Craving a quick, flavorful dinner? These Golden Coconut Shrimp are a fantastic air fryer dinner recipe that delivers crispy, delicious results every time. You’ll love how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing dish right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Frozen works great, just thaw them thoroughly.
- Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened shredded coconut is best for a savory dish.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Offers extra crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs can be used in a pinch.
- Egg: Acts as a binder.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil recommended)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: Air fryer, shallow dishes, tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Breading Stations
Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second dish, place your beaten eggs. In the third dish, mix the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Shrimp
Dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the shrimp into the coconut-panko mixture, making sure it’s generously covered. Place the coated shrimp on a clean plate.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps achieve a perfectly crispy exterior for your air fryer dinner.
4. Air Fry the Shrimp
Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray.
5. Cook Until Golden
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C) and the shrimp should be opaque.
6. Serve Immediately
Serve your delicious Golden Coconut Shrimp hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce mixed with lime juice. This makes for an amazing air fryer dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little heat.
- Citrus Zest: Include a teaspoon of lime or lemon zest in the coconut-panko breading.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley with the breadcrumbs.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Golden Coconut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you use frozen shrimp for this air fryer dinner recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them very dry before breading.
What kind of air fryer works best?
Any air fryer will work for this recipe. Basket-style air fryers are typically easiest for flipping.
How do you prevent the shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Always lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the shrimp. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Can you bake these coconut shrimp instead of air frying?
Yes, you can! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
What dipping sauces pair well with coconut shrimp?
Sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or even a simple lime aioli are all excellent choices for this air fryer dinner recipe.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs provide a superior crispy texture. While you can use regular breadcrumbs, the shrimp won’t be as crunchy.