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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Crispy, golden coconut shrimp with tender, juicy insides, ready in under 20 minutes. This air fryer recipe uses a two-stage method and a coconut-panko blend for a perfectly crunchy crust every time. You'll get restaurant-quality appetizer without the deep fryer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 24 ounces extra large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • ⅓ cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray canola, vegetable, or avocado oil
  • Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish optional
  • Lime wedges and honey sriracha mayo for serving

Method
 

  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  2. In a bowl, mix panko, coconut, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.
  4. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  5. Dip each shrimp in egg, then press into breading mixture to coat all sides.
  6. Place breaded shrimp on the prepared sheet pan.
  7. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  8. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket without overlapping.
  9. Spray tops of shrimp with cooking spray.
  10. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, then flip shrimp.
  11. Air fry another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
  12. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate. Repeat with remaining shrimp if needed.
  13. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges and honey sriracha mayo.

Notes

  • Bread shrimp up to 4 hours ahead; refrigerate uncovered and air fry straight from fridge, adding 1-2 minutes.
  • Swap dipping sauce: try lime aioli, sweet chili sauce, or fresh lime juice with sea salt.
  • Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne to breading for heat.
  • Store leftovers in fridge up to 2 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
  • Freeze breaded shrimp up to 3 months; air fry from frozen at 400°F for 12-14 minutes.