Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Crispy air fryer coconut shrimp is easy, quick, and doesn’t require any oil to cook! Simply pop the breadcrumb coated shrimp into the air fryer for 11 minutes until they’re golden brown and crunchy.

Why this recipe works

Crispy air fryer coconut shrimp kicks deep-frying straight out of the park. Not only is it healthier, but it requires a smidgen of cleanup time compared to cooking them in oil. No more grease splatter or high amounts of saturated fats, yet you still get the same golden-crunchy goodness!

It’s hard to believe that air fryer shrimp can get any better than it already is, but when you add breadcrumbs and sweetened coconut to the mix the texture and flavor add those missing elements you didn’t realize existed.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

SHRIMP – We use grilling shrimp because of its nice size. We find it in the meat department butcher case. You can also use extra large bagged shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. Keeping the tails on the shrimp is great for presentation and also provides a handle for picking up the shrimp. This is also optional.

How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Rinse shrimp and pat dry.
2. In a large bowl, combine coconut, bread crumbs, pepper, and salt. Toss well until fully combined then place mixture onto a shallow dish or plate.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with a little water (about a tablespoon or so, enough to loosen the egg).
4. Dredge each shrimp in flour, coating it well and gently shaking off excess.
5. Dip floured shrimp in egg mixture, lifting and allowing excess to drip off.
6. Press egg dipped shrimp into the coconut/breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere.
7. Place shrimp on a wire rack and repeat the process until all shrimp are breaded.
8. Preheat air fryer to 360 F. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
9. Add shrimp without crowding the air fryer, you will need to work in batches. Spray each shrimp with cooking spray.
   
   EXPERT TIP – It is not necessary to spray the shrimp with cooking spray, but it does help the breading to brown a bit more.
   
   
10. Cook for 5 minutes. Turn shrimp over, spray with cooking spray, and cook an additional 6 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Use the reheat option on the air fryer to warm them back up.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Allow the frozen shrimp to thaw before beginning otherwise the coating will not adhere.

Serving Suggestions

Serve coconut shrimp as an appetizer or main course with a side of sweet chili sauce or cocktail sauce for dunking. We like to mix together orange marmalade with sweet Thai chili sauce for a savory-sweet combination that pairs really well with the shrimp. Enjoy warm from the air fryer.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Scallops
• Air Fryer Apple Fries
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Fries
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

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