Cody Casey
Coconut shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The air fryer method is healthier than deep frying, as it requires less oil, and the results are perfectly crispy shrimp. The key to getting the shrimp extra crispy is to use flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs, and shredded coconut to bread the shrimp. The shrimp should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cooked for around 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The shrimp are ready when they are golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Shrimp, flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, salt, black pepper, oil |
| Shrimp Preparation | Defrosted, peeled, deveined, tail on or off |
| Cooking Time | 8-12 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | 385-390°F |
| Cooking Method | Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray, place shrimp in a single layer, cook for 4 minutes, flip, cook for another 4-5 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Sweet chili sauce, spicy honey-lime dip, apricot sauce |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and cooking time
The temperature and cooking time for coconut shrimp in an air fryer depend on the size of the shrimp and the quantity being cooked. For example, smaller shrimp will require less cooking time, and it is recommended to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
When cooking frozen coconut shrimp, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (385°F also works) and cook for 8–9 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. If you are cooking fresh shrimp, the cooking time will be slightly shorter at around 4 minutes per side, or until the coconut is lightly browned and the shrimp are pink.
For a pound of fresh shrimp, it is recommended to cook them in two batches to ensure they are not touching in the basket. This will help to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook for a total of 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
It is important to note that shrimp can overcook easily, so it is best to keep a close eye on them while they are in the air fryer. An instant-read thermometer can also be helpful, as shrimp are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Frozen vs fresh shrimp
Coconut shrimp is a tasty and healthy dish that can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The air fryer method crisps the coconut coating perfectly, and the shrimp is cooked just right. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp based on availability.
When it comes to buying shrimp, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, unless you live near the ocean or have access to live shrimp, it is likely that most of the shrimp you find in supermarkets or fish markets will be frozen. In fact, even some ""fresh" seafood markets serve frozen shrimp.
The term "fresh shrimp" can be misleading. In most cases, these shrimp have been previously frozen and then thawed, which means they are getting less fresh with every passing hour. Therefore, it is generally recommended to buy frozen shrimp, as they are likely to be fresher, taste better, cook better, and have a better texture than thawed "fresh" shrimp.
When buying frozen shrimp, look for those that are whole, with shells, heads, and tails still on. This is because they are likely to be frozen on the shrimp boat and have undergone fewer freeze-thaw cycles, preserving their texture and flavor. If you buy frozen shrimp that are already peeled and deveined, make sure they have not been thawed and refrozen by checking for freezer burn, which can affect their quality.
If you do have access to truly fresh shrimp, it is best to cook them as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp can be identified by looking for black spots on the head and body, which indicate that they are not at peak freshness, although this does not necessarily mean they are bad.
In summary, when it comes to frozen vs. fresh shrimp, it is generally recommended to buy frozen shrimp that are whole and have not been thawed and refrozen. However, if you have access to truly fresh shrimp, they can be a good option if cooked promptly.
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Gluten-free options
To make gluten-free coconut shrimp in an air fryer, you can follow a similar process to the standard recipe, making a few simple substitutions. Firstly, instead of regular flour, use a gluten-free alternative such as coconut flour or a 1:1 GF flour. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and if you want to get that extra crunch, opt for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
For the full recipe, start by preparing your shrimp. If you are using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully defrosted before coating and air frying. Pat the shrimp dry to remove any excess water, as this will help the shrimp get crispy. Next, set up three bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, combine your gluten-free flour with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in corn starch for some extra crispness. Lightly beat eggs in the second bowl, and if you are allergic to eggs, you can use coconut milk instead. In the third bowl, combine the shredded coconut with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also add a touch of sweetness to the dish by including some coconut sugar or brown sugar in this mixture.
Now you are ready to dredge the shrimp. First, dip the shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally into the shredded coconut and panko mixture. Gently press the coating onto the shrimp to ensure it adheres. Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching, and spray the top with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F-385°F, and cook the shrimp for 9-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking and extra crispy edges.
Your gluten-free coconut shrimp are now ready to serve! This recipe is a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried coconut shrimp, and it can be made in under 20 minutes. Enjoy!
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Dipping sauces
Coconut shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a party snack, or even as a topping for your dinner salad. It is also a great option for those who are gluten-intolerant, as it can be made gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for coconut flour and using GF panko breadcrumbs.
While coconut shrimp is delicious on its own, serving it with a dipping sauce can take it to the next level. Here are some dipping sauce suggestions to try:
Spicy Honey-Lime Dip
For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness and spice, a simple spicy honey-lime dip is a great option. This dip is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. Simply combine honey with red pepper chili flakes and add a squeeze of lime juice to taste.
Sweet Chili Sauce
A classic sweet chili sauce is always a good choice when it comes to coconut shrimp. If you want to add a tropical twist, you can even make your own pineapple sweet chili sauce at home by blending chili with fresh pineapple. This will give your sauce a refreshing flavor that pairs well with the coconut.
Apricot Dipping Sauce
For a unique flavor combination, try an apricot dipping sauce. This sauce blends the sweetness of apricots with the spicy kick of jalapenos. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for something a little different that your guests might not have tried before.
Creamy Coconut Shrimp Sauce
If you want to double down on the coconut flavor, a creamy coconut shrimp sauce is a must-try. This sauce combines coconut milk with cilantro and lime, resulting in a creamy and tangy dip that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Red Lobster Piña Colada Dipping Sauce
This copycat recipe from Red Lobster combines the flavors of coconut and pineapple, making it an ideal pairing for coconut shrimp. While it takes a bit longer to make at 20 minutes, it's well worth the effort and will impress your guests.
Bang Bang Sauce
This creamy chili and mayo dipping sauce is an excellent choice if you're looking for something with a tangy kick. It's a simple sauce to make, and you likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen. It's a great option to serve with coconut shrimp, fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.
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How to get the shrimp extra crispy
To get your coconut shrimp extra crispy, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that the shrimp are completely dry before coating and air frying them. Any excess moisture can cause the shrimp to steam and become soggy, so it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any water.
Secondly, when preparing the shrimp for cooking, coat them with a light layer of cooking spray. This will help to ensure that the shrimp don't stick to the air fryer basket and will also promote a crispy texture.
Once your shrimp are coated and in the air fryer, it is important to cook them in a single layer with space between each one. This allows hot air to circulate around the shrimp, ensuring even cooking and a crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
Finally, be sure to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process. This will help to ensure that they are crispy on both sides. Depending on the size of your shrimp and your desired level of crispiness, you may also adjust the cooking time. For example, if you are using smaller shrimp, they may only need a shorter cooking time, while larger shrimp may require up to 12 minutes.
By following these steps, you can achieve extra crispy coconut shrimp that are golden brown and delicious!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 8 to 12 minutes to cook coconut shrimp in an air fryer. The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and crispy.
To make coconut shrimp in an air fryer, you will need shrimp, flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, salt, and black pepper. First, pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Next, dip the shrimp in flour, then egg, and finally in a coconut-panko mixture. Place the shrimp in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket and spray with oil. Cook for 4 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately with a sweet chili sauce.
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp to make coconut shrimp in an air fryer. Make sure the shrimp are fully defrosted, peeled, and deveined before coating and air frying.
Leftover coconut shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the air fryer or oven until crisp and heated through.
