Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Unbelievable Coconut Shrimp: Crispy, Golden Perfection from Your Air Fryer!

Craving the tropical crunch of coconut shrimp without the guilt? Look no further! This air fryer coconut shrimp recipe delivers all the flavor and texture you love, minus the excess oil. In just minutes, you’ll be transported to a beachside paradise with every bite of these golden, crispy morsels.

Imagine the aroma of toasted coconut wafting through your kitchen as these little beauties cook to perfection. The contrast between the sweet, crispy exterior and the succulent shrimp inside is simply irresistible. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Coconut shrimp has its roots in Caribbean cuisine, where abundant tropical ingredients meet fresh seafood. This healthier air fryer version maintains the essence of the original while cutting down on calories and fat. Pair it with a zesty dipping sauce or a crisp mango salsa for the ultimate flavor experience. Now, let’s dive into the recipe that will revolutionize your seafood game!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs beaten

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cooking spray

Optional: Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the beaten eggs in a second shallow bowl.

4. In a third bowl, combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.

5. Dip each shrimp first in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

8. Arrange a single layer of coated shrimp in the basket, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.

9. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.

10. Repeat with remaining shrimp until all are cooked.

11. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes:

• For extra crunch, toast the coconut in a dry skillet before mixing with panko.
• Leftover shrimp can be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Try substituting coconut flour for all-purpose flour for a fully coconut experience.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 4 shrimp (approximately 100g)

Calories: 220

Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 6g

Protein: 18g

Carbohydrates: 18g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 300mg

Other Information

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10-12 minutes (may vary depending on air fryer capacity)

Equipment: Air fryer, 3 shallow bowls

Estimated cost per serving: $3.50

Total cost: $14.00 (serves 4)

In Conclusion, Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

In conclusion, this Unbelievable Coconut Shrimp recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer to achieve crispy, golden perfection. By utilizing the air fryer, you can enjoy this tropical treat with less guilt and mess. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, these coconut shrimp are sure to impress with their restaurant-quality taste and texture.

Get more air fryer food ideas here!