Crispy Air-Fried Coconut Shrimp Recipe with Tangy Dipping Sauce

This air-fried coconut shrimp is crisp, coconut-forward, and pairs perfectly with a tangy orange-lime dipping sauce.

How to Make Coconut Shrimp in the Air Fryer

These coconut shrimp are simple to prepare and deliver the satisfying crunch of fried shrimp without deep-frying. The shrimp are lightly floured, dipped in coconut milk, and coated with a mix of panko crumbs and sweetened coconut for a pronounced coconut flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to 375ºF. Cook the shrimp for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides turn golden and crispy.

What You Need to Make Air Fried Coconut Shrimp

• Shrimp (thawed)
• All-purpose flour
• Coconut milk
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Sweetened coconut flakes
• Coconut oil

If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in a colander under cold running water for 6–8 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels before coating.

Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or pan. Drizzle a little melted coconut oil over the top—this helps the coating crisp up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Flip the shrimp halfway through cooking and drizzle with a touch more coconut oil to ensure both sides become evenly crispy. Allow the shrimp to finish cooking the remaining minutes so the coating turns a deep golden brown.

Recipe for Air Fried Coconut Shrimp

Air Fried Coconut Shrimp

Take yourself to the islands with these crunchy coconut shrimp served with a bright orange-lime dipping sauce.

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
8 mins

Total Time
18 mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 326 kcal

Author: Sarah Alvord, Feeding Your Fam

Ingredients

• 20–30 Large shrimp (thawed)
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Coconut milk
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Sweetened coconut flakes
• 2–3 tbsp Coconut oil

Orange Lime Dipping Sauce

• 2 tbsp Orange marmalade
• 1 tbsp Lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
• 1 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare shrimp by peeling and deveining if needed. If frozen, thaw under cold running water for 6–8 minutes. Pat dry. Tails can be left on if desired.
2. In three shallow bowls arrange the flour, the coconut milk, and a mixture of panko and sweetened coconut flakes.
3. One at a time, dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in coconut milk, then press into the panko-coconut mixture until fully coated.
4. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket or pan and drizzle with a little melted coconut oil. Cook in batches if needed.
5. Air fry at 375ºF for 8 minutes. After 4 minutes, open the fryer, flip the shrimp, and drizzle a bit more coconut oil. Continue cooking until golden brown and crispy.

Orange Lime Dipping Sauce

1. Whisk together orange marmalade, lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust heat to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 326 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 16 g

Course: Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Keyword: Air Fried Coconut Shrimp

Other Recipes Using the Air Fryer

• Air Fried Ravioli
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings