Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a beloved appetizer that transports your taste buds to tropical paradises with every crunchy bite. This dish, typically deep-fried, combines the sweetness of coconut with tender shrimp, creating a delightful contrast that has made it a staple on both restaurant menus and at home gatherings. Whether served as a starter at a dinner party or enjoyed as a snack during a beach day, coconut shrimp has earned its place in the hearts of seafood lovers everywhere.

Discover the joy of Crispy Tropical Delight with this Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe! Create mouthwatering, golden-brown shrimp that are moist and bursting with coconut flavor, all while skipping the guilt of traditional frying. This quick dish is perfect for appetizers, snacks, or an easy weeknight meal. Enjoy the delightful crunch and tropical taste that will transport your taste buds to paradise - all made healthier in your air fryer!

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)

Cooking spray or coconut oil spray

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better.

Set Up the Dipping Stations:

- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.

- In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs.

- In a third dish, combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs, mixing well to ensure even distribution.

Coat the Shrimp:

- Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off.

- Finally, roll the shrimp in the coconut and panko mixture until well-coated. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or lined baking sheet.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Shrimp:

- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

- Place the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

- Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with cooking spray or coconut oil spray for an extra crisp.

- Air fry the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce, pineapple salsa, or a coconut curry dip.

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