Hey y’all! If you’re hunting for a crave-worthy appetizer that’s perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and oh-so-simple to whip up, Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp is about to be your new favorite. These delightful bites combine sweet coconut and tender shrimp for a flavor explosion, making them a hit for weeknight dinners, parties, or even a fun family snack. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Ultra Crispy Texture: Get restaurant-quality crunch without deep frying or a greasy mess.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 25 minutes from start to finish, with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Healthier Option: Uses much less oil than traditional fried shrimp, making it a lighter choice.
- Kid & Crowd Friendly: The coconut sweetness and golden color make these irresistible for all ages and perfect for sharing.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or game day snack—just change up the dips!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on recommended)
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
- Lime wedges & your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Your Coating Stations
In one shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third, combine panko breadcrumbs with shredded coconut.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Working one at a time, dip each shrimp first in flour mix, then egg, then press into the coconut-panko mixture, coating all sides. Place on a plate.
Step 3: Air Fry the Coconut Shrimp
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd). Lightly spritz with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Repeat in batches as needed.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove shrimp to a plate. Squeeze over fresh lime, pair with your favorite dip (like sweet chili or aioli), and dig in!
Notes for Perfect Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Don’t skip preheating your air fryer—it helps achieve even, crispy results (learn more about preheating here).
- If your panko and coconut mixture looks dry, you can gently press it onto each shrimp for an extra thick crust.
- Want extra golden color? Spray the coated shrimp lightly with oil before cooking.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne to your flour mix for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and panko for a GF version (see safe ingredient lists here).
- Sweet & Savory: Try sweetened coconut for extra dessert appeal, or add a bit of black pepper for deeper flavor.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air fryer (5-6 quart recommended)
- Three shallow bowls
- Cooking tongs
- Cooking spray
- Paper towels
How to Store Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Leftovers should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months—reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes until hot and crunchy.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Pair with sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, or creamy aioli
- Serve atop a fresh green salad for a tropical lunch
- Add to tacos with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of lime crema
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Use large shrimp (16-20 count) for a juicier bite and even cooking.
- Flip shrimp halfway for uniform crisping on all sides.
- For an extra flavorful crust, toast your coconut and panko first in a skillet for 2-3 minutes (see how here).
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes! Just thaw and pat them very dry before breading for best results.
- Can I make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp ahead of time?
- You can bread the shrimp up to 8 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge until ready to air fry.
- Is Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp healthy?
- Compared to deep frying, air frying significantly reduces oil and calories. For more on shrimp nutrition, check this guide.
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
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2Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, and salt. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
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3Dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the coconut-panko mix.
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4Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
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5Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
320 caloriescal
Protein:
24 gg
Fat:
14 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
28 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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