Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp: The Perfect Quick-Cooking Method

Coconut shrimp is a tasty treat, but deep-frying can be messy and unhealthy. Luckily, air fryers offer a quick and easy way to make this dish with less oil and fewer calories. The process is simple: coat your shrimp in flour, dip them in egg, and dredge them in a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. Then, cook in the air fryer for around 10 minutes, and you're done! The result is a crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked shrimp that can be served as an appetizer or main course.

Air fryer coconut shrimp: Ingredients and prep

Air fryer coconut shrimp is a healthier alternative to deep-fried coconut shrimp, and it's just as tasty! The air fryer achieves a crispy, golden texture without the need for a lot of oil.

Ingredients:

• Large shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined, with tails attached)
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/coconut flour)
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• Shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• Eggs
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Optional dipping sauce ingredients:

• Honey
• Lime juice
• Serrano chile
• Mango
• Lime juice
• Thai sweet chili sauce
• Ginger

Prep:

• Combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
• Whisk the eggs in a second shallow bowl.
• Combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
• Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dredge the shrimp in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Finally, dip the shrimp into the coconut panko mixture, gently pressing to ensure it adheres.
• Place the shrimp on a baking tray or plate lined with parchment paper until all the shrimp are coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to between 360-400°F.
• Place the shrimp in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
• Cook for 6-10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through until they are golden brown with crispy edges.
• Serve warm with fresh cilantro and your choice of dipping sauce.

Air fryer settings and cooking time

The cooking time for air fryer coconut shrimp varies depending on the size of the shrimp and the air fryer. It is recommended to set the timer for the suggested time and keep an eye on the shrimp, looking out for when they are golden brown and cooked through.

For a pound of shrimp, it is best to work in two batches to ensure that the coconut shrimp are not touching in the basket. The shrimp should be placed in a single layer with space between them so that they are not touching. This helps to ensure that the shrimp are crispy.

The air fryer should be preheated to a temperature between 360°F and 400°F. The shrimp should then be placed in the air fryer in a single layer and cooked for around 6 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The shrimp are cooked when they are golden brown on the outside with crispy edges and opaque in the center.

It is important to note that shrimp cook fast and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. It is also recommended to use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, they should be fully defrosted before cooking.

Additionally, the air fryer basket should not be overcrowded, as this can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess. It is best to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure proper circulation of hot air.

Dipping sauces

Coconut shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance its sweet and savoury flavours. Here are some mouth-watering options:

Spicy Honey-Lime Dip

This dip is a simple yet delicious combination of honey, lime juice, and serrano chile. It adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the coconut shrimp, creating a refreshing and flavourful experience.

Orange-Chili Dipping Sauce

For a burst of flavour, try this sauce made with orange marmalade, sweet Thai chili sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The sweetness of the orange and the spiciness of the chili create a perfect balance that complements the coconut shrimp beautifully.

Apricot Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

This sauce is made with equal parts sweet chili sauce and apricot preserves or apricot fruit spread. It has a subtle tropical flavour that enhances the coconut shrimp. The apricot adds a touch of sweetness, while the chili provides a mild kick.

Piña Colada Dipping Sauce

A creamy and tropical dip, this sauce is made with Greek or plain yogurt, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut. It's a healthier option that still delivers on taste. The tanginess of the yogurt and the sweetness of the pineapple create a delightful combination.

Spicy Mayo

For those who enjoy a kick, this homemade spicy mayo is a perfect pairing. It's a simple blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, and chili sauce. The spiciness of the sauce balances out the sweetness of the coconut shrimp, creating an indulgent and flavourful bite.

Storing and reheating

If you're freezing your shrimp, make sure they're fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat them, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer or oven. If you're reheating from frozen, it's best to let the shrimp thaw in the fridge overnight before warming them up.

Variations and serving suggestions

Coconut shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, from appetisers to main courses and even as toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As an Appetiser

Coconut shrimp makes a delicious starter for any meal. Serve it with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, such as Thai sweet chilli sauce, or get creative with a spicy honey-lime dip or a simple avocado crema. Don't forget to leave the tails on to make it easier for your guests to pick up.

As a Main Dish

For a heartier option, serve your coconut shrimp as a main course. Try it over a bed of rice or quinoa with a side of roasted vegetables, fried okra, or even homemade French fries. You can also add a sauce, such as a spicy mango salsa or a classic shrimp cocktail sauce, to take it to the next level.

In a Wrap or Tacos

Coconut shrimp also works well as a filling for wraps or tacos. Add your favourite toppings and a generous drizzle of the mango chilli sauce for a flavourful and satisfying meal.

As a Topping

Looking for something a little different? Try using coconut shrimp as a topping for a salad, pasta, or grain bowl. The sweet and crispy shrimp will add a unique twist to your dish.

Sauce Variations

While the mango chilli dipping sauce is a popular choice, feel free to experiment with other options. Try a simple avocado crema, a classic shrimp cocktail sauce, or even a spicy apricot sauce made with apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Frequently asked questions