Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with tropical flavors, air fryer coconut shrimp is a meal your whole family is going to fall in love with!

Coconut Shrimp on paper with a creamy dipping sauce

What Makes Coconut Shrimp The Best?

Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer!
Easy. Bread your shrimp and toss it in the air fryer. No additional prep work is needed.
Versatile. Dip these air fryer coconut shrimp in various sauces to keep it exciting.
Delicious. Sweet, salty, and utterly delicious.

Are Coconut Shrimp Low Carb?

Unfortunately, these air fryer coconut shrimp are not low carb. But you could easily convert them to a low carb recipe.

To make these coconut shrimp low carb, replace the panko with crushed pork rinds and substitute the all-purpose flour for almond flour. The result will be just as delicious, but it will be low in carbs and gluten-free!

Ingredients You'll Need

Why buy those overpriced frozen coconut shrimp at the grocery store when you can just make your own at home? All you need are a few simple ingredients to make something even better than premade and are ready to enjoy in less time than frozen shrimp!

Shrimp- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined are what I used for this recipe, but you can use any sized peeled and deveined shrimp. The cooking time will just need to be adjusted for size.
Shredded coconut- You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes for the breading.
All-purpose flour- Almond or coconut flour can be used as a substitute for anyone with gluten allergies.
Eggs- Are used to help the breading adhere to the shrimp.
Cooking Spray- For a more tropical taste, try to use a coconut cooking spray to help crisp up the breading in the air fryer.
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt & Pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400F and let it preheat for a few minutes while you prepare the shrimp.
Prepare the coating station. In three separate shallow bowls, set up your coating station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until well combined. In the third bowl, combine the shredded coconut, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat the shrimp. Take a shrimp and dip it into the flour, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp with the coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere to the coconut flakes. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or tray, and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp.
Air frying the shrimp. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coconut-coated shrimp in a single layer, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the shrimp in batches.
Air frying time. Cook the shrimp in the preheated air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep a close eye on the shrimp to ensure they don't overcook or burn. The shrimp should turn golden brown and become crispy.
Serve and enjoy. Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra touch of tropical flair. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

What To Serve With Coconut Shrimp

From dipping sauces, to side dishes, there are so many things that pair well with these juicy little shrimp. Here are some of my favorite things to enjoy with them:

Dipping Sauces- Coconut shrimp is often served with dipping sauces that provide a balance of flavors. Some popular options include:
- Sweet Chili Sauce- The sweet and tangy notes of sweet chili sauce beautifully complement the crispy coconut coating of the shrimp.
- Mango Salsa- The fruity and refreshing flavors of mango salsa add a tropical twist to the dish, enhancing the coconut shrimp's overall taste.
- Pineapple Sauce- Tangy and slightly sweet pineapple sauce pairs perfectly with coconut shrimp, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Coleslaw- A creamy coleslaw provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm and crispy coconut shrimp. The crunchiness of the coleslaw adds texture to the dish and balances the richness of the shrimp.
Rice or Coconut Rice- Serve your coconut shrimp with a side of steamed rice or coconut rice. The neutral and fluffy rice will complement the bold flavors of the shrimp and help balance the dish.
Green Salad- A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette can serve as a refreshing and healthy accompaniment to the coconut shrimp. The crispness of the salad adds texture and freshness to the dish.

How Long Do They Last?

Coconut shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Remember that the texture and crispiness of the shrimp may diminish over time.

For the best quality and flavor, you should enjoy the coconut shrimp within the first 1-2 days after preparation.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, you can freeze coconut shrimp to extend their shelf life. Freezing coconut shrimp is a great option if you want to prepare them in advance or have leftovers that you'd like to save for later.

Allow your shrimp to cool to room temperature and place them in a freezer-safe container labeled with the contents and date. Place the container with the coconut shrimp in the freezer. For the best quality, consume the frozen shrimp within 1-2 months.

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