How To Toast Coconut In Air Fryer

Discover the simple technique of toasting coconut in your air fryer for a deliciously crunchy and flavorful addition to your recipes. Learn the best tips and tricks for achieving perfectly golden coconut flakes in minutes!

If you love coconut, you will love this recipe! I also gave you instructions on how to toast coconut in a pan, oven, and of course the air fryer.

Use your toasted air-fried coconut in Air Fryer Toll House Cookies, How to Make Boxed Brownies in the Instant Pot, or as a topping on Ninja Foodi Rum Raisin Rice Pudding.

Ingredients Needed

Toasting coconut flakes is easy, and you only need 1 ingredient:

Unsweetened Coconut Flakes or Shreds: You can use flakes or unsweetened coconut shreds. Sweetened coconut is not recommended, as it will not toast properly and may burn..

How to Toast Coconut Flakes in the Air Fryer

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (165°C). Spread the coconut flakes or shreds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Step Two: Place the basket in the air fryer and roast the coconut for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket every 1-2 minutes to ensure even toasting. Check the coconut flakes or shreds frequently to prevent burning. The coconut should turn a light golden brown color when it’s toasted.

Step Three: Once the coconut is toasted to your desired level of crispiness, remove the basket from the air fryer and let the coconut cool for a few minutes. Transfer the toasted coconut to an airtight container or use it immediately in your recipe.

how to toast coconut in air fryer recipe tips

• Use Unsweetened Coconut: It’s important to use unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds, as sweetened coconut contains added sugar that can burn quickly and affect the taste.
• Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket every 1-2 minutes during roasting helps ensure the coconut is evenly toasted.
• Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the coconut flakes or shreds while toasting to prevent burning. Coconut can go from toasted to burnt very quickly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to spread the coconut flakes or shreds out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can result in uneven toasting and may require a longer cooking time.
• Add Flavor: While unsweetened coconut has a great natural flavor, you can add extra flavor by sprinkling on some sugar, salt, or spices like cinnamon or cardamom before toasting.
• Store Properly: To keep the toasted coconut fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Uses For Toasted Coconut

• Topping for Desserts: Toasted coconut flakes are a great topping for desserts like cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, and puddings.
• Granola and Trail Mix: Add toasted coconut flakes to your homemade granola or trail mix to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Smoothie Bowls: Top your smoothie bowl with toasted coconut flakes for a delicious and healthy breakfast.
• Curry and Stir Fry: Toasted coconut flakes can also be used in savory dishes like curries and stir-fries.
• Salads: Add toasted coconut flakes to your favorite salad for extra crunch and flavor.
• Baked Goods: Add toasted coconut flakes to your baked goods like cookies, muffins, and bread for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Toast Shredded Coconut in the Oven

To toast shredded coconut in the oven, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on it, as coconut can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly!

How to Toast Sweetened Coconut on the Stove

To toast sweetened coconut on the stove, place it in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes until it turns golden brown. Be sure to watch it closely, as the sugar in sweetened coconut can cause it to burn easily!

Storing Toasted Coconut

To store toasted coconut, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze the toasted coconut, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent moisture absorption. Properly stored, toasted coconut can last for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy its delicious flavor in various recipes!

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Steakhouse Potatoes Recipe
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
• Air Fyrer Sour Cream Potato Chips
• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
• Easy Air Fryer Easy Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts