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Crispy golden-brown coconut shrimp served on a white plate with a side of sweet chili sauce.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp

Golden, crispy coconut shrimp with a crunchy coating and juicy interior, perfect for dipping into sweet chili sauce or a tangy pineapple salsa.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Tropical
Servings 4 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Frying pan or air fryer
  • Tongs
  • Paper Towels
  • Baking sheet (if baking)
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder for extra crispiness
  • ½ tsp paprika for subtle spice and color
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut for controlled sweetness and better browning
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
  • vegetable or coconut oil for frying, or cooking spray if baking/air-frying

Dipping Sauce (Optional)

  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions
 

  • In a shallow bowl, mix flour, baking powder, paprika, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  • In a third bowl, combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
  • Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel.
  • Dip shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the coconut-panko mixture to coat evenly.
  • For frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  • For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • For air-frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray shrimp with oil and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

For a sweeter taste, use sweetened coconut. If baking or air-frying, lightly coat shrimp with oil for better crispiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 22gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 710mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 10mg
Keyword Coconut Shrimp, Crispy Shrimp, Seafood Appetizer, Shrimp Recipe
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