Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Introduction
When you want a crunchy, golden appetizer that captures the tropical allure of coconut without the burden of heavy frying, these Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp are a game-changer. Delivering restaurant-level flavor with a fraction of the oil, they’re perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you crave a taste of summer.
By harnessing the efficiency of an air fryer, this recipe makes it blissfully easy to craft crisp, sweet, and savory shrimp in under 30 minutes—no deep frying, no fuss.
What Makes Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Irresistible?
The irresistible combination of juicy shrimp encased in a light, crisp coconut breading is a surefire crowd-pleaser. The contrast between the tender seafood and the sweet, toasty coconut crust is elevated by the air fryer’s ability to keep the coating crunchy and perfect with very little oil.
This recipe is also beautifully adaptable—it pairs well with a tangy dipping sauce or can be served on a vibrant salad. The whole process is quick, clean, and far healthier than traditional methods.
Essential Prep Tips
Start with large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for best results. Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the coating adheres. Prepping your breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a coconut-panko mixture keeps assembly efficient and mess-free.
Save time and keep your workspace clean by slicing veggies for a side salad using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. For the coconut coating, a quick pulse in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender gives you the perfect blend of texture—some finely chopped, some flaked.
How to Air Fry Perfect Coconut Shrimp
Lining your air fryer basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or Air Fryer Paper Liners makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt for even, consistent crisping.
Arrange coated shrimp in a single layer in the basket—avoid stacking for the best crunch. A light spritz of oil from a YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking ensures gorgeous golden results.
Serving Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp for Maximum Wow-Factor
For dipping, whip up a quick sweet chili or mango sauce. Plate over fresh greens or alongside steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. Transport your shrimp for a picnic or potluck with the Bentgo Salad Container—ideal for keeping shrimp and sides separate and crisp.
Garnish with lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately for that unbeatable just-crisped texture.
Nutritional Information and Portion Size
This recipe yields about 20 Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, enough for 4 generous appetizer servings or 2 main dish portions. Each hearty serving comes in around 225 calories, thanks to the oil-misting air fryer method—indulgence without the guilt.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp (Recap)
If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dish that delivers on both crunch and convenience, Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Its lively contrast of textures, appealing coconut aroma, and crowd-pleasing taste make it ideal for entertaining or an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer to 400°F (about 5 minutes). Line the basket with a piece of parchment paper or use air fryer liners for easy cleanup.
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix panko, shredded coconut, salt, and pepper. For extra-crispy results, pulse the coconut and panko together in a blender for several seconds.
- Pat shrimp dry. Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, and coat liberally in coconut-panko mixture. Press gently to adhere.
- Arrange shrimp in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spritz with oil using your oil sprayer.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning once halfway, until shrimp are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve hot with lime wedges, cilantro, and dipping sauce of choice. For meal prep or on-the-go, stow in a Bentgo Salad Container for optimal freshness.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
