Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Name: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined, tails on; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; as needed cooking spray; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (for dipping); 1 lime, cut into wedges

Succulent jumbo shrimp coated in a crispy coconut breading and air-fried to golden perfection. This tropical-inspired appetizer offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors with significantly less oil than traditional deep-fried versions.

25 minMediumServes 4265 cal/serving

CaribbeanAppetizerAir FryerPescatarianHalal-friendlyLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined, tails on
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
as needed cooking spray
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (for dipping)
1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2

Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut.
3

Pat 1 lb peeled, deveined, tails on jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) dry with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres properly.
4

Holding each shrimp by the tail, dredge it first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
5

Next, dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
6

Finally, press the shrimp into the panko and coconut mixture, coating it completely except for the tail.
7

Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. You will likely need to cook in batches.
8

Lightly spray the breaded shrimp with as needed cooking spray.
9

Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are pink and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
10

Serve immediately with 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (for dipping) for dipping and 1 cut into wedges lime on the side.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp reach?

For Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, the air fryer is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 10 minutes, in step 9. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 9. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why pat it dry first in Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?

Step 3 reads: "Pat 1 lb peeled, deveined, tails on jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) dry with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres properly." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 3 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

What can I use instead of panko in Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?

The entry for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp calls for 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. In its place: Coarse dry breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers all work. Fine breadcrumbs coat more densely, so use a little less.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of shrimp in Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?

Yes; most shrimp sold as fresh were frozen once already. Thaw them under cold running water for about ten minutes and pat them very dry so they sear instead of steaming. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp uses 1 lb jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined, tails on.

Does Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp contain shellfish?

Yes: 1 lb jumbo shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined, tails on. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, eggs and shellfish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?

Refrigerate what is left of Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp within two hours and eat it within two days (seafood turns fast). Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

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