A Simple Guide to Cooking Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer 

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make a delicious dinner, then look no further than cooking coconut shrimp in an air fryer!

This mouthwatering dish is packed with flavor and takes less time than traditional cooking methods. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Plus, it’s super healthy and requires minimal oil usage. Let’s explore the steps required to make this delicious meal. 

Contents

How Do You Cook Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

The ingredients needed to make coconut shrimp in the air fryer are simple yet flavorful.

1. Ingredients Needed 

You will need one pound of large shrimp (cleaned and de-veined), one cup of shredded sweetened coconut, half a cup of all-purpose flour, two eggs (beaten), half a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper (to taste). 

2. Instructions 

Once you have your ingredients ready to go, you can begin making your coconut shrimp!

  • Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Then mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in one bowl.
  • In another bowl beat two eggs together until frothy.
  • Finally, put the shredded coconut in a third bowl.

3. Batter The Shrimps:

Now it’s time to start battering your shrimp!

  • First, dip each shrimp into the flour mixture until fully coated on both sides.
  • Shake off any excess and move onto the egg mixture next; coat each side with egg before finally dipping into the shredded coconut until completely covered.
  • Place each battered piece of shrimp into your preheated air fryer basket—make sure not to overcrowd them—and cook for 8 minutes total at 400 degrees F (turning once halfway through).

Serve hot with your favorite sauce or side dishes; enjoy!  

How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

Cooking frozen coconut shrimp in an air fryer is a great way to save time and make a delicious meal.

Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer basket

The cooking time for frozen coconut shrimp in the air fryer will vary based on the size of your shrimp; however, it should take between 8-10 minutes total at 400 degrees F (turning once halfway through).

Is Frozen Coconut Shrimp Precooked?

Frozen coconut shrimp can be a convenient and delicious meal. But there is often confusion surrounding the husks – are they pre-cooked or not?

The answer ultimately depends on the brand, as some companies do pre-cook the shrimp while others leave it raw.

For those who want to take the guesswork out of whether the dish is ready to eat, look for a package that specifically states ‘pre-cooked’.

Otherwise, you’ll have to follow the cooking instructions carefully because raw shrimp can easily become rubbery and taste unpleasant if overcooked.

What to Serve With Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?

Crispy air fryer coconut shrimp is a delicious snack or dinner dish that comes together quickly and easily.

  • To round out the meal, serve it with some seasonal vegetables for an added nutritional boost. Grilled corn on the cob is a great companion to these sweet and succulent shrimp.
  • For something a bit more unexpected, try adding roasted cauliflower florets with a sprinkling of fresh herbs or spices.
  • You can also offer guests alternative side dishes such as couscous or a fresh green salad to complement the crunchy and flavorful fried shrimp.

No matter what you choose to pair with this delicious seafood dish, you’re sure to have an instant hit that everyone will love!

Why Make Frozen Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal, try cooking frozen coconut shrimp in an air fryer. This dish is packed with flavor and can be cooked in minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Let’s take a look at why using an air fryer to prepare this dish is the best way to get the perfect result.

1. Air Fryers are Versatile and Nutritious:

Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years because they allow you to cook food quickly and easily with minimal added fat and calories.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while locking in moisture on the inside. This makes them ideal for cooking frozen coconut shrimp.

The combination of hot air and oil creates a crunchy coating that seals in all of the delicious flavors of this dish.

Plus, since there’s no need to add extra oil or butter, the end result is healthier than if it were cooked traditionally. 

2. Saves Time and Money:

Using an air fryer to make frozen coconut shrimp also saves time and money.

Since you don’t need to thaw out the shrimp before cooking, you can go from freezer to plate in just minutes—no defrosting necessary!

Plus, since you don’t need to add extra oil or butter, you save money on your grocery bill as well as time spent prepping ingredients. It also helps cut down on cleanup—since there is less mess involved, there’s no need to scrub pots and pans after dinner! 

3. The Perfect Meal 

Frozen coconut shrimp prepared in an air fryer makes for the perfect meal any day of the week. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and delicious – what more could you ask for?

Plus, it can be served as either a main course or an appetizer depending on your preference!

Serve it up with some fresh veggies or fruit on the side for a complete meal that will please everyone at your table. 

Should I Add Oil to the Bottom of the Air Fryer Basket to Make Air Fryer Frozen Coconut Shrimp?

No, you should not add oil to the bottom of the air fryer basket when cooking frozen coconut shrimp.

The hot air circulating in the air fryer is enough to crisp up the coating of the shrimp and keep it from sticking to the basket.

If you do add oil, your shrimp will be greasy and may not cook correctly.

How to Store Frozen Coconut Shrimp Cooked in an Air Fryer?

Frozen coconut shrimp cooked in an air fryer should be stored in the refrigerator after cooking.

Place them on a plate or in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. The shrimp can then be stored for up to three days, but it is best consumed within one day of cooking.

If you are reheating the shrimp, make sure to place them in an air fryer or oven preheated to 350F for a few minutes until heated properly.

How to Reheat Frozen Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

Reheating frozen coconut shrimp in an air fryer is quick and easy.

  • Place the shrimp on a plate or tray lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
  • Then, preheat the air fryer to 350F for about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp to the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Serve and enjoy!
  • No matter how you prepare it, frozen coconut shrimp cooked in an air fryer is sure to be a hit. It’s easy, quick, and full of flavor—a perfect choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
  • Plus, with the added bonus of being healthier than traditional cooking methods, you can feel good about feeding your family with this delicious dish.

Some Bonus Tips To Make The Perfect Frozen Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer:

Here are some tips for achieving the best results when cooking frozen coconut shrimp in an air fryer:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Shrimp

Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure they don’t overlap to prevent them from sticking together.

This will ensure that each piece cooks evenly and crisps up nicely on all sides. 

2. Use a Thermometer

Use a cooking thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the shrimp to be sure they are thoroughly cooked.

Shrimp should be cooked to an internal temperature of 120F.

You can also cut into one of the larger pieces to check that it is opaque throughout and has reached an internal temperature of at least 120F. 

3. Adjust Cooking Time Based on Shrimp Size

If you have jumbo coconut shrimp, cook the shrimp for an extra 2-4 minutes. If you are using very small shrimp, cook them for 2-3 fewer minutes.

Generally speaking, medium-sized shrimp should take about 8-10 minutes in an air fryer preheated at 375F. 

4. Add an Extra Minute for Crispy Results

If you like extra crispy coconut shrimp, add an extra 1-2 minutes in the air fryer.

Keep in mind that this will cause them to brown more quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they cook if you decide to do this. 

5. Watch Closely

Different air fryers can vary slightly in their cooking times and temperatures, so it’s important to watch your food carefully as it cooks so that it doesn’t get overdone or burned.  

Conclusion:

Coconut shrimp is a classic dish that is quick and easy to make with an air fryer!

The ingredients list may be short but they deliver a big flavor when combined together in this tasty recipe.

Plus it’s healthier than deep frying because it uses much less oil, so you don’t have to worry about all those extra calories from fat that would otherwise be present if this was cooked using traditional methods.

Air frying coconut shrimp is a wonderful way to enjoy seafood without deep frying or baking it in the oven!

Making frozen coconut shrimp in an air fryer is a great way to get a delicious meal ready quickly and easily with minimal effort or mess.

It saves time because there’s no need to thaw out ingredients beforehand and saves money because there’s no need for additional oils or fats when cooking.

So if you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that packs plenty of flavor without taking hours of prep work – give frozen cooked coconut shrimp in an air fryer a try!

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About the author

Natalie is a food enthusiast who spends all of her time trying out new recipes, testing out new appliances, and making her kitchen as awesome as possible. She is a professional writer and blogs here about her love of food & kitchen.

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