Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Introduction
Craving restaurant-quality coconut shrimp at home without the greasy mess? Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp offers the ultimate blend of juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy, golden coconut crust—all done in minutes using your air fryer. This irresistible appetizer or light dinner is a crowd-pleaser, combining sweetness, crunch, and a tropical twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that signature crunch without deep-frying, and the combination of flaky coconut, savory breadcrumbs, and tender shrimp makes each bite unforgettable. It’s perfect for both impressing guests or serving a quick, satisfying family dinner—no culinary degree required.
How to Prepare Shrimp for Air Frying
Start with fresh or thawed large shrimp, peeled and deveined with the tails left on for easy handling. Ensuring a dry surface on the shrimp is crucial for the coating to adhere—simply pat dry with a paper towel. For quick and efficient prep, a reliable work surface like the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 ensures everything stays neat.
The Perfect Coconut Coating
The crunchy coating is a two-part mix: unsweetened shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Using a three-step breading process (flour, beaten egg, coconut-panko mix) guarantees a thick, even crust that stays put in the air fryer. For flawless shredding of any veggies for your side, try the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
Air Frying for the Ultimate Finish
Preheating your air fryer ensures even, crispy results. Use the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for spacious, consistent cooking. For no-fuss cleanup, line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet or use ready-made Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper to minimize sticking and cleanup time.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Serve your coconut shrimp hot, alongside a tangy dipping sauce—think sweet chili, pineapple salsa, or sriracha mayo—for an extra pop of flavor. Pair with a side salad or tropical rice pilaf for a complete meal. Transport your leftovers safely with Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy meal prep or on-the-go lunches.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 4 servings, with each portion delivering roughly 220–260 calories (without dipping sauce). It’s lower in fat and calories than traditional fried shrimp, making it both a delicious and lighter alternative.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe (Recap)
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp delivers restaurant-style crunch and flavor in a healthier, easier package. It’s the perfect dish to wow a crowd or enjoy as a family favorite—all the flavor with less oil and cleanup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F for 3 minutes. Line the basket with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet or Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs Parchment Paper for easy cleanup.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with the combined flour, salt, and pepper; a second with beaten eggs; and a third with panko and coconut (plus a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika, if using).
- Working with a few shrimp at a time, dredge each in the flour, then dip in egg, then thoroughly coat with the coconut-panko mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Use a YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black to lightly mist shrimp with oil. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway, until shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer shrimp to a platter and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
