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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
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Crispy and golden Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp featuring tender shrimp coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened shredded coconut. This quick, healthy, and flavorful tropical appetizer is ready in under 30 minutes, cooked with little oil for a guilt-free indulgence perfect as a snack or party favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Coating

  • 1 lb medium to large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

  • Cooking spray or oil, for spraying

Optional Garnishes

  • Lime or lemon wedges
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Optional Variations (optional)

  • Cayenne pepper or chili powder (for spice)
  • Honey or mango dipping sauce
  • Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs (for gluten-free version)
  • Crushed cornflakes or rice cereal (for extra crunch)
  • Chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil (for herb infusion)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut. This setup helps create an even, crispy coating on each shrimp.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press them into the coconut-panko mixture to coat thoroughly and evenly.
  3. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure the basket is hot and ready for cooking the shrimp to a perfect crisp.
  4. Air Fry the Shrimp: Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil to achieve a golden, crispy finish. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer once done. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon to enhance the tropical flavors.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness.
  • Use room temperature shrimp for more even cooking and to prevent rubberiness.
  • Lightly spray oil on the shrimp before cooking to achieve a golden finish without deep-frying.
  • Flip the shrimp gently halfway through cooking for consistent crispiness on both sides.
  • Serve freshly cooked coconut shrimp immediately for the best crunchy texture.
  • If freezing breaded shrimp, freeze on a sheet first then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer shrimp, coconut shrimp, crispy shrimp, healthy shrimp recipe, tropical appetizer, easy shrimp recipe, panko shrimp

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