Go Back
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray or oil for greasing For this air fryer coconut shrimp, I use large shrimp. They give the best results. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This step is key for a clean bite. Next, I gather my dry ingredients. I need 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. This helps the shrimp stick to the coating. I also use 1 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut and 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. The panko adds extra crunch. For flavor, I mix in seasonings. I use 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. I also add salt and pepper to taste. These spices bring the dish to life. I need wet ingredients too. Two large eggs, beaten, help bind everything together. Finally, I have cooking spray or oil. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy in the air fryer. Gathering these ingredients makes the process simple and fun. You can easily find them at your local store. With everything ready, you’re set to make delicious coconut shrimp! First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is the best temperature for crispy shrimp. Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the shrimp cook evenly and get that perfect crunch. Next, take your peeled and deveined shrimp. In a bowl, season them well. Use salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss the shrimp gently until they are fully coated. This step adds great flavor to every bite. Now, let’s set up a breading station. You need three shallow dishes: - Flour: Place all-purpose flour in the first dish. - Eggs: Pour beaten eggs into the second dish. - Coconut Mixture: In the third dish, mix shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. Take each shrimp and follow these steps for breading: 1. Dip the shrimp in flour first. Shake off any extra. 2. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs. Let any excess drip off. 3. Finally, coat the shrimp in the coconut mixture. Press gently to make it stick. This method builds layers of flavor and texture. For cooking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray. Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through. This ensures even cooking and a nice golden color. When they are done, they will be crispy and brown. Serve the coconut shrimp hot. They pair well with dipping sauces. Try sweet chili sauce or tangy pineapple salsa for a tasty kick. Enjoy your crispy delight! To get that crunchy bite, follow these steps: - Breading: Use a three-step process. Coat the shrimp in flour first. Then, dip it in beaten eggs. Finally, press the shrimp into a mix of coconut and panko. This helps the coating stick. - Cooking Spray: Always use cooking spray. It keeps the shrimp from sticking and helps them crisp up nicely. The right shrimp makes a big difference. I recommend using large shrimp, peeled and deveined. They cook evenly and taste great. For the breading, choose unsweetened coconut for that perfect balance. Panko breadcrumbs give a light, crispy texture. Air fryers can vary. If your shrimp are smaller, check them sooner. You may need less time. For larger shrimp, add a minute or two. Always flip the shrimp halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook. {{image_2}} You can spice up your coconut shrimp by adding herbs and spices. Try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the coating. These spices can enhance the flavor and add depth to each bite. Experimenting with different spices can lead to a new favorite recipe! Instead of using just coconut and panko, consider crushed nuts. Almonds or cashews can add a nice crunch. You can also try using cornflakes for a different texture. Mixing in some Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs can add a savory twist. These options keep your dish exciting and unique. For gluten-free diets, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy coating. Other options include using chickpea flour or almond flour for a nutty flavor. These substitutions ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. To store your leftover coconut shrimp, follow these steps: - Let the shrimp cool down completely. - Place them in an airtight container. - If you want to freeze them, use a freezer-safe bag. This way, you keep the shrimp fresh and tasty. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them without losing crispiness. Here are two great options: 1. Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer and heat for about 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy. 2. Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. This method also helps retain the crunch. Coconut shrimp can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you freeze them, they'll stay good for about 2 months. Just remember to check for any signs of freezer burn before cooking. Enjoy your tasty shrimp! It takes about 8-10 minutes to cook coconut shrimp in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer. Flip them halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them first by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning. This step is key to getting a good coating on the shrimp. If you use frozen shrimp, the cooking time may be a bit longer. Coconut shrimp tastes great with several dipping sauces. Here are a few suggestions: - Sweet chili sauce - Pineapple salsa - Mango chutney - Spicy mayo These sauces complement the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free flour and crushed gluten-free cornflakes. This gives a nice crunch, just like panko. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. In this post, I covered all you need to know about making air fryer coconut shrimp. We discussed the right ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for the perfect crisp. You learned about storage and reheating, plus tasty serving ideas. Remember, using quality shrimp and proper seasoning is key to great flavor. Experiment with variations to make the dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and indulge in this delicious meal!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Delight your taste buds with this Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! With just a few simple steps, you'll create perfectly breaded shrimp that are golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Learn how to whip up this delicious dish in under 30 minutes. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through for the full recipe and tips for the ultimate coconut shrimp experience!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions
 

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.

    Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until they're evenly coated.

      Coating Station: Set up a three-step breading station:

        a. Place the flour in one shallow dish.

          b. Pour the beaten eggs into another dish.

            c. In a third dish, combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.

              Bread the Shrimp: Take each shrimp and dip it into the flour first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the coconut and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.

                Air Fry the Shrimp: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket (you may need to do this in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray.

                  Cooking: Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

                    Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a sweet chili sauce or a tangy pineapple salsa.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4