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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Name: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound raw large shrimp; 1 cup coconut flour; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes; 2 large eggs (whisked); ¼ cup Sweet n sour sauce

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: July 19, 2021

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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp is one of my favorite shrimp dishes. Prepared with a simple batter, it air fries so nicely.

If you have been looking for exciting ways to prepare shrimp, this is one of my favorites, and since you need very few ingredients, this is a perfect dinner for any midweek meal!

Shrimp in the air fryer is amazing! It’s a tender and delicious way to make shrimp And it is so fast and easy that Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp will be done in minutes! This dish is no different. With tender pieces of shrimp coated with flakes of coconut, it’s a great flavorful dish!

This works well as both an appetizer and a main meal, and it’s so good as a snack! If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER OLD BAY SHRIMP, AIR FRYER BAKED SHRIMP SCAMPI, AIR FRYER CRISPY SHRIMP, and GARLIC PARMESAN AIR-FRIED SHRIMP RECIPE.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Here are the simple ingredients for making coconut shrimp in air fryer.

Remember the step-by-step directions, full recipe, and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Shrimp: Offers a tender and juicy base that pairs perfectly with the sweet and crispy coconut coating.
Coconut Flour: Helps the batter stick to the shrimp, creating a base layer for the egg and coconut mixture.
Granulated Sugar: For some added sweetness.
Red Pepper Flakes: For added spice.
Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Adds a sweet, tropical flavor and a crispy texture to the shrimp when air-fried.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the coconut flakes stick to the shrimp.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: For serving.

How To Make Coconut Shrimp In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions to make coconut shrimp in your air fryer:

Prepare The Dredging Stations: If not already completed, peel and devein shrimp. Set up a dredging station for the shrimp. In a small bowl, mix coconut flour, sugar, and red pepper flakes. In a second bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add coconut flakes to a third bowl.

Coat The Shrimp: Dredge the shrimp in the flour, evenly coat the surface and shake off any excess. Then, dip the shrimp into the whisked eggs. Hold the shrimp over the egg bowl to allow any excess egg to drip off. Then, dredge the shrimp in coconut flakes. Lightly press the coconut flakes into the shrimp to help it stick better.

Air Fry Coconut Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the air fryer and spray with canola oil or cooking spray. Do not stack the shrimp, and you may need to do a couple of batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

How Long To Cook Coconut Shrimp In Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and set cook time for 8-10 minutes. Flip the shrimp over (carefully) and spray with canola oil—halfway during the cooking process.

Recipe Variations For Air Fried Coconut Shrimp

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp No Egg: Use buttermilk or a mixture of flour and water as a binding agent instead of eggs to help the coconut and panko mixture stick to the shrimp. This variation is perfect for those with egg allergies or those looking for an egg-free option.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Keto: Replace the flour and panko breadcrumbs with almond flour and crushed pork rinds to keep the coating low in carbs. This variation maintains the crispy texture while making the shrimp keto-friendly and suitable for low-carb diets.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp No Panko: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with additional shredded coconut or finely crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a unique texture and flavor. This variation enhances the coconut flavor and adds a different crunch, perfect for those avoiding breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Choose the Right Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation. Ensure they are peeled and deveined, leaving the tails on for easy handling and a nice look.
Dry the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before coating. This helps the flour (or alternative coating) adhere better and results in a crispier finish.
Even Coating: Press the coconut and panko mixture firmly onto the shrimp to ensure it adheres well and provides an even, crispy coating.
Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the coated shrimp with cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve a golden brown and crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.
Flip Halfway: Flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides and develop a uniform golden crust.
Monitor Cooking Time: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and drying out.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the coconut shrimp immediately after cooking. Pair them with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, or a spicy aioli.

Coconut Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating to ensure the best texture and even cooking.

How do I ensure the coating sticks to the shrimp? Pat the shrimp dry, then follow the three-step coating process: dip in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally in the coconut and panko mixture. Press the coating firmly onto the shrimp to ensure it adheres well.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for cooking coconut shrimp? Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the shrimp juicy inside.

How long should I cook the coconut shrimp in the air fryer? Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and a golden brown crust. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp and your specific air fryer model.

Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, you can substitute the eggs with buttermilk or a mixture of flour and water as a binding agent. This helps the coconut and panko mixture stick to the shrimp.

How can I make the shrimp keto-friendly? Replace the flour and panko breadcrumbs with almond flour and crushed pork rinds to keep the coating low in carbs. This variation maintains a crispy texture while making the shrimp keto-friendly.

What dipping sauces go well with coconut shrimp? Coconut shrimp pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, mango salsa, spicy aioli, or a simple honey mustard sauce. These sauces enhance the flavor and complement the sweetness of the coconut.

How do I store and reheat leftover coconut shrimp? Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened? Yes, but keep in mind that sweetened shredded coconut will add extra sweetness to the dish. Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly if using sweetened coconut.

What can I serve with coconut shrimp to make it a complete meal? Serve coconut shrimp with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or coconut rice to make it a complete meal. Some great dipping sauces are Yum Yum Sauce, Peanut Coconut Sauce, Pineapple Coconut Mango Sauce. or Roasted Pineapple and Habaneero Sauce.

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