Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp (Gluten-Free)

Name: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp (Gluten-Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Shrimp (raw, large, peeled and deveined with tails attached); 2 Eggs, lightly beaten (large); Cooking spray; 1/4 cup {Gluten-Free} All-purpose flour (can sub regular flour); 1 tbsp Corn starch; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; 1 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 tsp Black pepper; 1 cup Shredded coconut (unsweetened); 1/2 cup {Gluten-Free} Breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free or regular); Chipotle crema Sauce (for serving)

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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp is mouthwatering restaurant-style coconut shrimp made quick and easy for a delicious entrée or appetizer. This healthy gluten-free shrimp recipe does not require deep frying but it still has that crispy, flavorful crunch you expect!

If air fryer fish is your favorite, you’ll definitely want to check out my Air Fryer Lobster with Garlic Butter or Air Fryer Ahi Tuna next!

plate of air fryer coconut shrimp with a side of dipping sauce

When it comes to air fryer coconut shrimp recipes, this one is guaranteed to become your favorite—it’s simply the best! Preparing shrimp in the air fryer saves time and requires very little clean-up. Skip the store-bought frozen coconut shrimp (yes, that includes the Trader Joe’s Frozen Coconut Shrimp), and see how easy it is to make your own from scratch! I promise you, this shrimp will be gobbled up in minutes!

How healthy is coconut shrimp?

Shrimp is a healthy dish for those who follow a keto or low-carb diet. Using the air fryer instead of a pan full of grease also cuts back on calories.

You’ll Love This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe! It’s:

Quick and Easy To Make – Taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish!
A Family Favorite – Kids and adults alike love this dish!
Perfect to serve as an appetizer or full-meal!
Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, And Dairy-Free!

Here’s What You Need To Make This Easy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Use raw, large, peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails attached. Keeping the tail on makes for an easy finger food. Plus, it adds a tasty crunch!
Seasoning: A tasty blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and salt.
Coating: For this, use gluten-free all-purpose flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and corn starch.
Eggs: This is added so that the coconut adheres to the shrimp.
Shredded Coconut: Make sure you grab the unsweetened kind!
Cooking Spray: Use this so that the shrimp doesn’t stick to the surface of the air fryer.
Chipotle crema Sauce: This 6-ingredient recipe is made simply by blending the ingredients together. It’s smokey, creamy chipotle flavor makes it the perfect dipping sauce for the shrimp!

step to show how to make coconut shrimp in the air fryer — Place coated shrimp in air fryer basket

golden brown fully cooked gluten free coconut shrimp in the air fryer — Cook ~10 minutes, flipping halfway through

How To Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Preparation: Before cooking, preheat the air fryer to 360°F for about 5 minutes. Once the air fryer is heated, spray the basket with cooking spray.
Coating: Then combine the seasonings, flour, and cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Grab another similar bowl and combine the breadcrumbs and shredded coconut. Next, dip the shrimp one at a time in the flour, then the eggs, and lastly, the coconut mixture.
Cooking: Place shrimp in the basket of the air fryer making sure to leave space between each. Bake until the shrimp is golden and cooked through. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Work in batches as necessary.
Finishing Touches: When the shrimp is cooked, garnish with green onion or parsley and serve with Chipotle Crema or your preferred dipping sauce. Finally, enjoy!

Close up of Vegan Chipotle Cashew Cream Sauce

What To Serve With Coconut Shrimp?

I love how versatile this dish is! Serve it up as a Holiday or party appetizer, quick snack, or make it the entree for a weekday meal. Here are some yummy side dish ideas:

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Dipping Sauce: Chipotle Crema (V + GF)

close up of air fryer coconut shrimp with dipping sauce on the shrimp

Common Questions:

Why Is My Coconut Shrimp Soggy?

There are a few factors that can contribute to the dreaded soggy coconut shrimp. Avoid this by removing all excess water from the shrimp prior to cooking. Never cook with frozen shrimp. Also, do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Coconut Shrimp In The Air Fryer?

It generally takes about 10 minutes to cook shrimp at 385°F. Be sure to cook shrimp in a single layer and flip halfway through for the best results.

How To Cook Coconut Shrimp In The Oven?

If you do not have an air fryer, you can always cook this Coconut Shrimp in the oven! Preheat the oven to 425°F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the coated shrimp onto the tray in a single layer. Spray the top of the shrimp lightly with cooking oil spray. Bake for 10 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and the outer layer is crispy. Remove from the oven and serve with dipping sauce.

plate of gluten-free air fryer coconut shrimp with chipotle crema dippings sauce

Tips To Nail The Recipe

If you are not sensitive to gluten, use regular all-purpose flour
Use Fresh or Thawed Raw Shrimp. Do not cook from frozen and do not use precooked shrimp.
Preheat the air fryer before using for the best results.
Lay shrimp in one layer: For the best crispy coconut shrimp, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Work in batches if necessary.
Be mindful of varying cooking times for different air fryers and adjust time and temperature accordingly after making the first batch.
In order to achieve even browning, flip the shrimp halfway through.

dipping coconut shrimp in dipping sauce: vegan chipotle crema

How To Store Leftover Coconut Shrimp?

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an air-tight container for up to 2 days. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes.

I hope you enjoy this Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe!

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

If You Love This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, You’ll Want To Check Out These Delicious Air Fryer Recipes Next!