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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray (for air frying) For this recipe, I like to use large shrimp. They hold up well and soak up the flavors. You want the shredded coconut to be unsweetened. It gives the shrimp a nice, natural sweetness without being too sugary. Panko breadcrumbs add a great crunch. They are lighter than regular bread crumbs, which is perfect for air frying. The flour helps the egg stick to the shrimp, and the garlic and onion powders add a nice depth of flavor. Don't forget the paprika! It gives a lovely color and a subtle smokiness. Lastly, salt and pepper are key to making all the flavors pop. For cooking, I recommend using cooking spray. It helps to crisp the shrimp without adding extra oil. You will love how easy and tasty this dish is. If you want the full recipe, check out the details above! - Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This mix gives the shrimp great flavor. - Beat the eggs in a separate shallow dish. This will help the coating stick well. - Mix shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish. This creates a crunchy outer layer. - Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs. Make sure they are covered well. - Roll shrimp in the coconut and panko mixture, pressing gently. This helps the coating stick better. - Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about five minutes. - Arrange shrimp in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray. Ensure they are not touching. - Air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown. This gives the shrimp a nice crispiness. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful coconut shrimp! - Ensure shrimp are arranged in a single layer to achieve even cooking. This helps all the shrimp cook at the same time, resulting in a crispy texture. - Adjust cooking time for larger or smaller shrimp. Bigger shrimp need a bit more time, while smaller ones cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. - Experiment with additional spices such as cayenne for heat. A little kick can make the dish more exciting. - Use freshly grated coconut for added texture. The fresh coconut gives a more authentic taste and a delightful crunch. - Serve with sweet chili dipping sauce and fresh lime wedges. The sauce adds sweetness, while lime brings brightness to the dish. Arrange everything nicely on a plate for a stunning display. {{image_2}} You can switch up the breading for your coconut shrimp. Here are some fun ideas: - Cornflakes: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for a different crunch. Cornflakes add a nice texture and taste. - Almond Flour: Try using almond flour if you want a gluten-free option. This gives a nutty flavor and a unique crunch. You can also play with flavors to make your coconut shrimp pop. Consider these tips: - Lime Zest: Add lime zest or spicy seasoning to the coconut mixture for a zesty twist. This gives the shrimp a bright, fresh taste. - Fresh Herbs: Incorporate herbs like cilantro or basil for added freshness. These herbs will elevate the dish and enhance the flavor profile. With these variations, you can create a dish that suits your taste perfectly! For the full recipe, check out the original guide. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This keeps the shrimp fresh and crispy. I always recommend eating them soon for the best taste. When you reheat, use the air fryer for a crunchy bite. You can freeze uncooked, breaded shrimp in a single layer. Place them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you have a tasty snack ready to go. When you want to cook them, thaw the shrimp in the fridge before air frying. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quick thawing. Make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. How do I avoid soggy breading? To keep the breading crispy, make sure to pat the shrimp dry. Excess moisture can make the breading soggy. Also, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can trap steam and ruin the crunch. What dipping sauces pair well with coconut shrimp? Sweet chili sauce is a classic choice. It adds a nice balance to the coconut flavor. Other great options include mango salsa or a tangy lime aioli. Each sauce brings out different flavors in the shrimp. How can I make this recipe in the oven instead? To bake the shrimp, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. This blog post walks you through making delicious coconut shrimp. We covered the key ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and provided helpful tips. You learned how to air fry shrimp for a perfect crunch. Variations like different breading and flavor options let you customize the dish. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With this knowledge, you can impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Dive in, have fun, and enjoy your tasty creation!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Indulge in the ultimate seafood delight with this Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe! Perfectly golden and crunchy, these shrimp are coated in a delicious blend of coconut and panko breadcrumbs, making them a guilt-free treat. With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this dish in just 25 minutes. Ready to impress your friends and family?
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions
 

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

    In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs.

      In a third shallow dish, mix the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs together.

        Take each shrimp and first dredge it in the flour mixture and shake off excess.

          Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is coated well.

            Finally, roll the shrimp in the coconut and panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.

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

                Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

                  Air fry the shrimp for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

                    Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy coconut shrimp with a sweet chili dipping sauce and garnish with fresh lime wedges for an extra zing.