Looking for something delicious to make for dinner that’s simple, healthy & macro friendly? This air fryer coconut shrimp & Instant Pot cilantro lime rice is the perfect duo that your whole family will love!
After returning from Hawaii earlier this year, I’ve been craving coconut shrimp and everything else seafood. I went to numerous restaurants while I was there and got shrimp, cod, flounder…Seriously the freshest and most delicious dinners I’ve ever had. So I thought I would try to bring that vacation experience home with this easy coconut shrimp recipe.
I prefer making this shrimp in the air fryer, but you can also whip these up in the oven. Same with the cilantro lime rice, if you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make the rice on the stove or in a rice cooker. But honestly, it’s 2020, you need an air fryer and Instant Pot in your life if you don’t already. There are so many air fryers out there, it can be difficult to choose one. I have the GoWiseUSA air fryer and absolutely love it. The Instant Pot’s are all the same, but you’ll have to determine which size is best for you. I have the 8-quart Instant Pot and it’s perfect for both meal prepping and making single meals.
Ingredients for air fryer shrimp & cilantro lime rice
1 pound of shrimp: I prefer buying frozen so I don’t have to worry about it going bad. For this recipe specifically, I recommend buying raw, de-veined and de-tailed shrimp to make it that much easier. If you buy shrimp with the veins and tails on, you’ll have an extra step.
Flour: Any flour you can get your hands on works – whole wheat, all-purpose, almond, oat or coconut flour. I originally made it with all-purpose, so that’s the only type I’ve tried, but the others should work just fine.
Unsweetened coconut shrimp: I recommend buying a 7oz bag of coconut, even though you won’t use the whole thing. The amount will vary depending on how heavily you coat your shrimp.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is going to be best here, but dried works if you are in a pinch.
Rice of choice: I originally made this with brown basmati rice, but you could make it any kind of rice. White rice, white basmati rice or jasmine rice are a few great options. If you’re cooking in the Instant Pot, you may need to adjust the cooking time for your rice of choice.
Limes: Either use 2 small limes or 1 large.
Eggs: 2 large eggs
Salt & pepper: You’ll season to taste for this recipe
How to make coconut shrimp
Making air fryer coconut shrimp is ridiculously easy, but you’ll feel like a gourmet chef once you’re done. You’ll simply roll the shrimp in your flour of choice, then the eggs, then coat with the coconut flakes. Once done, arrange the shrimp in the air fryer. I’d recommend doing two batches in the air fryer so they cook thoroughly. You want a little bit of space between each piece so the air circulates and the shrimp cooks thoroughly.
You can also make this a baked coconut shrimp recipe by placing the coated shrimp on a cookie sheet in the over at 370 for about 7-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it and only cook until the shrimp is fully cooked and slightly golden brown.
Alternatively, you could use this shrimp for coconut shrimp tacos instead of putting it on top of rice.
How to make cilantro lime rice
I swear this rice is a copycat of Chipotle cilantro lime rice. It’s super fresh, backed with a balanced amount of flavor and makes the perfect base for shrimp.
You’ll add the rice in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water, then cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. If you are doing brown rice, you may need to cook a few minutes longer.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook your rice in a rice cooker or on the stove. Regardless, once the rice is done, you’ll add in the lime juice, cilantro and salt.
Alternatively, you could use cauliflower rice for a low calorie and low carb swap.
More dinner recipes to try:
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Air fryer Coconut Shrimp & Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp I prefer deveined and detailed
- 1/4 cup flour whole wheat, all purpose, almond, coconut flour, whatever you have on hand
- 2 large eggs
- 7 oz unsweetened coconut flakes You won't use the whole bag but the amount you use may vary
- 1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped You can use dried cilantro but fresh is better here
- 1 cup rice Basmati, brown or white rice are best
- 2 small limes or 1 large
- salt & pepper for taste
Instructions
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Add rice and 1 cup water to the instant pot, cooking for 5 minutes. If you do brown rice, cook for 8 minutes instead. Slow release for 3 minutes afterwards, then vent.
- When the rice is done cooking, squeeze in limes and add cilantro. Mix well until combined. Add in salt and pepper for taste.
Air Fryer Shrimp
- Remove veins and tails, if needed.
- Place flour, eggs and coconut all in separate small bowls.
- Using a fork, roll each piece of shrimp in flour, egg and coconut. Place on air fryer tray and sprinkle with salt.
- Air fry on 365 for 7 minutes, or until fully cooked and crispy on the outside. You may need to do a couple batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Place rice in a bowl or on a plate and top with shrimp.