Crispy Coconut Shrimp - Easy in the Air Fryer

Coconut shrimp is our absolute favorite appetizer to order when we go out for dinner. But what if you're craving some delicious, crunchy coconut shrimp and don't feel like going out? No worries! Just grab your trusty air fryer and get ready to fry, fry, fry! These air fryer coconut shrimp are seriously so easy to make, and they're perfect for serving at a party or for game day.

"We're serious! These Crispy Coconut Shrimp, made in the air fryer, truly achieve restaurant-quality crispiness and flavor! Using the air fryer makes it simple to cook the shrimp perfectly without overcooking or making them soggy. Additionally, it's a healthier alternative to the traditional oil-fried version of coconut shrimp." Win! Win!!

Why the Air Fryer for Coconut Shrimp?

Our air fryer is one of our most used kitchen tools.

1. It's great when you want to make something quickly!
2. The air fryer is perfect in the summer when you don't want to heat up the house.
3. It's an awesome way to have fried food without using oil. I don't know about you, but I never really know what to do with the oil after deep frying. One thing is for sure, you're not supposed to pour the oil down the drain! I may have learned this the hard way." Haha.

But seriously, the use of oil really has so many more negatives than air frying. Disposal of the oil is only one of the important issues. How about how greasy everything feels after deep frying? The cooking smell lingers in the house for a long time. Plus, all those extra calories.

Air fryer Coconut Shrimp is so easy and really fast to make. The best part they are just as good as deep-fried. Actually, I think they are better than deep-fried. The Shrimp is perfectly crispy, has so much flavor, and is a great way to have a restaurant favorite in the comfort of your own living room while watching a great TV show!

To Dip or Not to Dip!

These shrimp are so good they don't really need a dip. However, if you're feeling in the mood to dip, we love a sweet and spicy sauce with these coconut shrimp. It's really easy to make with just a few ingredients...because who wants to make a dip that might take longer to make than the actual coconut shrimp??

We take a jar of orange or apricot jelly or marmalade and mix in a chopped habanero pepper. The pepper adds a wonderful spice and blends in with the sweetness of the jelly so nicely. The sweet and spicy mixture is so good with the crunchy coconut shrimp. Hey, it's actually a great dip option with any type of seafood appetizer. We've even used it as a glaze on salmon.

The one piece of advice we love to give is to always remember if sharing a dip... NEVER Double Dip...Or never share the dip! HaHa

How to make Crispy Coconut Shrimp

Prepare the Shrimp. If the Shrimp has any type of "Shrimpy" smell make sure to follow these easy steps. For step-by-step pictures - Click Here.

• Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt on the shrimp.
• Stir the shrimp and salt for one minute
• Rinse
• Repeat these steps two more times.
• Rinse thoroughly

Pat the shrimp dry and set aside to remove any excess water. This will help the breading to stick better and for the shrimp to get nice and crispy.

Breading

In a food process mix together the Panko, Coconut, Corn Starch, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Salt.

After blending the panko mixture, add additional coconut and stir it into the panko. This way, you will get a nice change of texture to your breading and extra crunchy shrimp. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Dip the shrimp into the egg and then into the Panko/coconut mixture. Gently press the breading into the shrimp. Place the shrimp into the air fryer basket.

When all the shrimp are in the air fryer basket, spray the top of the shrimp with the cooking spray. We use Olive Oil spray but I'm sure Coconut Spray would be really good. Cook in a 400-degree air fryer for 16 minutes. Flip the shrimp. Gently spray the shrimp again and cook for 3 additional minutes or until the shrimp are golden brown and done.

ENJOY!!!!!

• Tip:

• Do not overcrowd the shrimp in the air fryer. Only do one layer and give some space between the shrimp. This helps crisp up the breading on the shrimp.
• Use unsweetened coconut. The sweetened coconut has a little more moisture and won't get as crispy. Plus, it adds a sweetness that is not needed.
• If you use small Shrimp it won't take as long to air fry and might not get as crispy as the larger shrimp.

Here are some other recipes you might like to try;

• Spicy coconut curry with shrimp - Want to try something unique? Create a Spicy Coconut Curry with Shrimp! Use yellow curry and habanero peppers for an amazing flavor.
• Spicy Shrimp Curry - This Spicy Shrimp Curry recipe is packed with warm curry flavors and spices. Every bite will keep you coming back for more.
• Spicy garlic shrimp and broccoli stir fry - Spice up your dinner with this tasty Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe. Quick & easy to make with ingredients found in the fridge!
• Cheesy chicken taco dip - Cheesy chicken taco dip is a fun and easy appetizer with spicy ground chicken with lots of creamy gooey cheese.
• Bunny cake - Fun cake to make during the Spring and for Easter.