Ingredients
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Cooking spray
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and pitted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Pinch of salt
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a shallow dish, mix together the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
- In another shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
- In a third dish, whisk the eggs with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Working one by one, dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs.
- Coat the egg-dipped shrimp in the coconut-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches.
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking time.
- While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the mango dipping sauce. Combine the mango, honey, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt in a blender.
- Blend the sauce ingredients until smooth. If necessary, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with the mango dipping sauce.
Q1: Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened coconut for the Healthy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp?
A1: It's recommended to use unsweetened coconut to control the sweetness in the dish and avoid overpowering the natural flavors of the shrimp and mango dipping sauce.
Q2: Can I substitute the fresh mango for the dipping sauce with canned mango?
A2: While fresh mango is recommended for the best flavor, canned mango can be used as a substitute if fresh mango is not available. Just ensure it's well-drained and adjust the sweetness as needed.
Q3: Can I bake the coconut shrimp in the oven if I don't have an air fryer?
A3: Yes, you can bake the coconut shrimp in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking time.