Air-Fried Coconut Shrimp: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Coconut shrimp is a tasty treat, but it can be a pain to make and a mess to clean up. Luckily, air fryers provide a simple, low-fat way to cook this dish without the need for lots of oil. This article will take you through the ingredients and steps you need to make your own coconut shrimp in an air fryer.

Choosing the right shrimp

Size

It is recommended to use large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. The size of the shrimp will impact the cooking time, with larger shrimp taking a little longer to cook. However, the difference is usually minimal, and you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Fresh or Frozen

You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for air-fryer coconut shrimp. If you opt for frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before coating and air-frying. Any remaining ice on the shrimp can impact the final result, preventing the coating from adhering properly.

Peeled and Deveined

It is essential to use peeled and deveined shrimp for this recipe. Removing the shells and cleaning the shrimp ensures they are ready for coating and cooking. Leaving the tails on is a good idea, as it makes the shrimp easier to pick up and eat as an appetizer.

Dry the Shrimp

Before coating the shrimp, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving an ultra-crispy coating. Soggy spots can form if the shrimp are not thoroughly dried, affecting the overall texture.

Quantity

When making air-fryer coconut shrimp, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. This allows for even cooking and a crispier texture.

By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right shrimp and create delicious air-fryer coconut shrimp that are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor!

Preparing the coating

Once you have your ingredients, you'll need to set up a dredging station. This involves having three separate shallow bowls or containers. In the first bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the flour, and any seasonings you're using. You can whisk these together to ensure they're well combined. In the second bowl, add your eggs and lightly beat them. If you're using egg whites only, make sure they are at room temperature before whisking. The third bowl will contain your shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs; stir these together.

Now that your dredging station is set up, you're ready to start coating your shrimp. It's a good idea to pat your shrimp dry before beginning, to ensure the coating adheres properly. Take each shrimp, and first dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture, again allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the shrimp in the coconut-panko mixture, gently pressing the coating onto the shrimp to ensure it adheres. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or baking tray, and repeat this process until all your shrimp are coated.

Some recipes suggest freezing the coated shrimp for 30 minutes before cooking, as this helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from separating during frying.

Dipping, dunking and coating the shrimp

Now you're ready to start coating the shrimp. It's best to work with one shrimp at a time to avoid clumping. First, lightly coat the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the shrimp in the coconut mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or baking tray, and repeat this process until all your shrimp are coated.

At this point, you can choose to refrigerate or freeze the shrimp until you're ready to cook them, or you can cook them right away. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to between 360°F and 400°F. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not touching. Spray the top of the shrimp with cooking spray, and cook for 6-10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. The shrimp are done when they're golden brown and crispy, and the shrimp have turned pink.

Cooking the shrimp in the air fryer

Now that you've gathered and prepared your ingredients, it's time to cook the shrimp in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Refer to your air fryer's instructions manual to preheat it to the appropriate temperature. Common temperatures used for cooking coconut shrimp in an air fryer are 360°F, 375°F, and 400°F.
• Prepare the shrimp for cooking: Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help ensure a crispier coating. Then, set up your dredging station with separate bowls for the flour mixture, beaten eggs, and the coconut-panko mixture.
• Dredge the shrimp: One by one, coat each shrimp with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the shrimp in the coconut-panko mixture, gently pressing the coating to adhere to the shrimp. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or baking tray.
• Spray the shrimp: Once all the shrimp are coated, lightly spray the top of each shrimp with cooking spray. This will help ensure an even crispier texture.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the shrimp: Depending on the size and model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary. For a pound of shrimp, it is recommended to cook in two batches for about 10 minutes each, flipping the shrimp halfway through for extra crispy edges. Smaller shrimp may take around 6-8 minutes to cook, while larger shrimp may take up to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking, and feel free to adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Flip the shrimp halfway through: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, it's a good idea to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that both sides of the shrimp get evenly browned and crispy.
• Check for doneness: Your shrimp are done when they turn golden brown on the outside with crispy edges. The shrimp should be curled into a 'C' shape, and the coconut coating should be lightly browned.
• Remove the shrimp from the air fryer: Once the shrimp are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate or tray.
• Season and serve: Immediately season the cooked shrimp with salt and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve the shrimp while they are still hot and crispy. You can also serve them with various dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, honey-lime dip, or mango chili dipping sauce.

By following these steps, you'll be able to cook delicious and crispy coconut shrimp in your air fryer! Enjoy your homemade restaurant-quality appetizer or main dish.

Making a dipping sauce

Coconut shrimp is a popular appetizer, but it is not complete without a dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for making a delicious dipping sauce to accompany your air-fried coconut shrimp:

Spicy Honey-Lime Dip

Whisk together honey, lime juice, and serrano chile in a small bowl. This dip is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy flavours.

Apricot Dipping Sauce

Blend apricot preserves or apricot fruit spread with the sweet chili sauce. This sauce is not spicy and has a tropical flavour that pairs well with the coconut shrimp.

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Combine sweet chili sauce with orange marmalade, apricot jam, and either garlic chili sauce or sriracha. This sauce is sweet, spicy, and tangy, making it a perfect pairing for the coconut shrimp.

Pineapple Sweet Chili Sauce

For a slight twist on the classic sweet chili sauce, add some pineapple to the mix. The tropical flavour of pineapple blends well with the coconut in the shrimp.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dipping Sauce

In just 5 minutes, you can make this creamy and tasty sauce by blending cilantro and lime. The creaminess of this sauce complements the coconut shrimp beautifully.

Spicy Honey Dipping Sauce

This simple dip is made with just two ingredients: honey and red pepper chili flakes. It offers a sweet and spicy experience for your taste buds.

Sweet Mango Dipping Sauce

This mango dip is perfect for those who prefer a sweet and fruity sauce. It can be made in 10 minutes with just three ingredients: mango, apricot, and lime.

Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce

If you like your sauce with a kick, try this spicy mango variation. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and uses five simple ingredients.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

For those who enjoy the classic sweet and sour sauce found in many Chinese dishes, this can also be a great pairing with coconut shrimp. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your preference.

Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce

This Mediterranean-inspired sauce pairs surprisingly well with coconut shrimp. The mint and coconut flavours complement each other, and the yogurt adds a delightful creaminess.

Frequently asked questions