Coconut Shrimp That Tastes Restaurant Quality

This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe is a quick and delicious way to prepare shrimp with a crispy coconut coating. It’s an easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or serving as an appetizer for gatherings.

Using the air fryer allows you to achieve that golden crispiness with less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier option while still delivering on flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish with a tangy dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment.

Quick and Easy Coconut Shrimp in the Air Fryer

This coconut shrimp features juicy shrimp coated in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Cooking spray
Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Set up a breading station with three bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the coconut mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres properly.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Air Fry: Cook the shrimp in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve warm with sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.