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    Pinch Me Good! » Healthy Snacks and Appetizers » Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – Simple and Healthy

    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – Simple and Healthy

    August 3, 2022 by Amy Estes Leave a Comment

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    Single crispy breaded piece of shrimp in a dish with cocktail sauce with more breaded cooked shrimp around it.
    Hand dipping breaded coconut shrimp in a dish with cocktail sauce in it.
    Pile of breaded, golden fries shrimp with a dish of red sauce next to it.
    White plate filled with breaded shrimp with a bowl of red sauce next to it with a glass of wine behind it and a plate with another pieces of breaded shrimp in it in front of it.
    Breaded crispy shrimp in a black air fryer basket.

    Please note that some of the links are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.

    Indulge in the perfect crispy air fryer coconut shrimp, made with a delightful combination of coconut flour and panko breadcrumbs. This irresistible, guilt-free recipe promises to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with its crunchy texture and deliciously sweet coconut flavor. It makes the best healthy appetizer or main dish that everyone will love and is much healthier than the restaurant version.

    Crispy air fryer coconut shrimp on a plate with one of the shrimp in a bowl fo cocktail sauce.

    I am so excited to share this coconut shrimp recipe with you all! It is so incredibly crispy, packed with flavor, and makes the perfect healthy appetizer, fun snack, or addition to a healthy salad.  My family went crazy for this air fryer shrimp recipe and I just know you will love it too!

    Coconut shrimp from a restaurant would typically be breaded and deep fried, leaving it pretty unhealthy. In this recipe, we coat the shrimp in a gluten-free coating and use the air fryer to get it super crispy so it tastes fried. The end result is a fantastic golden air-fried shrimp that is packed with flavor but without deep frying and excess oil. Making it a much lighter, healthier option you can make right at home.

    Check out this healthy shrimp scampi for another wonderful way to cook shrimp.

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    • It is a healthier version of your favorite restaurant appetizer.
    • You can make it in under 20 minutes.
    • Perfectly plump, tender coconut shrimp with a crispy, golden outer layer that is packed with flavor.
    • Only requires a few simple ingredients.
    • Gluten-free!
    Pile of breaded, golden fries shrimp with a dish of red sauce next to it.

    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Ingredients

    You only need a few simple, healthy ingredients to make this incredible air-fried coconut shrimp recipe.

    • Shrimp – large, fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp with the tails on.
    • Coconut flour – you can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour or regular all-purpose flour if you do not need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
    • Shredded coconut – unsweetened shredded coconut, I use finely shredded but any will work in this recipe.
    • Panko breadcrumbs – panko works best since it helps get the shrimp nice and crispy but any breadcrumbs will work. I used gluten-free panko.
    • Eggs – used to help the coating stick to the shrimp.
    • Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper – literally the best seasoning to bring out all of the amazing flavors.

    Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

    If you are using frozen shrimp, you can defrost it by letting it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker way to defrost shrimp, you can place it into a colander and run cold water over it for a few minutes. You will need to use your hands to separate it since it will stick together. Then transfer it onto a clean kitchen towel and dry it before you coat and cook it.

    You can also place it into a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes or so and then strain it and transfer it to a towel to dry.

    How to make air fryer coconut shrimp

    1. Prep the shrimp – if you are using frozen shrimp then make sure you thaw it before you dredge it. See tips for thawing frozen shrimp above. Then make sure you dry it on a clean kitchen towel.
    2. Coat the shrimp – in a medium shallow bowl combine the coconut flour with the garlic powder, Chili Powder, and some salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl crack the eggs and lightly whisk and season the eggs with salt and pepper. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the shredded coconut. Then dip each piece of shrimp in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and then in the breadcrumbs mixture and place them onto a lined baking sheet or clean plate. Continue until you have coated all of the shrimp.
    3. Cook the shrimp in the air fryer – preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F and spray the basket with olive oil spray. Working in batches, if needed place the shrimp into the air fryer in an even layer with none of them touching. Spray the shrimp with more olive oil spray Close and cook for 9-10 minutes, flipping the shrimp over halfway through the cooking time. Continue until you have cooked all of the shrimp.
    4. Serve – serve immediately with a sprinkle of lemon juice, some chopped parsley on top, and some cocktail or chili sauce for dipping.
    3 pieces of raw shrimp in a bowl of flour.
    Coat shrimp in flour
    2 pieces of raw shrimp in a bowl of whisked eggs.
    Dip in egg
    2 pieces of raw shrimp in a bowl of breadcrumbs.
    Coat in panko
    Coated uncooked shrimp in an air fryer basket.
    Add shrimp to the air fryer
    Breaded crispy shrimp in a black air fryer basket.
    Cook for 10 minutes
    White plate filled with breaded shrimp with a bowl of red sauce next to it with a glass of wine behind it and a plate with another pieces of breaded shrimp in it in front of it.
    Serve

    Tips for Success

    • Use fresh shrimp – you can use fresh or frozen shrimp in this recipe but it must be thawed before you dredge and cook it. See tips for thawing above. Larger shrimp is better since it will shrink in size when it cooks.
    • Leave the tails on the shrimp – this makes it easier for coating the shrimp as well as dipping it in the sauce after it is cooked.
    • Dry the shrimp well – to allow the coating to stick to the shrimp it is important to dry it really well on a clean kitchen towel before you coat it.
    • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – make sure to place the shrimp in an even layer with none of them touching so they get crispy on all sides.
    • Use olive oil spray – you will need only a little bit of oil in this recipe by spraying the shrimp with olive oil spray, it will get nice and golden and crispy while it cooks.

    Best dipping sauces for shrimp

    • Cocktail sauce
    • Chili sauce
    • Ketchup
    • Romesco sauce
    • Healthy Chick-Fil-A-Sauce

    Serving Suggestions

    • As an appetizer: this shrimp is fantastic served as an appetizer with a delicious chili sauce or cocktail sauce.
    • Serve it as a main dish: serve this coconut shrimp over a bed of rice or quinoa with some roasted veggies for a fun family meal everyone will love!
    • Enjoy it as a topping: we love to add this coconut shrimp as a topping on salads, tacos, or in a sandwich or wrap!
    Hand dipping breaded coconut shrimp in a dish with cocktail sauce in it.

    Can you make this recipe in the oven?

    Although I haven’t tested this recipe in the oven yet, I bet it would work! Here is how I would make it.

    1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (205°C).
    2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
    3. Prepare and coat the shrimp as directed in the recipe.
    4. Place the coated shrimp on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between them.
    5. Bake the shrimp for about 10-12 minutes, until the coating is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through (they should be pink and opaque).
    6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take to cook shrimp in the air fryer?

    This will vary based on the size of the shrimp you are using as well as your air fryer. Large or jumbo shrimp will take about 10 minutes to fully cook. Smaller shrimp will take 7-8 minutes to cook. I recommend checking the shrimp at around 5 minutes and then adjusting the time and temperature as needed.

    Why is using the air fryer better than deep frying shrimp?

    The air fryer will result in perfectly golden and crispy shrimp with only a little bit of oil, which is much healthier. Deep frying shrimp requires a much larger amount of oil and is not as good for you.

    How long does cooked shrimp last?

    Cooked shrimp will last about 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    How do you reheat coconut shrimp?

    This air fryer coconut shrimp can be reheated right in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3 minutes.

    More easy Air Fryer recipes to try

    • Air Fryer Salmon
    • Healthy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
    • Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
    • Homemade Air Fryer Egg Rolls
    • Healthy Air Fryer Meatloaf
    • Air Fryer Cod
    Single crispy breaded piece of shrimp in a dish with cocktail sauce with more breaded cooked shrimp around it.

    Did you try this air fryer coconut shrimp recipe? If you did then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how it turned out!

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    Pile of breaded, golden fries shrimp with a dish of red sauce next to it.

    Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp


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    • Author: Amy Estes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 18–20 shrimp 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    Air fryer coconut shrimp are so delicious and quick and easy to make. This favorite restaurant appetizer can be made right at home in the air fryer. A healthier shrimp recipe that is super crispy and tastes fried. Made with only a few simple ingredients. Gluten free and sugar free!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 pound fresh large shrimp – peeled and deveined with tails on
    • ¼ cup coconut flour
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 large eggs
    • ¼ cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
    • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
    • Olive oil cooking spray

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the shrimp – if you are using frozen shrimp then make sure it is defrosted and dry before you coat it. Dry the shrimp really well on a dry clean towel before you coat it. 
    2. Dredge the shrimp – combine the coconut flour with the garlic powder, paprika, and some salt and pepper in a medium, shallow bowl.  In another shallow bowl, crack and lightly whisk the eggs and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.  In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the shredded coconut. Then dip each piece of shrimp in the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs shaking off any excess as you go. Then place the coated shrimp onto a lined baking sheet or clean plate. Continue until you have coated all of the shrimp. 
    3. Cook the shrimp – preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F and spray the basket with olive oil spray.  Working in batches, place some shrimp into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure none of them are touching, and spray them with more olive oil spray. Close and cook for 10 minutes flipping and spraying them halfway through the cooking time for the best crispiest results.  Continue until you have cooked all of the shrimp. 
    4. Serve – serve these air fryer coconut shrimp hot with a sprinkle of lemon juice and parsley and some cocktail or chili sauce for dipping. 

    Equipment

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    Notes

    • Use fresh larger shrimp since they will shrink as they cook. 
    • Leave the tails on the shrimp to make it easier to dredge them as well as dip them after they are cooked. 
    • You can store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 minutes. 
    • If the shrimp are not crisping up then increase the air fryer temperature to 380 degrees F. This may be necessary since air fryer times and temps vary.  I tested this recipe in a Cosori 5.6-quart air fryer. 
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Healthy snacks and appetizers
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: Air fryer coconut shrimp, air fryer shrimp, air fryer shrimp recipe, coconut shrimp, shrimp

    Did you make this recipe?

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    « Stuffed Pork Tenderloin – Healthy and Easy
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    Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Air Fryer Recipes, Dairy Free, Favorite Summer Recipes, Favorite Winter Recipes, Gluten-Free, Healthy Fall Favorites, Healthy Snacks and Appetizers, Healthy Spring Recipes, Kid-Friendly

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