Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Crispy air fryer coconut shrimp made with juicy shrimp, coconut, and breadcrumbs for an easy seafood dinner or appetizer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • 3 shallow bowls
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plate or tray for breaded shrimp

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • olive oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
  • Pat the shrimp dry.
  • Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with coconut, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Coat each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then press into the coconut mixture.
  • Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray with oil.
  • Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
  • Serve right away.

Notes

  • Use large shrimp for the best texture.
  • Press the coating on well so it sticks.
  • Cook in batches if needed.

Ingredients at a Glance

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp ingredients

Nutrition

Per serving:
Calories: 320
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g

How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry
Dry shrimp helps the coating stick better.

2. Bread the shrimp
Coat in flour, egg, and the coconut breadcrumb mixture.

3. Air fry until crisp
Cook until golden outside and fully cooked inside.

4. Serve right away
Serve hot for the best crunch and texture.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

  • Pat the shrimp dry first
  • Press the coating on firmly
  • Spray lightly with oil for better browning
  • Do not overcrowd the basket
  • Serve right away for best crispness

Easy Variations

Spicy Coconut Shrimp
Add cayenne to the coating.

Sweet Chili Coconut Shrimp
Serve with sweet chili sauce.

Garlic Coconut Shrimp
Add extra garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Serve it with:

  • dipping sauce
  • rice
  • slaw
  • salad
  • roasted vegetables
  • fries

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator
Store cooked coconut shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes to help crisp it back up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the oil spray
A light spray helps the coating brown better.

Overcrowding the basket
Shrimp need space to crisp evenly.

Not pressing the coating on
Loose coating can fall off during cooking.

Overcooking the shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery.

FAQ

Can you make coconut shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes. It gets crispy without deep frying.

How long does coconut shrimp take in the air fryer?
Usually about 8 to 10 minutes at 390°F.

Is air fryer coconut shrimp healthier than fried coconut shrimp?
Yes. It uses much less oil than deep frying.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first for the best coating.

What sauce goes well with coconut shrimp?
Sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or a simple lime dip work well.

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