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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dipping Sauce

When it comes to tantalising seafood dishes, few can rival the delectable combination of crispy coconut shrimp accompanied by a vibrant pineapple dipping sauce. This air fryer version not only brings a healthier twist to the traditional deep-fried recipe, but it also allows you to enjoy this tropical delicacy with less guilt and less mess. Perfect for a quick midweek meal or as an impressive starter for your next gathering, let’s dive into how to create Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dipping Sauce.

Ingredients

For the Coconut Shrimp:

• 500g large raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 200g desiccated coconut
• 100g panko breadcrumbs (or any breadcrumb of your choice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil

For the Pineapple Dipping Sauce:

• 200g fresh pineapple, finely diced (or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the finely diced pineapple, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Allow the sauce to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature for the flavours to meld. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Shrimp

1. Setup your Dredging Stations: In one bowl, place the plain flour seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. In a third bowl, mix the desiccated coconut and panko breadcrumbs together.

2. Dredge the Prawns: Take a prawn, dip it first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, immerse it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it with the coconut and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly covered. Transfer the coated prawn to a plate and repeat this process until all the prawns are coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Coconut Shrimp

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes.

2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated prawns in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.

3. Air fry the prawns for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Step 4: Serve

Once cooked, remove the coconut shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with the pineapple dipping sauce on the side. The contrast of the crispy coconut coating and the sweet, tangy sauce will surely impress your taste buds.

Tips for Making Perfect Coconut Shrimp

• Choose the Right Prawns: Fresh, large prawns tend to work best for this recipe. If using frozen prawns, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before coating.

• Customise Your Coating: Feel free to add spices or herbs to the breadcrumbs for an extra flavour kick. Chilli powder, paprika, or even lime zest can elevate your shrimp!

• Make it Vegan: To create a plant-based version, substitute the prawns with firm tofu or jackfruit, and use a flaxseed or aquafaba mixture instead of eggs for coating.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Dipping Sauce is a delightful dish that brings the flavours of the tropics right to your kitchen. This simple, yet sophisticated meal can be enjoyed by anyone looking for a taste of something different. Whether served as a starter or a main, this recipe is bound to become a favourite in your culinary repertoire. So why not give it a go? Your taste buds will thank you!