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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup flour - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray For the best coconut shrimp, use fresh shrimp. They have a nice texture and flavor. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed. The coconut adds crunch, while the panko breadcrumbs keep it light. Use unsweetened coconut to avoid extra sugar in your dish. - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro The sweet chili sauce gives a nice balance to the shrimp. It pairs well with lime juice for a zesty kick. Fresh cilantro adds a hint of herb flavor. You can adjust the amount of lime juice based on your taste. Using high-quality shrimp makes a big difference. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell fresh. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy odor. For the coconut, choose finely shredded unsweetened coconut. This will help it stick better to the shrimp. Fresh lime juice is always best, as it’s brighter than bottled juice. Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Use a paper towel to pat them dry. This step helps the breading stick better. Next, season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning adds flavor to your shrimp. Now you need a breading station. Grab three bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with lime juice, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture helps the coating stick. In the third bowl, combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. This mix gives the shrimp a crispy finish. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. While it heats, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch each other. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with more cooking spray. This helps them brown nicely. Air fry the shrimp for six to eight minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time. They should turn golden brown and crispy. While the shrimp cook, you can make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. This sauce adds a fresh kick to your dish. When the shrimp are ready, serve them with this tangy sauce. Enjoy your crispy coconut shrimp! To get that perfect crunch, start with dry shrimp. Rinse them and pat them dry. This helps the coating stick well. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They create a light and crispy texture. Don’t skip the cooking spray; it promotes browning. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp before cooking. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness. For this recipe, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Cook the shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them golden brown and crispy. If your air fryer has a basket, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook well. If you're out of flour, use cornstarch instead. It works great for coating! You can swap sweet chili sauce with sriracha for heat. Prefer a different flavor? Try using coconut flour for a coconut boost. Fresh shrimp are best, but frozen shrimp work too. Just make sure they are thawed and dried well before using. If you don’t have fresh cilantro, parsley is a good substitute. {{image_2}} You can add fun flavors to your shrimp. Try using different spices. For a kick, add cayenne pepper to the egg mix. This gives a nice heat that pairs well with coconut. You can also try adding lime zest to the coconut mixture for a fresh twist. Another option is to use curry powder for a unique taste. Each of these changes gives a new flair to your coconut shrimp. While sweet chili sauce is great, you can mix it up. A creamy coconut yogurt dip is a tasty choice. Just mix plain yogurt with lime juice and a bit of garlic. You could also try a spicy mango salsa. Combine diced mango, red onion, and jalapeño for a fruity kick. For a tangy option, mix ketchup with sriracha. Each sauce brings a different vibe to your shrimp. Coconut shrimp pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a light salad for a fresh meal. A mango avocado salad adds color and flavor. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a heartier dish. If you want a fun appetizer, try it with tortilla chips. Don’t forget to garnish with lime wedges for extra zest. These pairings enhance the dish and make it even more delicious. To keep your leftover coconut shrimp fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, enjoy them within a day. When you're ready to enjoy the shrimp again, reheating is key. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer. Heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm without drying them out. If you want to freeze your coconut shrimp, first let them cool down completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. This step is key to getting crispy shrimp. You can serve coconut shrimp with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas: - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal - Fresh salad for a light option - Sweet potato fries for a fun twist - A tropical fruit salad for a refreshing side Yes, you can make it gluten-free! Just replace regular flour and panko with gluten-free options. Look for gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour at your store. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn a pink color and curl slightly. They should also look opaque. If you’re not sure, you can check the internal temperature. It should reach 120°F (49°C). Cooking them just right makes them juicy and delicious! This blog post covered all you need for perfect coconut shrimp. We explored main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for getting crispy shrimp. I shared fun variations and how to store leftovers too. Coconut shrimp can be a tasty treat. With the right steps, you can impress your friends and family. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp With Dip

Indulge in the deliciousness of Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with this easy recipe! Perfectly breaded with coconut and panko, these shrimp are golden, crispy, and served with a zesty dipping sauce. Impress your family and friends with this tasty appetizer that's ready in just 30 minutes. Click through for step-by-step instructions and discover how to make this delightful dish that will have everyone coming back for more!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup flour

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

For the Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with lime juice, garlic powder, and paprika. In a third bowl, combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Shrimp:

        - Dip each shrimp in the flour, shaking off the excess.

          - Next, dip it into the egg mixture, coating it evenly.

            - Finally, roll it in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.

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

                Cook the Shrimp: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching each other. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray.

                  Air Fry the Shrimp: Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

                    Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

                      Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the crispy coconut shrimp on a serving platter alongside the dipping sauce.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4