Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – Gluten Free

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 fried shrimp recipe that is super crispy and tastes fried.  Made with only a few simple ingredients. Gluten free and low-carb!

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 coconut shrimp and I just know you will love it too!

There are so many reasons to love this recipe but what I love the most about it is that the shrimp gets super crispy and totally tastes like they are fried. The shrimp is still breaded but air fried with only a little bit of oil, until perfectly golden and so delicious!

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 crispy, golden shrimp that are packed with flavor and so good!
• It is gluten free!
• Only requires a few simple ingredients

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Ingredients

You only need a few simple, healthy ingredients to make this incredible recipe.

• Shrimp – preferably raw, peeled and deveined with the tails on, you can use raw shrimp and defrost it. See how below.
• 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.
• Gluten free panko breadcrumbs – panko works best since it helps get the shrimp nice and crispy but any breadcrumbs will work.
• Eggs – this helps the coating stick to the shrimp, 2 large eggs will work
• Garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper – literally the best seasoning to bring out all of the amazing flavors.

How to defrost frozen shrimp

You can defrost frozen shrimp 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 this air fryer shrimp recipe

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. Place the shrimp into the air fryer in an even layer with none of them touching. Spray the shrimp with more olive oil spray. You will need to do this in batches. 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.

Tips for cooking shrimp in the air fryer

• Use thawed raw 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 are better since it will shrink in size when it cooks.
• Panko breadcrumbs work best – panko just gets really crispy and is the best option in this recipe (I used Ians original gluten free panko)
• 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.
• Preheat the air fryer – if your air fryer has a preheat setting then make sure you do not skip this step. This will ensure the shrimp comes out super crispy.
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

More healthy Air Fryer recipes

• 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

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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