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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

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Air fryer coconut shrimp are crispy, crunchy, and an easy appetizer to make at home. Ditch the deep fry and make this healthier option and you’re sure to be pleased.

air fryer coconut shrimp on a plate with dipping sauce

Many people think of coconut trees and white sandy beaches when they think of Hawai’i, but did you know that coconuts are not indigenous to Hawai’i? They were actually brought over by Polynesian settlers. The trees did very well and have become a popular part of Hawaiian landscape as well as cuisine.

If you’ve ever had coconut in a Hawaiian dessert like haupia or sweet potato haupia pie then you know how amazing the coconut flavor can be. 

But why stick to just sweets? How about a savory coconut recipe. Like these amazing coconut shrimp made in the air fryer.

breaded air fryer coconut shrimp on a white plate

The air fryer has quickly become a popular countertop appliance. It makes healthier versions of deep fried foods and can speed up cook time, like with this furikake salmon recipe

This is the air fryer I use. If you haven’t tried one yet I totally recommend you do.

What is coconut shrimp?

Coconut shrimp is a popular restaurant appetizer that is made with shrimp dredged in a coconut crust and deep fried. It is often served alongside various dipping sauces.

Can you make coconut shrimp in the air fryer?

The air fryer works great for so many things, including coconut shrimp. Cook up crispy shrimp without the excess calories from deep frying all while keeping that exterior crunch.

Ingredients for air fryer coconut shrimp

  • Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Mochiko flour
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Eggs
  • Panko
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes
air fryer coconut shrimp ingredients

Substitutions

  • Mochiko flour gives the shrimp a little sweetness. If you can’t get your hands on this you can replace it with all purpose flour.
  • Panko is a Japanese style of bread crumbs and the preferred breading, however you could substitute this with breadcrumbs if you can’t find any.

How to make coconut shrimp in the air fryer gluten free?

This recipe can be made gluten free simply by swapping out panko for ground up pork rinds or any other gluten free bread crumb option. Mochiko flour is naturally gluten free, but if you also wanted to swap that out you could use coconut flour as well.

Is coconut shrimp keto?

Coconut shrimp can definitely be made keto. As with the gluten free option you can replace the panko for a keto alternative like ground up pork rinds.

coconut shrimp in the air fryer basket

Tips for great air fry coconut shrimp

  • Use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp that has been thawed. Frozen shrimp do not hold the breading well.
  • Be sure to pat dry your shrimp. Too much liquid will cause the breading not to stick well and create a soggy crust.
  • Be sure not to over crowd the basket. This will prevent the shrimp from getting crispy.
  • Don’t forget to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process. This will allow even cooking and give you the best results.

How to cook frozen coconut shrimp in the air fryer?

Most grocery store frozen coconut shrimp are precooked. You can use the air fryer to reheat and crisp up the shimp. Preheat the air fryer to 360F and cook for 8-10 minutes flipping halfway through.

What sauces are used with coconut shrimp?

Of course you can’t have a great air fryer coconut shrimp recipe without a yummy dipping sauce. Some great options are sweet thai chili sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, Greek yogurt with lime and pineapple. So many great options.

chopsticks picking up air fryer coconut shrimp

What to serve with coconut shrimp?

The best thing about finger food appetizers is you can eat it just like like that. But if you wanted to add rice, fries, use it to top pasta these would all be amazing ideas.

How to store cooked air fryer coconut shrimp?

Once cooled, place shrimp in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. This will be keep for 3-4 days.

How to reheat coconut shrimp?

Air fryer coconut shrimp are best eaten fresh, although if you happen to have leftovers there are a few options to reheat. To get the crunchy exterior you can reheat in the air fryer for just a few minutes or place in the toaster oven. You can also reheat in the microwave, however you will not get that original crunchy crust this way.

dark gray plate of air fryer coconut shrimp

Can you freeze coconut shrimp?

Coconut shrimp can be frozen. Place cooked shrimp on a baking pan and freeze. Once partially frozen you can place in an airtight container and set in the freezer. This will keep for up to 6 months.

How to make air fryer coconut shrimp?

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400F.
  2. On a large plate add mochiko flour, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. To another plate add eggs. Whisk to combine. To the last plate add panko and coconut flakes. Stir to combine.
  3. Pat shrimp dry. Dip in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then the panko mixture. Place on a plate.
  4. Once the air fryer has preheated. Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown.
  5. Use your favorite dipping sauce and ENJOY!
air fryer coconut shrimp on a plate with dipping sauce

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Relle Lum
Air fryer coconut shrimp are crispy, crunchy, and an easy appetizer to make at home. Ditch the deep fry and make this healthier option you’re sure to be pleased.
4.86 from 7 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Air Fryer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 405 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup mochiko flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup panko
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 400F.
  • On a large plate add mochiko flour, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. To another plate add eggs. Whisk to combine. To the last plate add panko and coconut flakes. Stir to combine.
  • Pat shrimp dry. Dip in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then the panko mixture. Place on a plate.
  • Once the air fryer has preheated. Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown.
  • Use your favorite dipping sauce and ENJOY!

Notes

*Substitutions: Use all purpose flour in replacement of mochiko flour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 405kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 35gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 332mgSodium: 1443mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
Keyword air fryer, air fryer coconut shrimp, coconut shrimp, easy recipes, keeping it relle, seafood, seafood recipes, shrimp
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By on February 4th, 2021

About Relle

Aloha, my name is Relle and welcome to my little home on the internet where I like to share all my favorite Hawaiian recipes (and local ones too).

I am a wife, mom of two, and nurse practitioner here in the beautiful state of Hawai’i. I was born and raised in Hawai’i and I am of native Hawaiian descent. In my spare time I love to cook and bake and I have compiled many of my favorite recipes here for you to enjoy.

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4 thoughts on “Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp”

  1. Aloha, Relle🌺 I just found you and I love all your things Hawaii local! Can your Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp be baked in the oven? Love to try but I don’t own an air fryer. I miss Hawaii so much but I am finding so much comfort of home cooking on your site! Mahalo, Doris

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