Crackly Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Sweet and Crackly Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp easily made in under 20 minutes and served with the most satisfying chili dipping sauce! This appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser, but also makes a filling main dish served with a salad, veggies or in a wrap.

You are going to keep this straightforward coconut shrimp recipe! Juicy shrimp coated in a crunchy blend of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs, served with the most satisfying dipping sauce! The best part? No deep frying involved with this recipe. These shrimp are made healthier with zero oil right in your air fryer. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that is sweet, savory and perfectly crunch

If you do not have an air fryer, you can easily bake the coconut shrimp in the oven. Evenly spread the shrimp on a prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the shrimp. Spray the tops with a little oil and bake the shrimp at 425 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

What goes in

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails attached
• Fresh cilantro, as garnish
• 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro

How it comes together

1. Using 3 shallow bowls, whisk together the flour and seasonings in one bowl, beat the eggs in another bowl, and combine the breadcrumbs and shredded coconut in the third bowl.
2. First dip the shrimp into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next dredge the shrimp into the egg mixture and lastly into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly making sure to coat all sides. Repeat this until all the shrimp are coated in breading.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Once heated, place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer making sure they are not overlapping (this may need to be done in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
4. Spray the tops with a little olive oil. Cook the shrimp for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until shrimp are golden and crackly.
5. To make the dipping sauce, whisk together the Thai sweet chili sauce, mayo, grated ginger and chopped cilantro in a small bowl until all combined. Serve with shrimp and enjoy!