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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Thai Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce Recipe


  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 4-5 shrimp per serving) 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. Dredge the shrimp: Pat dry the thawed shrimp and coat each in the flour mixture, ensuring an even layer all around.
  3. Dip in egg: Lightly beat the eggs in a shallow cup or bowl. Dip each floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, coating thoroughly.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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