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Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: A Tropical Delight

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of crispy and succulent, look no further than Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. This delightful dish marries the sweetness of coconut with the freshness of shrimp, all while maintaining a healthier profile thanks to the air frying technique. It’s an excellent choice for a quick dinner, a party appetiser, or even a casual snack. Let’s dive into how you can create this tropical delight in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Coconut Shrimp:

• 450g raw, large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 150g desiccated coconut
• 100g panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray

For the Dipping Sauce (optional):

• 100g sweet chilli sauce
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by ensuring your shrimp are thoroughly cleaned and patted dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating to stick better and ensures a crispier outcome.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station

Create a breading station using three shallow bowls:

• In the first bowl, place the plain flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• In the second bowl, whisk the eggs.
• In the third bowl, combine the desiccated coconut and panko breadcrumbs (if using).

3. Coat the Shrimp

Working with one shrimp at a time, dip it first into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any surplus to drip off before transferring it to the coconut mixture. Press the coconut onto the shrimp gently to ensure it adheres well. Repeat this process until all the shrimp are coated.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 392°F) for about 5 minutes. This will help the shrimp get that nice, golden crust.

5. Air Fry the Coconut Shrimp

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spray the top of the shrimp lightly with olive oil to promote crisping.

Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

6. Make the Dipping Sauce

While the shrimp cooks, combine the sweet chilli sauce and lime juice in a small bowl. Add chopped coriander for an extra burst of flavour. This sauce perfectly complements the crispiness of the coconut shrimp.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with the dipping sauce. These Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, boasting a delightful crunch with every bite.

Tips and Variations

• Shrimp Size: Choose larger shrimp for a more substantial bite, but smaller shrimp will also work if that’s what you have.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the plain flour with gluten-free flour and use rice panko instead of traditional panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
• Oven Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 200°C (around 392°F) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp is a scrumptious, guilt-free indulgence that captures the essence of a beachside getaway in every bite. With its crunchy exterior and tender interior, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether served as part of a larger meal or as a stand-alone snack, it’s bound to get rave reviews. So gather your ingredients and start cooking; your taste buds will thank you!

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