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Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe Easy Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

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This recipe delivers crispy air fryer coconut shrimp with a homemade sweet chili sauce, offering a tropical twist and a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for entertaining or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Cooking spray or oil for spraying
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey or sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of large shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  2. Set up the breading station with three bowls: ½ cup flour in the first, 2 beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1 cup shredded coconut in the third. Combine panko and coconut well.
  3. Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the panko-coconut mixture. Press gently to adhere coating. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place shrimp in a single layer without touching. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy with opaque pink flesh. Start checking at 7 minutes if your air fryer runs hot.
  7. While shrimp cooks, whisk together rice vinegar, honey or sugar, water, minced garlic, and red chili flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth, then whisk into simmering sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  9. Transfer crispy shrimp to a serving platter with sweet chili sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with lime wedges or chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness. Let shrimp rest for a minute after cooking to set the coating. Serve sauce on the side to keep shrimp crispy. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. Reheat leftovers in air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut shrimp, air fryer shrimp, sweet chili sauce, crispy shrimp, easy appetizer, seafood recipe, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-air-fryer-coconut-shrimp-recipe-easy-homemade-sweet-chili-sauce/