Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp made with jumbo shrimp coated in a lime-zested flour mixture, dipped in egg, and then coated with a crunchy blend of sweetened shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs. Served with a creamy Thai sweet chili dipping sauce, this quick and easy recipe delivers a tropical twist perfect for appetizers or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Coating
- 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, defrosted, peeled with tails on (about 18 to 20 shrimp)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp lime zest
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
Dipping Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, lime zest, and salt. This mixture will be used to dredge the shrimp to help the egg and coconut coating stick better.
- Dredge the shrimp: Pat dry the thawed shrimp and coat each in the flour mixture, ensuring an even layer all around.
- Dip in egg: Lightly beat the eggs in a shallow cup or bowl. Dip each floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, coating thoroughly.
- Coat with coconut and panko: In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs. Roll each egg-dipped shrimp in this coconut-panko mixture until fully covered for a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Air fry the shrimp: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through cooking to brown evenly on both sides.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: While the shrimp cooks, mix together mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce in a small bowl to create a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve hot alongside the dipping sauce and optional lime wedges for an added citrus burst.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are thawed and patted dry before coating for the best crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to keep the shrimp crispy.
- Adjust the air frying time slightly depending on the size of the shrimp and your air fryer model.
- For a gluten-free alternative, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free versions.
- Sweetened shredded coconut adds the best flavor, but unsweetened can be used for a less sweet option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American with Thai influence
Keywords: coconut shrimp, air fryer shrimp, crispy shrimp, tropical appetizer, shrimp recipe, Thai sweet chili sauce, easy seafood recipe
