These crispy coconut shrimp are perfect for weekend meals. The recipe is so quick and easy to make that you won't believe it.
Making it in Air fryer makes it healthier and still incredibly crunchy and moist.
I was inspired to come up with this recipe after having it at a restaurant.
Juicy, sweet shrimp with sweet coconut and a spicy coating goes beautifully with a glass of beer or just with a dip.
You may also like: Air fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, Air fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, lemon garlic shrimp air fryer, Air fryer Cajun Shrimp, tandoori Shrimp.
How to Make the Perfect Air fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Shrimp: Use good quality large shrimp for this recipe though medium ones do just as well. If using frozen shrimp, do thaw them before using. To do this quickly put them in a colander and wash them in running water for 7-8 minutes.
- Coating: Eggs help in binding the shrimp to the coating. I use a combination of bread crumbs, wholewheat flour and coconut flakes or flour for this recipe.
- Seasoning: Pepper, salt, paprika and other herbs help to season the shrimp well.
Step-by-step Pictures
Bowls arranged with shrimp, egg mix, seasoned flour and breadcrumbs with coconut mix.
For Air frying:
Preheat the Air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 5 minutes.
Brush the air fryer basket with oil.
Now dip the shrimp in seasoned flour, then egg and the breadcrumbs with coconut mix.
Place on the Air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes at 200C or 390F till golden.
You may flip the shrimp half way through.
Your Air fryer coconut shrimp is done.
For Pan frying
Take 2-3 tbsp. of oil in a pan.
Heat till medium hot. Now pan fry the shrimp till golden on both sides.
It takes about 3-4 minutes.
Drain them and take out on a paper napkin to absorb the excess oil.
Serve hot with a dip of your choice.
Serve your coconut shrimp with a tangy dip or chutney. Enjoy.
This is the perfect appetizer for a party or for the weekend. It is also high-protein recipe.
If you are a seafood lover, you would love these crispy shrimp with the crunch of coconut.
FAQs
You can use oat flour or nut flour in place of all purpose or wholewheat flour. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
You can use low carb breadcrumb alternatives that are available or nut crumbs too.
Yes you can but you need to thaw them first.
Regular unsweetened coconut flakes work best. You can also put them in blender and make them finer if you don't like very big flakes.
I love to serve them with spicy mayo, chipotle or any other zesty dip.
You can put foil or parchment paper in the base to collect any dripping breading. You can also use parchment paper to line Air fryer basket in case you find that your shrimp sticks to the basket. Mine didn't.
Here's the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Air fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp or 500. gm.
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all purpose flour or wholewheat flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. dry oregano and basil
- 1.5 tsp. pepper powder
- 1 tsp. paprika or Kashmiri chilli powder
- salt to taste
- 1 tsp. oil For Air fryer
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Instructions
- Clean and devein the shrimp. Leave the tails as they help in holding the shrimp.
- Pat them dry and keep aside.
- Beat the eggs and keep in a shallow dish
- In another shallow dish combine coconut flakes (or powder), breadcrumbs, flour, pepper, dry oregano and basil, paprika and salt.
For Air frying
- Preheat the Air fryer at 390 F or 200 C for 5 minutes. Brush the air fryer basket with oil. Dunk the shrimp in egg wash followed by the breading so that they are well coated.
- Place the shrimp on the Air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes till golden. Make sure not to overcook them.
For deep frying
- Heat 2-3 tbsp. oil in a pan.
- Keep it on medium heat.
- Take the shrimp dipped in egg wash followed by breading and shallow fry on each side for about 2 minutes or till golden brown.
- Drain them and serve hot with a tangy sauce or dip of your choice.
Notes
- The larger the shrimp, the more time they take to cook. For my medium shrimp, I took 6 minutes to cook. Remember that they continue to cook once removed and may easily be overcooked. If planning to serve later, cook for about 4 minutes and keep aside. Then just heat in the Air fryer for about 2 minutes and serve hot.
- You can skip oregano and basil if you so like. Don't overseason. Let the sweet taste of shrimp shine through. 3. Air frying them cuts down the oil used and the shrimp turn out nice and crunchy without any use of oil. 4. I have used wholewheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the recipe healthier. You can also use ground oats in its place. 5. There is no need to flip the shrimp midway. 6. The shrimp does not stick to the basket once cooked but in case yours does, use parchment paper to line the Air fryer basket. 7. These make for the perfect appetizers or snacks. 8. Check FAQs for low carb and gluten-free options.
Nutrition
If you like the recipe, please give it a * star rating. Thanks.
Shalini says
Oh, I would love to try this one! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Rachna says
That's great, Shalini. Hope you like it.
d Nambiar says
Not difficult at all. And they look so good.
My hubby loves prawns. This could be the special for the upcoming birthday, I think. 😉 Thank you dear Rachna. 🙂
I hope you are doing well.
Rachna says
Oh yes, they are pretty easy to make. I do hope your husband enjoys them. 🙂 So lovely to hear from you. I have been well. I hope you are too. I always see and enjoy the lovely travel pics that you post. What else is new?
Rajlakshmi says
Can this be made with cocktail prawns? I have no idea how to devein them. This looks so good. I love the variety of recipes you cook.
Soumya Prasad says
Did you use fresh coconut or the dried ones?
The recipe looks so simple and I can almost feel the crunch on the prawns as I type this. Sadly, since I cannot cook this at home, I’ll wait to get to my mom’s place to try this ?
Rubina Ramesh says
They look yummy Rachna. Marking this recipe for my next party. Thank you!
Shilpa Garg says
They look absolutely yum. Am not a big fan of sea food but KG and AG are absolutely love it. Will ask KG to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing, Rachna!
Sanch @ Sanch Writes says
That looks good and so simple! Must try it soon 🙂
Gail Montero says
Coconut prawns are one of my favorite foods ever! Thanks for this tasty recipe and for including an air-fryer version!
Rachna says
Thank you, Gail. Glad you liked the recipe.
Courtney says
We loved the seasoning on these shrimp - the paprika was such a nice contrast to the coconut.
Rachna says
Thank you Courtney.
Tania Pilcher | Fit Foodie Nutter says
My daughter has bookmarked this recipe to make at the weekend! Can't wait to make it with her!
Rachna says
I hope both of you like them.
Sharon says
These easy coconut prawns are perfect for snacks or appetizers. They go great on sandwiches too.
Rachna says
Thank you Sharon
Charla says
I can't wait to make these on our next chic flick night. Thanks!
Rachna says
Thank you Charla