Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe- Only 6 Ingredients!

Crispy air fryer coconut shrimp made with just 6 ingredients—easy, healthy, and perfect for your next party or weeknight dinner!

Crispy, golden brown, and bursting with tropical flavor—this Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe is what easy, delicious meals are made of. Whether you’re planning your next party or just craving one of your favorite restaurant appetizers at home, these crispy shrimp hit all the right notes. With just six simple ingredients, you’ll create a seafood dish that looks impressive but comes together effortlessly in your air fryer basket.

Forget deep frying and the mess of heavy oils. This healthy coconut shrimp is a healthier version of the classic, made with less oil thanks to the magic of hot air circulation in your air fryer. Every coated shrimp turns out with that perfect crispy exterior—and trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this easy air fryer coconut shrimp as much as we do.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever hesitated to fry at home because of the cleanup or saturated fats, this air fryer coconut shrimp recipe is a total game-changer. It gives you the satisfying crunch of crispy coconut shrimp without needing a vat of oil. The air fryer’s hot air crisps up the panko mixture beautifully, creating a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender on the inside. It’s one of those air fryer recipes that quickly becomes a go-to in your rotation.

And then there’s the flavor—sweet, savory, and slightly spicy thanks to the Old Bay seasoning. The unsweetened shredded coconut and panko bread crumbs create a light and airy coconut coating that complements the fresh shrimp perfectly. This is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light, making it perfect for weeknights, appetizers, or serving at your next party.

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A Breakdown of the Ingredients

What makes this simple recipe shine is how each ingredient plays its role:

• 1 lb shrimp, shelled & deveined: Use large shrimp for the best results. Whether you’re using raw shrimp or frozen shrimp (just thaw them first), make sure they’re deveined shrimp with tails on or off based on your preference.
• ½ cup flour: All-purpose flour (or purpose flour) is used here as the base for our first dredge, helping the egg wash stick better to the shrimp. You can even try coconut flour for a low carb option.
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: Brings that classic seafood kick with a hint of spice. You can also sprinkle in a little garlic powder for added depth.
• 2 eggs: Whisked in a shallow bowl (or first bowl), the whole eggs act as the binder to make the coconut mixture stick.
• ½ cup shredded coconut: Use unsweetened shredded coconut or sweet coconut flakes depending on your flavor preference. This adds tropical flair and crunch.
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs: Light, airy, and key to the crispy finish. Panko breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that irresistible crispy air fryer coconut shrimp.

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How to Make the Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep your dipping stations: Grab three medium bowls. In the first bowl, beat the whole eggs until smooth. In the second bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut. In the third, combine all-purpose flour with Old Bay seasoning (and optionally, garlic powder).

1. Set up an assembly line: Place shrimp in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the coconut mixture. Press gently to ensure the coated shrimp gets an even layer of coconut and panko mixture. Shake off any excess flour as you go.

1. Air fry in a single layer: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow for even cooking. Lightly spray the top of the shrimp with nonstick cooking spray (or avocado oil spray for a healthier choice).
2. Cook time: Set your air fryer to 360°F. Cook for 6 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 4 minutes. The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy when done.
3. Serve and enjoy: Transfer shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like Thai sweet chili sauce.

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How to Store the Recipe

Leftover air fryer shrimp? No problem. Let the crispy shrimp cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer basket at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through—this helps maintain that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.

If you want to prep ahead, you can coat the raw shrimp and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, cook from frozen with a slightly longer cook time—add 2-3 minutes per side.

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Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use large shrimp: The size of your shrimp matters! Larger ones hold up better in the air fryer and provide the best texture.
• Keep your hands clean: Use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet when dredging, or use tongs for a tidier cooking process.
• Avoid overcrowding: Always cook in a single layer to let the hot air circulate properly for even browning.
• Swap in coconut flour: For a low carb version, substitute purpose flour with coconut flour—just note the coating might be slightly different in texture.
• Try a veggie side: Serve your shrimp alongside baby bok choy, a light salad, or rice for a balanced meal.
• Spray for crispiness: A light spray of oil on the shrimp helps get that deep-fried feel without the grease.

If you’re looking for air fryer recipes that are fast, satisfying, and feel like a treat, this air fryer coconut shrimp recipe checks all the boxes. With minimal ingredients, less oil, and restaurant-quality flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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