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Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden coconut shrimp made in the air fryer, served with a sweet chili dipping sauce. Perfect for appetizers or a light meal with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count per pound)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Cooking spray or light drizzle of oil
  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • Pinch of red chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season lightly with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional).
  2. In three separate shallow bowls, place: ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs beaten; and a mix of ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs plus ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut. Toss the coconut and panko together for even coverage.
  3. Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Press into the coconut-panko mixture until fully coated. Set on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 3 minutes.
  5. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or brush with a bit of oil. Place shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the shrimp with a light mist of cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until shrimp are golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 120°F. Add extra minute if needed but watch to avoid burning.
  7. To make the sweet chili sauce, combine ½ cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and a pinch of red chili flakes in a small saucepan. Warm gently over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring.
  8. Serve shrimp immediately with the sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking. Spray shrimp lightly with oil before air frying to achieve golden, crispy coating. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut shrimp, air fryer shrimp, crispy shrimp, sweet chili sauce, easy appetizer, seafood, quick recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/crispy-air-fryer-coconut-shrimp-recipe-perfect-for-easy-dipping-sauce/