

Next, dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any extra egg to drip off.

Finally, roll the shrimp in the coconut and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Repeat this process with all the shrimp.

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 breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; you may need to work in batches.

Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy coconut shrimp on a platter with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for added color and flavor.