Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – Crispy & Easy Appetizer

These golden, crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp taste just like your favorite restaurant appetizer — but without the grease or mess of deep frying! The sweet, crunchy coconut coating pairs perfectly with the juicy, savory shrimp, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, game day, or family gatherings. Quick, lighter, and seriously delicious!

Try them with my chicken bacon ranch wonton cups, mini smoked salmon quiches, peach mango salsa and my ham and cheese sliders!

this recipe!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe – Party Favorite

Make crispy, golden coconut shrimp in the air fryer! This easy appetizer is sweet, savory, and mess-free — perfect for parties or family dinners.

These are the best healthier alternative to the restaurant version, making them guilt-free for your enjoyment!

What to serve with coconut shrimp?

Dipping Sauce : sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, sweet and sour sauce, mango salsa

Side Dishes : Rice like jasmine or fried rice, Salad like sesame ginger or mango fruit salad, Vegetables like steamed asparagus or a stir fry, Noodles like pad thai or rice noodles

Ingredients

• Shrimp – large raw shrimp tails attached peeled and deveined
• Lemon Juice
• Eggs
• Coconut – Unsweetended shredded coconut flakes gives the shrimp that delicious coconut flavor
• Panko Bread Crumbs – helps to give the shrimp that nice crispy crunch in every bite
• All Purpose Flour
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne Pepper – adds a spicy depth of flavor to the shrimp
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Cilantro – fresh
• Sweet Chili Sauce – we use it for dipping the shrimp
• Oil Spray – spraying the inside of the air fryer basket and on top of the shrimp in the basket

Substitutions

You can also use thawed frozen shrimp to make this air fryer shrimp recipe.

Step by step instructions for making coconut shrimp in the air fryer

STEP ONE – Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. 

STEP TWO – Add the lemon juice to the shrimp. Toss the shrimp so it is fully coated. Set aside. 

STEP THREE – In a bowl add the eggs. Whisk with a fork until fully combined. Set aside. 

STEP FOUR – In a separate bowl add the coconut and panko bread crumbs. Mix until combined. Set aside.

STEP FIVE – In a bowl add the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix with a fork until fully combined. 

STEP SIX – Add the shrimp to the flour mixture. Try not to get any excess lemon juice mixture into the flour. Press the shrimp into the flour mixture so the shrimp is fully coated. 

STEP SEVEN – Transfer the coated shrimp to the egg wash. Gently toss so the shrimp is coated with egg wash. 

STEP EIGHT – Dredge the coated shrimp into the coconut mixture. Press the coconut mixture into the shrimp. 

STEP NINE – Spray the basket lining with oil. Place the shrimp in an even layer into the basket. Spray the top of the shrimp with the oil. 

STEP TEN – Cook at 350° for 6 minutes. Flip the shrimp over. Spray the shrimp with oil and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat until all the shrimp are cooked. 

STEP ELEVEN – Serve with the chili sauce and top with cilantro. 

What is coconut shrimp air fryer time and temperature?

It takes 10 minutes at 350°F flipping after 6 minutes to get golden brown crispy shrimp in the air fryer.

Storage and freezing instructions

You can keep any leftover cooked shrimp once cooled in the fridge using an airtight container for up to 3 days. The breading will get soft as they sit in the fridge. They are best served hot out of the air fryer.

Reheat using in the air fryer, microwave, skillet on the stove. Reheat until just warmed through.

Freeze cooked but cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.