Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
30 mins
-
Cook Time
8 mins
-
Total Time
38 mins
-
Servings
24 shrimp
-
Calories
47 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Appetizer
-
Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Description
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp combines the natural sweetness of coconut with the light crunch of panko coating for a tender shrimp bite. The butterfly cut of the extra-large shrimp flattens them for even, quick cooking inside the air fryer, which crisps the coating without deep-frying. Seasoned flour and egg act as a base to help the coconut and panko stick firmly, resulting in a crisp, textured shell. The olive oil spray encourages browning and prevents sticking, while the sweet chili sauce adds a tangy, spicy contrast when served.
The recipe's steps guide you to set up a breading station for efficient coating and emphasize cooking the shrimp in a single layer to ensure proper hot air circulation. Flipping the shrimp halfway through guarantees even crispness. This method offers a lighter alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing the crisp crust and tropical flavor provided by the coconut.
Remember to pat the shrimp dry before breading, preheat the air fryer to the indicated temperature, and avoid overcrowding the basket. These details help the shrimp crisp nicely. Adjust cooking times based on your specific air fryer model for optimal results.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp extra large (21-26 count), peeled and deveined, with tails attached
- ¼ cup flour can use gluten-free flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 egg
- ¾ cup coconut shredded; unsweetened
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- olive oil spray form
- sweet chili sauce for serving
Instructions
- First, butterfly the shrimp (this step is optional but will give the shrimp a nice appearance). To do this, insert a small knife along the back of the shrimp starting near the head and run it down the center of the shrimp to the tail, cutting about ¾ of the way into the shrimp (do not cut all the way through the shrimp). Using your hands, spread the flesh open until the shrimp lies flat. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Set up a breading station. Place the flour, salt and pepper in a tray and mix them together. Place the eggs in a second tray and whisk them with a tablespoon of water. Place the coconut flakes and breadcrumbs in a third tray and mix them together.
- Working one at a time, pat the shrimp dry and dredge them in the flour. Dust off any excess flour and then dip them into the egg wash. Finally, press the shrimp into the coconut mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat an air fryer to 350°F. When hot, place a layer of shrimp in the basket and spray or brush them with olive oil. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook for 4 minutes then open the basket and flip the shrimp over. Cook another 4 minutes until done (if you did not butterfly the shrimp, you may need to cook them 1-2 minutes longer). Remove the shrimp from the basket and cook the remaining shrimp.
- Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter. Serve them with sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Dry the shrimp thoroughly before coating for better adhesion and crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F to ensure a crisp exterior.
- Spray the shrimp lightly with olive oil to enhance browning and prevent sticking.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding to promote even cooking.
- Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for uniform crispness.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model; adjust as needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24shrimp
Amount Per Serving
Calories 47 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 shrimp | |
| Calories | 47kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 171mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 46mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 54IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.