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Crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

crispy air fryer coconut shrimp - featured image

This easy air fryer coconut shrimp recipe delivers juicy shrimp coated in a crispy coconut-panko crust, served with a tangy sweet chili dipping sauce. It’s a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
  • Avocado or coconut oil spray

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, and paprika mixed together.
  3. Dredge each shrimp in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then coat in coconut-panko mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks. Lay coated shrimp on a parchment-lined tray.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
  5. Spray air fryer basket lightly with oil. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, not overcrowding. Spray tops lightly with oil.
  6. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until coating is golden and shrimp are opaque and curled.
  7. While shrimp cook, mix sweet chili sauce with lime juice in a small bowl. Top with chopped cilantro if desired.
  8. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour and gluten-free panko. For extra crunch, chill coated shrimp for 10 minutes before air frying. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can prep ahead by coating shrimp and refrigerating up to 3 hours before cooking. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer coconut shrimp, party appetizer, crispy shrimp, sweet chili sauce, easy shrimp recipe, gluten-free option, dairy-free, tropical appetizer