Hey y'all! Craving something crispy, juicy, and full of tropical flavor? This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce is your new go-to for parties, weeknight appetizers, or anytime you need a taste of summer. The shrimp come out perfectly golden and crunchy—without deep frying—while the homemade dipping sauce adds the perfect sweet and tangy finish. It's quick, easy, and sure to impress. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Super crispy texture with less oil thanks to the air fryer.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- The sweet and savory coconut coating pairs perfectly with the zesty dipping sauce.
- Easy to make gluten-free with a simple swap.
- Family-friendly and guaranteed to wow your guests.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick cooking spray
Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon honey
How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the coconut-panko mixture. Press lightly to help the coating stick.
Step 3: Arrange and Air Fry
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, leaving space between each. Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with more nonstick spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the shrimp cook, whisk together sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the hot, crispy shrimp to a platter. Serve immediately with the zesty dipping sauce on the side.
Notes for the Best Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Use large shrimp for best texture and juiciness—smaller shrimp may overcook quickly.
- For extra crunch, use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs (learn more about panko here).
- Make it gluten-free: Swap flour and panko for gluten-free versions—many stores now offer great options.
Variations on Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour for extra heat.
- Pineapple Dip: Swap lime juice for pineapple juice in the dipping sauce for a sweeter tang.
- Almond Coconut Shrimp: Replace half the coconut with finely chopped almonds for a nutty twist.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Air fryer (at least 4 qt. capacity recommended)
- Three shallow bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet (for staging shrimp before air frying)
- Tongs
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
Store leftover coconut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. The dipping sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Serving Recommendations and Pairings
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens or with jasmine rice for a light meal.
- Pair with tropical cocktails or a cold lager for the perfect party starter.
- Garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro for a burst of color and zest.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Don't overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed for even crisping (see air fryer tips).
- For extra crunch, chill the breaded shrimp for 10 minutes before air frying.
- Use fresh, not frozen, shrimp for best flavor and texture—here's more on selecting quality seafood.
FAQ: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, just thaw the shrimp fully and pat dry before breading for a crispy finish.
- Can I make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp ahead of time?
- You can prep and bread the shrimp a few hours in advance and refrigerate—air fry just before serving for best results.
- What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?
- You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be softer and less crunchy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce (for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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2Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
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3Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with the coconut-panko mixture.
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4Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
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5Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
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6Mix sweet chili sauce and lime juice in a small bowl for the dipping sauce. Serve shrimp hot with the dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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