Description
Achieve takeout-quality crispy coconut shrimp at home using an air fryer. This recipe is faster, healthier, and crunchier than deep-fried versions, featuring a simple dredging process and a homemade sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water if necessary, then peel and devein. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with half the garlic powder, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with coconut, panko, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the coconut-panko mixture to coat evenly.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray tops lightly with oil.
- Cook for 4 minutes, then flip shrimp. Spray the other side with oil and cook for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and opaque.
- While shrimp cook, combine ketchup, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve shrimp immediately with the warm sweet chili sauce on the side.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating to prevent soggy results. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Coconut burns easily, so watch closely during the last few minutes of cooking. For a gluten-free version, use GF flour and GF panko or crushed cornflakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 8-10 s
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: air fryer coconut shrimp, crispy shrimp, homemade sweet chili sauce, easy appetizer, healthy fried shrimp, gluten-free option