Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: The Easiest & Healthiest Way to Deliciousness
Prepare to delight your taste buds with the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp! This recipe offers a truly effortless, quick, and remarkably healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, requiring absolutely no oil for cooking. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly coated in a golden-brown, crunchy crust of breadcrumbs and sweet coconut, emerging from your air fryer in just 11 minutes. It’s an irresistible combination of sweet and savory, with a satisfying crunch that makes it perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.
Why This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe Works
This air fryer coconut shrimp recipe truly redefines how you can enjoy this beloved dish, pushing deep-frying straight out of the kitchen! The air fryer is a game-changer, transforming the way we achieve that coveted crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Not only is this method significantly healthier, dramatically reducing saturated fats, but it also boasts a minimal cleanup time compared to the greasy aftermath of deep-frying. Say goodbye to oil splatters, heavy odors, and hours spent scrubbing your kitchen; with the air fryer, you still achieve that irresistible golden-brown crunch and exquisite flavor, but with far less fuss.
It’s hard to imagine that air fryer shrimp could get any better, but by introducing a delicate breadcrumb coating combined with sweetened coconut flakes, this recipe elevates both texture and flavor to new heights. The subtle sweetness of the coconut perfectly complements the savory shrimp, while the panko breadcrumbs ensure an extra-crispy exterior. This delightful marriage of ingredients creates a culinary experience that’s both familiar and exciting, adding layers of taste and crunch you might not have realized were missing from your shrimp repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Crafting these delectable air fryer coconut shrimp requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. For precise measurements, the full printable recipe card is conveniently located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Substitution Tips
- SHRIMP: We recommend using “grilling shrimp” due to its appealing size, often found in the meat department’s butcher case. Alternatively, extra-large bagged shrimp that are already peeled and deveined work wonderfully for convenience. Keeping the tails on is a fantastic choice for both presentation and practicality, as it provides a natural handle for dipping and eating. However, this is entirely optional; feel free to remove them if preferred. When selecting shrimp, always aim for fresh, firm, and translucent varieties, or properly thawed frozen shrimp.
- ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: This creates the initial layer for the coating to adhere to, ensuring a comprehensive crunch. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used.
- SWEETENED COCONUT FLAKES: These are crucial for that signature sweet and tropical flavor. While unsweetened coconut can be used, you might want to add a pinch of sugar to the breading mixture to achieve a similar balance.
- PANKO BREADCRUMBS: The secret to an extra-crispy texture! Panko breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, absorbing less oil and delivering a lighter, crunchier bite. If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs can be substituted, but the final texture might be slightly denser.
- SALT & BLACK PEPPER: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and balance the sweetness of the coconut. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- LARGE EGGS: Whisked with a little water, eggs create the “glue” that binds the flour and coconut-breadcrumb mixture to the shrimp.
- COOKING SPRAY: A light mist of cooking spray on the shrimp helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color and extra crispiness in the air fryer, though it’s not strictly necessary for cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through making this recipe. For the full printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, please jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by rinsing your shrimp thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the coating adhere better.
- Create the Coconut Breading Mixture: In a large, shallow bowl or dish, combine the sweetened coconut flakes, panko breadcrumbs, black pepper, and salt. Toss all the ingredients well until they are evenly mixed. This broad surface will make breading easier.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the two large eggs with approximately one tablespoon of water. The water helps to loosen the eggs, creating a thinner, more effective wash for coating.
- Dredge in Flour: Take each shrimp and dredge it thoroughly in all-purpose flour. Ensure it’s coated evenly on all sides, then gently shake off any excess flour. This step helps the egg wash adhere better.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured shrimp into the whisked egg mixture, lifting it out and allowing any excess egg to drip back into the bowl. This ensures a thin, even layer.
- Coat with Coconut Breading: Immediately press the egg-dipped shrimp into the coconut and breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the mixture onto the shrimp to ensure it adheres completely and evenly.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Place the fully breaded shrimp on a wire rack as you continue the process. Repeat these steps until all your shrimp are perfectly breaded.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). While it preheats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and aid crispiness.
- Air Fry the Shrimp: Arrange the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You will likely need to cook in batches to allow for optimal air circulation and crisping. Lightly spray the tops of each shrimp with cooking spray.
EXPERT TIP: While not strictly necessary for cooking, spraying the shrimp with cooking spray significantly helps the breading achieve a more beautiful golden-brown color and an extra crispy texture.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the shrimp over. Spray the other side with cooking spray and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Store any leftover cooked coconut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use the reheat option on your air fryer (typically around 350°F for 3-5 minutes) until they are warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
Absolutely, you can use frozen shrimp! However, it is crucial to allow the frozen shrimp to completely thaw before you begin the breading process. Thawing ensures that the flour and egg wash will properly adhere to the shrimp. Once thawed, pat them very dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp up to the point of breading. Once breaded, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. This can help the coating set. For longer storage, freeze them on the baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and spray thoroughly with cooking spray.
While the air fryer yields the crispiest results, you can certainly bake them in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp:
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: This cannot be stressed enough. Excess moisture on the shrimp prevents the breading from sticking, resulting in a soggy, rather than crispy, crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. Overcrowding the basket will steam the shrimp instead of crisping them. Work in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crunch.
- Light Cooking Spray is Key: While the air fryer minimizes oil, a light mist of cooking spray on the breaded shrimp, especially after flipping, helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and additional crispiness.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer ensures a consistent cooking temperature from the moment the food enters, leading to more even and efficient cooking.
- Keep Tails On for Convenience: If serving as an appetizer, leaving the tails on provides a convenient handle for dipping and eating, making for a less messy experience.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Air fryer coconut shrimp are incredibly versatile, making a fantastic appetizer or a delightful main course. For the ultimate dipping experience, serve them alongside a classic sweet chili sauce or a tangy cocktail sauce. We particularly love creating our own savory-sweet combination by mixing orange marmalade with a good quality sweet Thai chili sauce – it’s a match made in heaven that perfectly complements the shrimp’s flavors. Enjoy them warm straight from the air fryer for the best texture and taste.
Beyond dipping sauces, consider pairing your coconut shrimp with a fresh, vibrant side salad for a lighter meal, or with fluffy jasmine rice and steamed green beans to create a more substantial dinner. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished shrimp can also add a bright, zesty finish that enhances the tropical notes of the coconut. These shrimp are also excellent served with a simple fruit salsa, featuring mango, pineapple, and red onion, for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
Explore More Air Fryer Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and crisping power of your air fryer, you’re in for a treat! This versatile appliance can transform countless dishes, offering healthier and quicker alternatives to many of your favorites. Here are some more fantastic air fryer recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure:
- Air Fryer Scallops
- Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Air Fryer Jalapeno Fries
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound grilling shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- cooking spray
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
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Wire cooling racks
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- It is not necessary to spray the shrimp with cooking spray, but it does help the breading to brown a bit more and enhance crispiness.
- We use grilling shrimp because of its nice size, which provides a good bite. You can often find it in the meat department butcher case. Alternatively, extra-large bagged shrimp that is already peeled and deveined is a convenient option.
- Keeping the tails on the shrimp not only offers a beautiful presentation but also provides a convenient handle for picking up the shrimp, especially when serving as an appetizer. This is, however, entirely optional.
Instructions
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Rinse shrimp and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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In a large, shallow bowl, combine coconut, panko bread crumbs, pepper, and salt. Toss well until fully combined, then spread the mixture onto a shallow dish or plate.
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In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with about a tablespoon of water, just enough to loosen the egg mixture.
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Dredge each shrimp in flour, coating it well and gently shaking off any excess.
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Dip the floured shrimp in the egg mixture, lifting and allowing excess to drip off.
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Press the egg-dipped shrimp into the coconut/bread crumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure it adheres well on all sides.
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Place each breaded shrimp on a wire rack and repeat the process until all shrimp are coated.
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Preheat your air fryer to 360 F (180°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
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Add shrimp to the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding. You will need to work in batches to ensure even crisping. Spray each shrimp lightly with cooking spray.
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Cook for 5 minutes. Carefully turn the shrimp over, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.