Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Crunchy coconut-crusted prawns with a sweet chilli dip.
Before You Start
Sweet, crunchy coconut prawns are a party favourite, and the air fryer makes them without a deep-fry. A double coat of coconut and panko toasts golden and shatters when you bite. Serve with sweet chilli for dunking.
Instructions
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Pat the prawns dry. Mix the coconut and panko in one bowl, put the flour and salt in another, and the beaten egg in a third.
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Dredge each prawn in flour, then egg, then press into the coconut-panko mix.
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Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F. Spray the coated prawns with oil and lay in a single layer.
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Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and the coconut is toasted.
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Watch closely near the end, as coconut can catch quickly.
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Serve hot with sweet chilli sauce for dipping.
♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Spray with oil so the coconut toasts to gold instead of drying out pale.
- Keep an eye on them at the end. Coconut goes from golden to burnt fast.
🔀 Make it your own
- Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet version.
- Mix a little lime zest into the coating.
📦 Storing & reheating
Best fresh. Re-crisp leftovers at 190°C for 3 to 4 minutes. The breaded raw prawns freeze well.
❓ Frequently asked
Fresh or frozen prawns?
Both work. If using frozen, thaw fully and pat very dry first, or the coating won't stick and they'll steam.
Why is my coconut burning?
Coconut toasts fast at high heat. Check from 7 minutes and pull them as soon as they're golden.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
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A note on cooking safely. Recipes are provided for informational purposes only and are not medical or nutritional advice. Cooking times, temperatures and quantities are suggestions: use your own judgement, and check that meat, poultry, fish and eggs are properly cooked before serving.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, particularly if you have allergies, a medical condition or specific nutritional requirements.