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Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown morsel of shrimp, infused with the sweet and tropical essence of coconut. Crunchy Island Coconut Shrimp is not just a dish; it's an experience that transports you straight to sun-soaked beaches lined with palm trees. This beloved appetizer hails from the coastal regions, where fresh seafood is abundant and the flavors of the tropics inspire culinary creativity. Renowned for its delightful crunch and rich flavor profile, coconut shrimp has gained popularity in restaurants and homes alike, often featured on appetizer menus and served at festive gatherings.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this Crunchy Island Coconut Shrimp recipe! Indulge in golden-brown shrimp coated with crispy coconut and panko, making for a perfectly satisfying bite. This versatile dish can shine as a snack, appetizer, or part of a festive meal. Loaded with flavor and health benefits, shrimp offers lean protein while coconut adds a delightful crunch. Ideal for gatherings, serve with tangy dipping sauces and vibrant side dishes for a complete experience that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Zest of 1 lime

Cooking spray

Sweet chili sauce (for dipping)

Instructions
 

Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Ensure they are fully deveined and shelled.

    Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, prepare the breading stations:

      - In the first bowl, add the flour.

        - In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.

          - In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime zest.

            Coat the Shrimp: Start by dredging each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them into the whisked eggs, then coat with the coconut-panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Repeat for all shrimp.

              Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing the heating element to become hot.

                Air Fry the Shrimp: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

                  Cook the Shrimp: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.

                    Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with sweet chili sauce for dipping, garnishing with lime wedges if desired.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings