Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Crispy Golden Goodness
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving that restaurant style Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp , but you're stuck at home? Honestly, me too! This recipe delivers that sweet, crispy, coconutty goodness, but without the guilt of deep frying.
Brief Overview
Coconut Shrimp has roots in tropical cuisines. Think island flavors meet crunchy texture. This Coconut Shrimp Recipe is super easy.
It takes about an hour, start to finish, and makes enough for four very happy people.
Main Benefits
This Healthy Air Fryer Recipes version cuts down on the oil, meaning less fat. It’s perfect as a cheeky weeknight treat or a crowd pleasing Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes .
What makes this recipe special? It tastes amazing and takes only a few minutes to cook!
What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Okay, let’s gather our bits and pieces. Don’t worry, you probably have most of this already. We are gonna dive into the Ingredients, here we go:
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Dredge:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Extras:
- Cooking spray
- Lime wedges
Right, with that sorted, let’s get cracking!
Ingredients & Equipment For Kickass Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Right, let's talk ingredients. I've been making this Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp for ages, and honestly, it's easier than ordering a takeaway.
The Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp are totally addictive. My kids call them "golden nuggets of happiness!". This Coconut Shrimp Recipe is a winner.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ( 450g ) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Get the best you can afford. Look for firm flesh and no fishy smell. I like to leave the tails on, makes them easier to dip.
- 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) kosher salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) black pepper. Freshly ground is always best.
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) cornstarch. This helps the coating stick.
- 1/2 cup ( 60g ) all-purpose flour.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- 1 cup ( 85g ) sweetened shredded coconut. Grind it a bit in a food processor for a finer coating.
- 1/2 cup ( 50g ) Shrimp Panko breadcrumbs.
- 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) garlic powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) onion powder.
- Cooking spray.
Seasoning Notes
Garlic and onion powder are a must. They add depth. Sweet chili sauce is my go-to dipping sauce. A little lime juice brightens everything up.
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coconut mixture.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer. Obviously. Any model will do, but I prefer one with a basket.
- 3 shallow dishes for dredging.
- Tongs. For flipping the shrimp.
- Food processor (optional). For grinding the coconut.
Honestly, this Easy Coconut Shrimp recipe is a game changer. It's so much healthier than the deep fried version, and it tastes just as good.
This Air Fryer Seafood cooks so quickly! Try this Air Fryer Shrimp Dinner today. Are you looking for Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes ? These Healthy Air Fryer Recipes can be a solution for you! Don't forget the Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce !
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: Paradise on Your Plate!
Okay, so let's talk Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp . Honestly, who doesn't love those perfectly crispy, slightly sweet shrimp you get at restaurants? But the deep frying? Ugh.
This recipe nails that same flavour but without all the extra oil. It’s so easy, even I can't mess it up.
And that's saying something! Perfect for a quick Air Fryer Shrimp Dinner .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters
Essential mise en place is prepping all your bits and pieces. First, pat your 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined, obvs) completely dry.
We want them to get nice and crispy, not steamy. Then, toss 'em with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt , 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , and 1 tablespoon cornstarch .
This helps the coating stick. Get your dredging station ready: flour, eggs, and that glorious coconut mixture. To save time, grind 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut finely in the food processor before you start.
Trust me, it makes a difference. Safety reminder: always wash your hands after handling raw shrimp!
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: The step-by-step Breakdown
- Dip each shrimp in 1/2 cup flour .
- Next, into the 2 lightly beaten eggs .
- Finally, coat generously with the coconut mixture ( 1 cup coconut , 1/2 cup panko , 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder , 1/4 teaspoon onion powder ).
- Chill those little guys! Arrange the breaded shrimp on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This is key for that coating staying on.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 8- 10 minutes , flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature hits 145° F ( 63° C) .
Level Up Your Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Pro Tip Number One : Don't overcrowd the air fryer! Work in batches for maximum crispiness. Seriously. Pro Tip Number Two : Spray your dredged shrimp with a light coating of cooking spray before air frying.
It helps them get that perfect golden brown color. Also, resist the urge to open the air fryer too often.
Let them do their thing.
So there you have it: Restaurant quality Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp in minutes. Serve with sweet chili sauce, mango chutney, or your favorite dip.
You can find Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes easily, but this one is a winner! Who needs a Healthy Air Fryer Recipes cookbook when you have this? Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for The Best Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Okay, let's dive into some extra bits for our Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe . Honestly, it's so easy, but these lil' tips will make it chef's kiss perfect.
Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Vibe
Picture this: golden, Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp piled high on a platter. You can go fancy with a tropical vibe.
Think pineapple wedges and edible flowers. Or, keep it chill with some simple lime wedges for that extra zing.
For sides, coconut rice is a no-brainer. Steamed broccoli or a colorful salad are great too. And drinks? A cheeky Piña Colada is always a winner! Or a light beer if you want something less sweet.
Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce is essential, so get creative! I love sweet chili, but mango chutney works great too.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
If you somehow don't eat all of the Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp (unlikely, I know!), you can store them in the fridge.
Just pop them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing? Not really recommended. The coconut coating can get a bit soggy when defrosted. Reheating is easy, though. Just chuck them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they're warmed through and crispy again.
Don't microwave them nobody wants soggy shrimp!
Variations: Mix it Up!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some spice! A little cayenne pepper to the Shrimp Panko mixture adds a real kick. Or, if you're feeling Italian, chuck some dried herbs and garlic powder into the flour.
Got dietary needs? Use a gluten-free flour blend and tapioca starch. It's almost impossible to tell the difference! For the Easy Coconut Shrimp to be vegan, sub the egg for a flax egg.
Use crushed cornflakes in place of panko breadcrumbs for a sweet and crunchy dish.
Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free Indulgence
Each serving has about 350 calories. You also get 25 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat. Plus, you only have 20 grams of carbs.
This Healthy Air Fryer Recipes offers key nutrients. Remember , that these are estimates. They're based on average ingredient values.
So, there you have it. These little notes and ideas. That's everything you need to make the absolute best Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Dinner ever. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop the coconut coating from falling off my Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?
Nobody wants naked shrimp! The key is chilling the breaded shrimp for at least 30 minutes. This allows the coating to adhere better during cooking. Also, make sure you pat the shrimp dry before dredging, and press the coconut mixture firmly onto the shrimp.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry really well with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy coconut shrimp. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
What dipping sauce goes best with Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?
Oh, the possibilities! Sweet chili sauce is a classic for a reason, offering a sweet and spicy kick. Mango chutney or a pineapple salsa would also complement the coconut flavor beautifully. For something creamy, try a coconut dipping sauce (mix coconut cream, lime juice, and a touch of honey). Get creative, chef!
Is Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp healthy?
Compared to the deep fried version, air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making it a healthier option. However, keep in mind the coconut coating still adds some fat and sugar. For a lower carb option, consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
As always, moderation is key think "a balanced diet" rather than "all-you-can-eat buffet."
Can I make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp ahead of time?
You can definitely prep ahead! Dredge the shrimp and chill them for up to 24 hours before air frying. This actually helps the coating adhere even better. However, I recommend air frying them right before serving for the best crispy texture. Nobody wants soggy shrimp!
My air fryer model is different. How long should I cook the Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?
All air fryers are a little bit different, so cooking times may vary slightly. Start with the recommended 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp is done when it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
If they aren't quite there, add a minute or two at a time until perfectly cooked. Like Goldilocks, you want it just right!
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Crispy Golden Goodness
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
