Crispy Coconut Shrimp Made in the Air Fryer

Homemade shrimp has never tasted better. This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, coconut-crusted bites that are lighter than traditional fried versions and perfectly paired with a tangy pineapple tropical sauce.

A quick and simple healthy shrimp recipe

There’s coconut shrimp, and then there’s healthy air fryer coconut shrimp — the latter is crisp, flavorful, and uses far less oil. These coconut-breaded shrimp get a light, golden crust from shredded coconut and a flavorful coating of coconut flour, seasoning, egg, and a touch of honey. Dip them in the bright pineapple-coconut yogurt sauce for a tropical finish that balances sweet and tangy.

Air fryer coconut shrimp work wonderfully as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. They come together quickly and are a great make-ahead option for gatherings.

Air fryer coconut shrimp ingredients

The shrimp are coated in a three-part breading, air fried until golden, and served with a simple tropical sauce made from yogurt, pineapple, coconut, honey, and salt.

Shrimp

• Shrimp: 1 lb raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp.
• Flour: 1/2 cup coconut flour for the dry dredge.
• Seasonings: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
• Eggs: 2 eggs for the wash.
• Honey: 1 tbsp honey mixed into the egg wash to add a touch of sweetness and help the coconut stick.
• Coconut: 3/4 cup shredded coconut for the final coating.

Tropical Sauce

• Yogurt: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt as the creamy base.
• Pineapple: 1/4 cup crushed pineapple for bright tropical flavor.
• Coconut: 3 tbsp shredded coconut for extra coconut goodness.
• Honey: 1 tbsp honey to sweeten the sauce.
• Salt: 1/4 tsp salt to balance the sweetness.

Tools used to make coconut shrimp

You only need a few simple tools: three small bowls for the breading steps and an air fryer. For measuring, have 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 3/4 cup measures on hand.

How to make healthy air fryer coconut shrimp

This recipe takes about 20 minutes total (10 minutes prep and 10 minutes cook time). Follow these steps for best results.

1. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels so the coatings adhere well.

2. In the first small bowl, combine the coconut flour, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. In the second bowl, whisk the two eggs with 1 tbsp honey to make the egg wash.

4. Place the shredded coconut in the third bowl.

5. Working one shrimp at a time, dredge each shrimp in the coconut flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and press into the shredded coconut until fully coated.

6. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning once if needed, until the shrimp are golden and cooked through.

7. While the shrimp cook, combine the Greek yogurt, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, honey, and salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

8. Serve the hot coconut shrimp with the tropical sauce alongside for dipping.

How this shrimp is healthier

Using an air fryer produces a crispy, toasted coconut exterior without submerging the shrimp in oil. The hot circulating air crisps the coating while keeping the shrimp juicy, reducing added fat compared with deep-frying and making this version a lighter, still-delicious option.

If you liked this recipe, try these

Try more flavorful, health-conscious seafood and air fryer recipes to expand your menu.

• Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Coconut Cauliflower Rice
• Cajun Parmesan Salmon
• Healthy Teriyaki Salmon
• Healthy Chicken Nuggets (Baked and Air Fried)

Photos by Moriah Sawtelle and recipe by Erin Antoniak.