My Forking Life

  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
search icon
Homepage link
  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
×
Home » Recipe Index » Air Fryer

Published: Jul 2, 2024 by Tanya · This post may contain affiliate links · 27 Comments

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

Jump to Recipe -

These Air-Fried Coconut Shrimp are covered in crispy coconut breading and paired with a delicious Sweet Thai Chili dipping sauce. They're the perfect appetizer recipe for your Air Fryer.

air fryer shrimp with coconut breading on a table


 

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Full Recipe/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I’ve got a love for fried seafood and thanks to my Air Fryer, I can have “fried” seafood anytime I want without all the added grease and deep frying. For example, this Crispy Air Fryer Fish recipe is a favorite among readers and in our house. This coconut air fried shrimp has now been added to our favorites.

Now it may seem weird cooking shrimp in an air fryer since shrimp is so delicate and can overcook, but I found that my shrimp cooked perfectly in my Air Fryer. I like the crispy coconut coating on these shrimp and it is a restaurant quality appetizer.

hand dipping air fryer shrimp in thai sweet chili sauce

Ingredients Needed

  • Fresh Large raw shrimp - the shrimp should be defrosted, peeled, and deveined with the tail on. It'll be easy to grab the shrimp by the tail for dipping.
  • For the breading station - eggs, all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and unsweetened shredded coconut, salt, and black pepper
  • Oil - for spraying the shrimp to make them nice and golden in the air fryer.

How to make Coconut Air Fryer Shrimp?

First, preheat your Air Fryer oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, make your dredging station. Grab three bowls. In one bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, add a beaten egg. For the third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs, coconut, salt, and pepper and mix.

air fryer shrimp preparation bowls

Grab your large raw, peeled shrimp and make sure they are clean and dry. I like to keep the tail on the shrimp for easy dipping.

Then, dip each piece of shrimp in your bowls in the following order: First the flour, next the egg, and then the panko and shredded coconut mixture.

Next, place your shrimp in a greased air fryer basket in a single layer and spray them lightly with oil.

raw and breaded cocnut shrimp in basket

Close your air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes is up, flip your shrimp, then spray the other side. Close the basket and cook for 5 more minutes.

Once your shrimp is cooked on both sides, remove them from the basket and serve them with Thai sweet chili sauce—it's the perfect flavor combination.

Can you cook raw shrimp in an Air Fryer?

Yes. That's what this recipe calls for. I tend to only use cooked shrimp for salad recipes, like this Cold Seafood Salad recipe. But for any recipe that calls for shrimp to be cooked, I recommend raw shrimp. For this recipe, I use large defrosted peeled and deveined raw shrimp.

air fried shrimp after air frying in basket

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve these as an appetizer with a side of chili sauce. You could also serve them with ketchup or use the shrimp as a salad topper.

You can find chili sauce in the International section of most supermarkets. But, if you're feeling up to it, you can also make your own Sweet Thai Chili Sauce.

How do I make my coconut shrimp crispy?

The key to getting this shrimp extra crispy is using flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut to bread the shrimp. This will give you that extra delicious crisp exterior with a well cooked interior.

Tanya's Top Tips

  • For easier cleanup, use parchment paper liners with holes in them. It's one of my favorite air fryer accessories. I talk more about these accessories in my 10 Air Fryer Accessories that are worth your money post.
  • This recipe calls for large shrimp. If using smaller shrimp, decrease the cooking time by a few minutes.

Pin this for Later

pin for air fryer shrimp

If you are looking for more Air Fryer Appetizers, try these out:

  • Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
  • Air Fryer Steak Kebabs
  • Air Fryer Crispy Korean Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls
  • Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
  • Air Fryer Crab Cakes

If you make this air fryer shrimp recipe, please let us know how you like it by leaving a review below. Your feedback is appreciated!

coconut shrimp in basket
Tanya

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

4.85 from 13 votes
This easy and delicious Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce is the perfect way to prepare shrimp in your Air Fryer. The shrimp is perfectly cooked and dipped in Sweet Thai Chili Sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 9 minutes mins
Total Time 19 minutes mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 293

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large raw shrimp peeled and deveined with tail on
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for spraying

Instructions
 

  1. Clean and dry shrimp. Set aside.
  2. Grab 3 bowls. Place flour in one bowl. Place beaten egg in the second bowl. Combine coconut, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper in the third bowl.
  3. Preheat your Air Fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take about 3 minutes.
  4. Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, then coconut mixture, ensuring shrimp is covered on all sides during each dip.
  5. Place shrimp in a single layer in an Air Fryer basket that has been greased.
  6. Lightly spray the shrimp with oil and then close the Air Fryer basket. Cook for 4 minutes.
  7. After 4 minutes, open air fryer basket and flip shrimp over. Spray shrimp again, close air fryer basket, and cook for 5 more minutes.
  8. Remove shrimp from basket and serve with Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. Enjoy 🙂

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 28gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 367mgSodium: 1525mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 4.6mgCalcium: 187mgIron: 4.1mg

Notes

  • Vegetable oil, olive oil, or avocado oil can be used for spraying.
  • If using parchment liners, do not place liners in air fryer during preheating. Place shrimp evenly on liners before starting Air fryer. This avoids the liner from flying up into the heating element. 
  • Make sure the shrimp are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may have to cook shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. 

Tools Used for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

  • Air Fryer
  • Parchment liners with holes
  • Evo Spray Bottles

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

This post was originally published on January 25, 2019. It has been updated with new information.

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • cooked pork chops in air fryer basket
    Juicy, Perfect Air Fryer Pork Chops (Air-Fried Pork Chops)
  • two steaks in the air fryer basket with garlic butter on top
    Juicy Air Fryer Steak (Quick & Easy)
  • air fryer fish on white plate with tatar sauce and lemons
    Crispy Air Fryer Fish Recipe
  • roasted chicken on cutting board
    Air Fried Spatchcock Chicken

Spread the Flavor and Share

Comments

    4.85 from 13 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Kim says

    September 10, 2020 at 6:48 pm

    These shrimp are so good and addicting! I'm so glad I came across your recipe. I used a little extra breadcrumbs and coconut because I really packed it on the shrimp to get a good coating, and next time I might cut back a tiny bit on the salt, but the flavor is great. I cooked mine for about 7 minutes total. I made a sweet dipping sauce with equal parts Dijon and honey to two parts orange marmalade.

    Reply
    • Diane E Eckstine says

      January 24, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      @Kim, thanks dipping sauce sounds great

      Reply
  2. Wyovena Newberry says

    August 30, 2020 at 10:11 pm

    Will these receipts work with a Power Air Fryer Oven?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      August 31, 2020 at 9:49 am

      hi Wyovena, yes the will. You may just have to increase the cook time by a few minutes.

      Reply
  3. Susan K says

    July 14, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    Shrimp were awesome! My Ninja Foodi must run hot so I did 4 minutes and then 4 minutes and they were perfect! My only comment is the coconut and panko mix didn’t go far enough and I had to double the amount to finish the shrimp. Thankfully I had enough to continue and family was happy! Great recipe

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      July 15, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      Thanks so much Susan K! So glad you liked the recipe.

      Reply
  4. Janet Bradley says

    July 08, 2020 at 9:13 am

    I have a Ninja Foodi Grill, do you think I could could them in it??? Recipe sounds amazing, can't wait to try this.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      July 08, 2020 at 9:37 pm

      Hi Janet, Absolutley! It will work in any air frying device. Just watch the temperature and time as different air fryers function differently. Some run hotter and faster than others.

      Reply
  5. Chet Cohron says

    May 15, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    My Air Fryer must run hotter than yours. I tried the 390F and I got shrimp with dark coconut almost burnt. The next time I cooked at 350F and it was perfect.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      May 15, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      That may be it then. I've heard some air fryers, like Cosori, run a little hotter. Glad it worked out at a lower temp.

      Reply
  6. Chet says

    May 09, 2020 at 11:37 pm

    I tried this last week and the coconut on the shrimp was burnt or turned black. How can I get around this problem? Everything else was very good....except the coconut.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      May 10, 2020 at 11:08 am

      Hi Chet, sorry to hear about the burnt coconut flakes. was it unsweetened coconut flakes? If not, the added sugar in sweetened coconut could be the problem. If not, it just may be the air fryer temp needs to be adjusted. Each air fryer operates differently so yours just may need a lower temp to air fryer this. I'd try lowering the temp to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

      Reply
  7. Monica says

    May 08, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    This was so easy and yummy!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      May 08, 2020 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you Monica 🙂

      Reply
  8. Brian says

    April 16, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Simple. Easy. Delicious. A family favorite! Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    April 06, 2020 at 9:16 pm

    Okay so I have no idea what happened but these came out dry and coconut was burned. I followed the directions to a t. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      April 07, 2020 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Michelle, What brand is your air fryer? That may have something to do with it if it's more powerful than mine. I'd reduce the temp to about 360 and check on it a few minutes earlier next time.

      Reply
  10. Donna says

    February 16, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    Made these to have during the Daytona 500 with my newly purchase air fryer and served them with a sweet chili dipping sauce, they were restaurant worthy OUTSTANDING ! Thank you for sharing !

    Reply
  11. Leigh says

    April 14, 2019 at 9:04 am

    We love coconut shrimp and this is the first thing I made with our new air fryer. This recipe is so easy and absolutely delicious! Now we enjoy it at least once a week!

    Reply
  12. Amy | The Cook Report says

    January 29, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    This shrimp looks perfectly crispy, I want it!

    Reply
  13. Pam says

    January 29, 2019 at 10:02 am

    I've been on the fence about getting an air fryer, but this recipe has me convinced to go for it!

    Reply
  14. Tayler Ross says

    January 29, 2019 at 8:40 am

    These shrimp are so amazing! I am definitely making again for Super Bowl Sunday!

    Reply
  15. Elizabeth says

    January 29, 2019 at 8:18 am

    I fell in love with coconut shrimp while visiting the Caribbean, so I'd love to be able to make this at home! Using an air fryer is a great way to keep the calories lower too!

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Welcome!

Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

More about me

Popular Recipes

  • Jamaican Oxtails Recipe
  • air fried chicken in air fryer basket
    Air Fryer Fried Chicken
  • brown stew chicken in pan
    Brown Stew Chicken
  • Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella

Holiday Favorites

  • sweet potato pie on a plate
    Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
  • spoon lifting gravy out of gravy dish
    Easy Recipe for Gravy without Drippings
  • creamy baked macaroni and cheese, the best baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese
    Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
  • Stirring the giblet gravy with a spoon.
    Grandma's Giblet Gravy Recipe
as seen on...various online websites text listed

Footer

↑ back to top
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About Tanya

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 My Forking Life

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.