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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference) - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional) Let's dive into the heart of this recipe. You will love the crispy texture and sweet taste of the coconut shrimp. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing this dish to life. Using large shrimp is vital. They cook evenly and stay juicy. The shredded coconut adds a sweet crunch. You can choose sweetened or unsweetened coconut. Sweetened coconut gives a rich flavor. The panko breadcrumbs create that perfect crispiness. When it comes to seasoning, garlic powder and paprika bring warmth and depth. The salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. These spices will make your shrimp pop! For the chili sauce, the sweet chili sauce is a must. It pairs perfectly with the shrimp. Lime juice adds a fresh zing. Adding fresh ginger is optional, but it adds a nice kick. Gather these ingredients, and you're set for a delightful cooking experience! First, take one pound of large shrimp. Peel and devein them if they aren’t already. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp well in the spices. This adds great flavor before you bread them. Now it’s time to set up your breading station. Grab three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add half a cup of all-purpose flour. In the second, pour in two beaten eggs. In the third, combine one cup of shredded coconut and half a cup of panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes it easy to coat the shrimp. Next, let’s bread the shrimp. Start by dredging each shrimp in the flour. Shake off any extra flour. Then dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs. Allow the excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the coconut-panko mix. Press down gently to ensure it sticks. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket. You may need to do this in batches. Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook the shrimp for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should turn golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C) for safe eating. While the shrimp cook, let’s make the chili sauce. In a small bowl, combine a quarter cup of sweet chili sauce with one tablespoon of lime juice. If you like, add one teaspoon of grated ginger for a little kick. Mix well to combine. This sauce is perfect for dipping your crispy shrimp. When making coconut shrimp, size and freshness matter. - Size: Use large shrimp. They stay juicy and have a nice bite. - Freshness: Always pick shrimp that smell fresh, not fishy. Look for a firm texture and bright color. To get that crispy, golden crust, you need to use cooking spray wisely. - Cooking Spray: Spray the basket and the tops of the shrimp lightly. This helps the shrimp crisp up without adding extra fat. - Vermin: Adjust the amount of cooking spray to avoid sogginess. Just a light misting is best. You can customize the heat of your coconut shrimp. - Less Spice: If you want milder shrimp, skip the paprika. - More Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra kick. - Experiment: Try different spices to find your perfect balance! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors with different sauces. Try honey mustard for a sweet twist. Teriyaki sauce adds a savory kick. For a spicy punch, sriracha mixes well. You can also make a zesty avocado dip. This will pair nicely with the crispy shrimp. If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. For the breadcrumbs, use gluten-free panko. They work just as well and keep the shrimp crunchy. Make sure to check ingredient labels for hidden gluten. Marinating shrimp is an easy way to add flavor. Use lime juice, garlic, and cilantro for a fresh taste. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade for 30 minutes. This infuses great flavor before you bread them. You can also try coconut milk for a tropical vibe. Just remember to pat the shrimp dry before breading. To keep your leftover coconut shrimp fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer them between paper towels to absorb moisture. This step helps keep them crispy. Store the container in the fridge, and they will last for up to three days. When reheating coconut shrimp, I suggest using your air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes. This method helps restore their crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the shrimp soggy. If you want to freeze coconut shrimp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To ensure shrimp are cooked, check their internal temperature. Shrimp should reach 120°F (49°C). At this temperature, shrimp turn pink and firm. This means the shrimp are safe to eat. If you do not have a thermometer, look for a bright pink color and a slight curl. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Place the frozen shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. Follow the same cooking steps as fresh shrimp. They may need a minute or two longer to cook. Coconut shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Steamed rice - Mixed greens salad - Coleslaw - Grilled vegetables - Pineapple salsa These sides add freshness and flavor to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! Coconut shrimp offer a delightful crunch and rich flavor. You learned the key ingredients and steps for this dish. We covered tips for perfecting crispiness and even explored tasty variations. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy customizing this recipe to fit your taste. Whether you share it or savor it alone, this dish brings joy to any meal. Embrace your culinary skills and make coconut shrimp a staple in your kitchen!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Chili Sauce

Discover the ultimate Crispy Coconut Shrimp Delight that will make your taste buds dance! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with a crunchy coconut-panko coating, perfectly air-fried for a guilt-free treat. Serve it with a tangy chili sauce for a delicious twist. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick appetizer or a tasty meal. Click through to get the full recipe and impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference)

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

For the Chili Sauce:

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices and set aside.

    Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, add the flour to the first, the beaten eggs to the second, and the mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs to the third.

      Bread the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp well in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing down gently to adhere. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate.

        Air Fry the Shrimp: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches). Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with cooking spray.

          Cook: Air fry the shrimp for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 120°F (49°C).

            Make the Chili Sauce: While the shrimp are cooking, combine sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and grated ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Mix well to combine.

              Serve: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve hot with the chili sauce on the side for dipping.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4