Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Name: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled; 1/2 cup gluten-free flour; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (✅ ); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (✅ ); 2 large eggs, whisked; 1/2 cup gluten-free panko; 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (✅ )

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Air fryer coconut shrimp is breaded and then air fried for perfectly crispy coconut shrimp that your family will love. Shrimp is coated in seasoned flour, dipped in egg, then coated in panko blended with sweetened coconut. It’s coated with cooking spray and then air fried for just 10 minutes. Gluten-free.

Air frying shrimp is a healthy way to enjoy a popular favorite without the excess fat or mess from deep frying. Air fried shrimp has the same flavor and crispiness as deep-fried shrimp too!

On the search for more gluten-free shrimp recipes? We have you covered with our Shrimp Foil Packets in the Oven, Shrimp Orzo Salad, and Shrimp Ceviche Recipe.

air fryer coconut shrimp on plate with dipping sauce

Table of Contents

Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Coconut shrimp has always been one my family’s favorite recipes to order when traveling. When my daughter and I went gluten-free, it became a challenge to find a restaurant that served coconut shrimp that wasn’t cooked in the same fryer as gluten-containing ingredients.

This is what inspired us to try making coconut shrimp in the air fryer at home!

We can now create a homemade version that does not compromise on flavor or texture. We look forward to you being able to enjoy this celiac safe recipe too.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card below.

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled
1/2 cup gluten-free flour
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ✅
1/2 teaspoon onion powder ✅
2 large eggs, whisked
1/2 cup gluten-free panko
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut ✅

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

dry ingredients for shrimp coating in bowl

gluten free breadcrumbs and shredded coconut in bowl

How To Make

In a bowl combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.

Blend the panko mixture

In a bowl combine the panko, coconut, and remaining salt.

Bread the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper toweling. Place shrimp into the flour mixture, then coat with the whisked egg, then place into the mixture of panko and gently press into the shrimp.

Place each shrimp onto the air fryer tray and repeat. Spray the breaded shrimp with nonstick cooking spray.

Air fry

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Air fry the shrimp for 5 minutes then flip and spray with cooking spray.

Cook an additional 5 minutes. You may need to air fry in 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Serve

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

air fryer coconut shrimp sprayed with cooking oil

What To Serve with Coconut Shrimp

Serve with Coconut Shimp Dipping Sauce as an appetizer paired with other recipes such as Gluten Free Chicken Wings, Dairy Free Chicken Buffalo Dip, Sour Cream and Onion Dip or Gluten Free Salmon Cakes.

This recipe can also be served as the main entree alongside a vegetable side dish like our Roasted Frozen Vegetables, Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, Air Fried Cauliflower, Roasted Frozen Brussels Sprouts or Brussels Sprout Apple Salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this recipe last?

This recipe will last up to 3 days in the fridge. We do not recommend freezing leftovers as frozen coconut shrimp does not reheat well.

How to reheat?

Reheat in a preheated air fryer or by microwaving in increments until hot. Keep in mind that if you microwave, the shrimp will not be as crispy.

Can you use frozen shrimp?

Frozen shrimp can be used if thawed completely before coated and air fried. Defrost by placing in the fridge overnight.

Do you use tail on or tail off shrimp?

We recommend shrimp with the tails attached to make it easier to pick-up and dip into sauce.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer tray by stacking the shrimp on top of each other. Cook the shrimp in a single layer.
Check the internal temperature of the air fried shrimp to ensure it is 145 degrees F before serving.
Unsweetened shredded coconut will also work in place of the sweetened coconut.

More Air Fryer Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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