Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Coconut shrimp is a popular appetizer, often served as a tasty treat at seaside restaurants or steakhouses. The traditional method of deep frying can be messy and time-consuming, but an air fryer offers a quick and easy alternative. With an air fryer, you can make coconut shrimp in the comfort of your own home, without the need for lots of oil. The result is a healthier, yet still delicious, version of this dish.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary, others emphasize the benefits of preheating for optimal cooking results.

To preheat your air fryer for coconut shrimp, start by setting the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking coconut shrimp in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F (roughly 200°C). This temperature range ensures that your shrimp will cook evenly and efficiently.

Once you've set the temperature, allow your air fryer to heat up for a few minutes. The preheating time can vary depending on the model of your air fryer, but it usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes for it to reach the desired temperature. You can refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

During the preheating process, the air fryer's heating element will warm up, and the internal temperature will rise to match the set temperature. This step ensures that when you place your coconut shrimp in the air fryer, they will start cooking immediately at the correct temperature.

After preheating, you can proceed with the next steps of your coconut shrimp recipe, such as coating the shrimp and arranging them in the air fryer basket. By preheating your air fryer, you create a consistent cooking environment, which helps ensure that your coconut shrimp will turn out crispy, juicy, and delicious!

Prepare the shrimp

Preparing the shrimp is a straightforward process. Firstly, decide whether you want to use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you opt for frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully defrosted before coating and air-frying. Remove any excess ice, as this can impact the final result.

Once you have selected your shrimp, it's time to clean and prepare them. Peel and devein the shrimp, but keep their tails on to make them easier to pick up and dip when they're cooked. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture can cause the shrimp to steam and become soggy during cooking.

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. You will need three separate bowls or shallow dishes for this step. In the first bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt (around 1/2 a teaspoon). You can also add spices or pepper to this mixture if desired. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, and the third bowl should be a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, use coconut flour and GF panko breadcrumbs.

With your dredging station set up, it's time to start coating the shrimp. Grab a shrimp by the tail and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, dredge the shrimp in the coconut-panko mixture, gently pressing or patting to ensure the coating adheres. Place the coated shrimp on a clean baking sheet or plate, and repeat this process until all your shrimp are coated.

Set up dredging station

To set up a dredging station, you will need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. You can use all-purpose flour or coconut flour if you want to make the dish gluten-free. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs. The third bowl should contain a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. If you like, you can pulse the coconut and panko in a food processor until they are finely chopped and uniform in size.

Make sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly before you begin dredging. You can also season the shrimp with salt and pepper if you wish.

Cook the shrimp

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the quantity of shrimp you are cooking, and the size of your air fryer. As a general rule, the air fryer should be preheated to between 360°F and 400°F.

If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to fully defrost them before coating and air-frying. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess water. This will help the shrimp to get really crispy.

Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the shrimp with cooking spray or coconut cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper if desired.

Cooking time will vary depending on the number of shrimp you are cooking, but for a pound of shrimp, it is best to work in batches. For a batch of around 12 shrimp, cook for 4 minutes, then flip each shrimp and cook for another 4 minutes. For a batch of 24 shrimp, cook for 3 minutes, then turn the shrimp over and cook for another 3 minutes. Repeat this process until all the shrimp are cooked.

The shrimp are done when they are golden brown on the outside with crispy edges, and the coconut is lightly browned.

Serve with a dip

Coconut shrimp is a tasty treat, and even better, it's easy to make in an air fryer. The process is simple: coat your shrimp in flour, egg, and a coconut and panko crumb mixture, then cook in the air fryer. But what about the all-important dip?

There are several dips and sauces that you can serve with coconut shrimp. One option is a sweet and spicy apricot sauce. You can make this by combining apricot preserves with horseradish, cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce will add a kick to your shrimp and is perfect for those who like their food with a bit of heat.

Another option is a honey-lime dip. To make this, simply whisk together honey, lime juice, and serrano chile. This dip will add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice to your shrimp. If you can't get your hands on serrano chiles, you can substitute them with 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper.

If you're looking for something with a bit more tang, you can try a sauce made from apricot preserves, horseradish, and vinegar. Or, for a simpler option, serve your shrimp with a side of sweet chili sauce or sweet chili sriracha sauce. This will complement the sweetness of the coconut shrimp perfectly.

Finally, for a super simple dip, just mix together some mayonnaise and sweet Thai chili sauce. This will add a creamy, spicy kick to your shrimp.

So, there you have it! Coconut shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Whether you like your food sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, there's a dip that's perfect for you.

Frequently asked questions