These Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp are bursting with flavor and lots of texture. Butterflied shrimp is dipped in a coconut batter, dredged in a panko-coconut breading and air-fried until crispy perfection and ready for dunking in a simple pineapple coconut yogurt dip. Feeds 4 to 6 (depending) in about 30 minutes. 

I have loved Coconut shrimp since the first time I tasted it almost twenty-some years ago. Back in the day, when our girls were a lot younger, Pat and I would take them to Red Lobster for a special dinner. Pat would get the shrimp combo (scampi and popcorn shrimp and fries), we’d split a basket of cheddar bay biscuits (side note: anyone have that recipe?) the girls would order off of the paper kiddie menu. For me, without hesitation or the need to look at a menu, I would order the coconut shrimp and that yummy pineapple coconut yogurt dipping sauce. More on that sauce later.

If you’ve been reading along over the years, you know I have a deep, underlying fear of deep frying. I just can’t bring myself to do it. Not only because of the calories but the hot oil literally scares me to death. I admire anyone who can heat that much oil in a pot successfully. Pat knows this as well, so this past Christmas he got me an air-fryer (affiliate) and it’s safe to say that I am indeed obsessed with it. At first I was overwhelmed and unsure where to begin because there’s so many things to be made. So I gave it a few months and a few a test runs, and so here we are.

I can now safely, and more healthily fry things with AIR! I mean, can you even believe these beauties where NOT deep fried?? Who wants to split these with me?

These air-fryer coconut shrimp need something to be dunked in and this pineapple coconut yogurt dip just the thing. And BONUS it’s SO easy too. In a medium bowl, combine 2/3 pineapple marmalade, 1/2 cup plain (full fat) greek yogurt, 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes and 1 to 2 tablespoons of light coconut milk. Stir, cover and refrigerate while you work on the shrimp. While in the fridge, the  coconut will soften and absorb some the liquids so they plump and thicken the dip.

Now for the coconut shrimp, you will need:  shrimp, plain panko bread crumbs, unsweetened coconut flakes, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, flour, egg, coconut milk and non-aerosol cooking spray, preferably coconut oil.

Peel and devein 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 shrimp per pound) and butterfly by running your knife on the underneath meaty portion of the shrimp.

In a shallow bowl combine, 1/2 cup of panko and 1-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and paprika and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

In a separate shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour with 1 large egg and 1/3 cup coconut milk. Feel free to thin out with a few splashes of coconut if needed.

Dip, dredge and place on to a clean parchment line platter or sheet pan.

Spritz the air-fryer basket with coconut spray  and preheat your air fryer to 390°.

Once preheated, work in batches placing the shrimp butterflied side touching the basket and spray the shrimp a couple times with the coconut oil spray. Cook the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.

Serve the air-fryer coconut shrimp warm with little bowls of the pineapple coconut dip and prepare your tastebuds for a flavor explosion.

I’m already planning on making these again because they are that good. And that dip. I could drink it from a straw.

I’m also thinking about all the other things I can air-fry. Do you have any recipes you love or that you would want me to tackle? I’m up for the challenge! Just leave a comment below or email me using the contact button at the top of my blog. Yay! I look forward to hearing from you guys!

This is my first (of hopefully many) air-fryer recipes, but in the meantime check out my other shrimp or seafood recipes!

Enjoy! And if you give this Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

My cookbook Simply Scratch : 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy is now available! CLICK HERE for details and THANK YOU in advance!

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