Air Fried Vegan Coconut "Shrimp"
Crispy and crunchy bits of cauliflower are coated in coconut and breadcrumbs to emulate coconut shrimp. These are air fried making them a bit healthier and easier to make than traditional deep frying. Best when paired with sweet chili sauce!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- ½ head cauliflower (8.75 ounces/250g) cut into florets
Marinade
- ¾ cup nondairy milk (180ml) unsweetened and unflavored
- ½ lemon juiced
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
Breading
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (34g)
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (30g)
- 2 tablespoons organic cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray for coating cauliflower pieces
Instructions
- Cut cauliflower into small florets. Think about keeping them about the size of shrimp. Keep a bit of stem to help with the "shrimp" shape.
- In a medium bowl combine all the ingredients for the marinade and mix together with a spoon or fork.
- Place cauliflower in bowl and mix around to coat the pieces. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but 2+ hours is ideal. Occasionally, stir with spoon or shake container.
- Meanwhile, combine the breading ingredients on a large plate.
- When ready to bread the cauliflower remove from the liquid and place in a separate bowl. Do not drain liquid you need it.
- Place a piece of the cauliflower in the marinade allow excess liquid to drip off, then coat in the breading. Dip one more time back in marinade and then back into breadcrumbs again. Set on a separate plate. Repeat until all are coated. Note: If you are finding the breadcrumb mixture starts to get too wet, add in additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
- Once they are all coated chill in the freezer for at least a half hour or until you are ready to eat them. If waiting a while after 1 hour remove from the plate and store in a sealed container.
- When ready take the coconut "shrimp" out from the freezer and spray generously with a cooking oil spray. This will help to crisp them up very well.
- Place in the air fryer and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes, or until crunchy and golden.
- Enjoy warm immediately and serve with sweet chili sauce. Garnish with lime wedges, green onion, and sesame seeds if you like.
Video
Notes
- Some panko breadcrumbs measurement for a ½ cup is 30g, the one I used is 34g just make sure to use a ½ cup.
- These can be frozen and enjoyed at a later date after step 7 then continue on with cooking when ready.
- Everyones air fryer runs differently so feel free to adjust the temp if you know yours runs slightly hotter or cooler.
- To reheat cooked leftovers place in the air fryer at 350°F (176°C) for about 5 minutes.
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