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To make this tasty snack, you need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten These main ingredients create a crunchy coating that makes the shrimp shine. Adding flavor is key. For this recipe, use: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper These seasonings lift the taste, giving your shrimp extra zest. To help the shrimp crisp up, use: - Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil A light coating of spray or oil will make your shrimp perfectly golden and crunchy. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. This cleans them well. After rinsing, use paper towels to dry the shrimp. This step is key. Removing moisture helps the coating stick better. Grab three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second dish, beat the two eggs until smooth. In the last dish, blend the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs for a great crunch. Take one shrimp and dip it into the flour mix. Make sure it gets coated evenly. Then, gently shake off any extra flour. You want a thin layer, not a clump. Next, set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. If you have many shrimp, cook them in batches. This keeps them crispy. After cooking for 8-10 minutes, the shrimp should be opaque and crispy. If they need more time, air fry them for 1-2 extra minutes. Once done, carefully take them out and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with a tangy dipping sauce for added flavor! To get that perfect crunch, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray or drizzle a little oil on them before cooking. This adds extra crispiness and flavor. Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure they brown nicely on both sides. To keep the shrimp from sticking, make sure they are dry before breading. Pat them with paper towels after rinsing. Use cooking spray on the air fryer basket too. This simple step helps the shrimp release easily after cooking, so you won’t lose any delicious pieces. Set up a breading station using three shallow dishes. In one, mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second dish, beat your eggs. In the third dish, combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. To coat the shrimp, dip each one into the flour mix first, then the egg, and finish with the coconut mix. Press gently to help the coating stick well. This method makes the shrimp tasty and crunchy! Pro Tips Dry the Shrimp: Make sure to pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before breading. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture. Customize Your Coating: Feel free to mix in spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder with the coconut and panko for an added kick of flavor. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to soggy shrimp. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the shrimp right after cooking. They are at their crispiest when fresh! {{image_4}} You can change up the breading for your coconut shrimp. Try using crushed cornflakes instead of panko for a fun twist. You can also use ground almonds or cashews to add a nutty flavor. For a spicy kick, mix some cayenne pepper into the coconut and breadcrumb mix. This will give your shrimp a nice heat. Each option can make your dish fun and unique! Spices can turn a good dish into a great one. Besides garlic powder and paprika, you might add some cumin or chili powder. These spices will deepen the flavor and give your shrimp a new taste. You can also try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness. Just remember to keep it balanced! While the air fryer is great, you can use other methods to cook your shrimp. Try baking them in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Another option is to pan-fry the shrimp in a bit of oil on medium heat. This will give them a lovely golden color. Each cooking method will create a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment! To store leftover coconut shrimp, first, let them cool. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper to keep them crisp. Store in the fridge for up to two days. This method helps preserve their flavor and texture. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. Use the air fryer for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer. Heat them for about 4-5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and delicious. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to freeze the shrimp, start with cooled, cooked shrimp. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. To cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, rinse and dry them well. This helps the coating stick better. Coconut shrimp loves a good dip! Here are some tasty options: - Sweet chili sauce - Mango salsa - Spicy aioli - Honey mustard These dips add flavor and make the shrimp even more fun to eat. You can store cooked coconut shrimp in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container. If you want them crispy, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This way, you can enjoy the same crunchy texture without the gluten. We've covered everything you need to make tasty air fryer coconut shrimp. You learned about the main ingredients, essential tips to achieve the perfect crunch, and even how to store leftovers. Remember, you can customize this dish with different spices or breading options. With these steps, you can make a delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting and impressing your friends and family with your new skills!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Crispy and delicious coconut shrimp made in an air fryer for a healthier twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 spray Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to clean them thoroughly. Once rinsed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
  • In three shallow dishes, mix the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the first dish. Beat the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
  • Dip a shrimp into the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated, then shake off any excess flour.
  • Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
  • Roll the egg-coated shrimp in the coconut and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  • Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray or drizzle a tiny amount of oil over them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Check for doneness; the shrimp should be opaque and crispy. If not done, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with a tangy dipping sauce.

Notes

Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, coconut, shrimp