Copycat Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp

If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy way to make Red Lobster’s famous Coconut Shrimp at home, then this easy Copycat Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp recipe is perfect for you!

With this tasty Copycat Red Lobster Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp recipe, you can have a restaurant meal in your kitchen with just a few simple steps. Serve with a homemade creamy piña colada dipping sauce, and you have yourself a great dinner!

Red Lobster Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp is amazing. If you have ever been to Red Lobster, you can now create one of the most popular Red Lobster dishes at home.

I love shrimp; a great big plate of shrimp!

Red Lobster’s Famous Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Red Lobster’s Coconut Shrimp is one of the restaurant’s most popular appetizers. It consists of shrimp coated in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

The coconut gives the shrimp a sweet, tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp’s natural taste. The dish is typically served with a piña colada dipping sauce, a sweet and tangy concoction that perfectly complements the crunchy, coconut-coated shrimp. The combination of flavors and textures has made this appetizer a favorite among many Red Lobster patrons.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the simple ingredient, you will need;

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

• Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp is essential for this recipe. Large or jumbo-sized shrimp are best.
• Shredded Coconut: Use unsweetened shredded coconut to maintain control over the dish’s sweetness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and more airy than regular breadcrumbs, ensuring a light and crispy texture when air-fried.
• All-purpose Flour: Used for the initial dredging, the flour helps the subsequent layers adhere to the shrimp properly.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the binding agent, allowing the coconut and panko mixture to stick to the shrimp effectively.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these basic spices enhance the shrimp’s natural flavors and complement the coconut’s sweetness.
• Piña Colada Mix (for the sauce): A sweet and creamy mixture commonly used as a base for the dipping sauce accompanying the coconut shrimp.
• Crushed Pineapple (for the sauce): Adding some crushed pineapple provides texture and an extra burst of tropical flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (for the sauce): To achieve the desired sweetness in the dipping sauce, adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
• Water (for the sauce): Helps to achieve the right consistency for the dipping sauce.

How To Make Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp

Here are the simple steps for making Red Lobster’s Coconut Shrimp at home:

Preparation: Clean, peel, and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Pat them dry with a paper towel. In a shallow dish, mix the shredded coconut and Panko breadcrumbs. In another dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a third dish, beat the eggs well, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Dredging Process: Start by lightly coating each shrimp in the flour, ensuring it’s fully covered but shaking off any excess. Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lastly, press the shrimp into the coconut and Panko mixture. Ensure the shrimp is well-coated, and press the mixture onto the shrimp so it adheres well.

Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the shrimp from sticking and helps in achieving a golden color. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not touching to prevent them from sticking together. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

How To Make Piña Colada Dipping Sauce: Combine the piña colada mix, crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated and the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving: Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with the Piña Colada dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your homemade Red Lobster Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp with a tropical touch, all made healthier with the air fryer!

Tips For The Best Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp

• Shrimp Selection: Choose large, fresh shrimp for best results.
• Consistent Coating: Press the coconut-Panko mixture onto the shrimp firmly.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure not to overload the air fryer basket.
• Spray for Extra Crispiness: Lightly spray the coated shrimp with cooking spray before air frying. This promotes a more golden and crispy finish.
• Monitor Closely: Keep an eye on the shrimp, especially during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Shake or Flip: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to flip the shrimp.
• Serving Sauce: If you want to recreate the full Red Lobster experience, don’t skip on the Piña Colada dipping sauce.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover coconut shrimp, store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
• Flavor Variation: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the coconut-panko mixture.
• Frozen vs. Fresh: While fresh shrimp are ideal, you can use frozen shrimp too. Just ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before starting the coating process.

Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. However, thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before coating and cooking.

Do I need to peel the shrimp before cooking? Absolutely! The shrimp should be peeled (leaving the tail on for easy handling) and deveined before you start the coating process.

How do I store leftover coconut shrimp? Store any leftover coconut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Is there a gluten-free variation? Yes, you can replace regular flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives available in most grocery stores.

Can I make the Piña Colada dipping sauce at home? Absolutely. It’s a mix of Piña Colada mix, water, crushed pineapple, coconut, and powdered sugar. The recipe is included below in the recipe card.

Why is my coconut not sticking well to the shrimp? Ensure that you’re pressing the coconut mixture firmly onto the shrimp.

Is air frying healthier than traditional frying for this recipe? Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier alternative while still achieving a crispy texture.

Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes? Yes, but keep in mind that unsweetened coconut will offer a less sweet flavor.

How do I prevent the coconut from burning? Keep an eye on the shrimp, especially towards the end of the cooking time.

Can I make these in advance for a party? You can prepare the shrimp (coat them) in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
• Easy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
• Air Fryer Butter and Garlic Shrimp
• Air Fryer Shrimp Kebabs

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