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    Home » Air Fryer

    Low Calorie Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    Published: April 7, 2021 · Modified: November 26, 2024 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Pinterest pin of low calorie coconut shrimp.

    Low Calorie Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp is a delicious and healthier version of the classic deep fried shrimp dish. With the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Oven baked instructions included!

    Coconut shrimp in front of the air fryer.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Variations
    • Oven Baked Coconut Shrimp
    • Storing
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
    • Low Calorie Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
    • #respond

    Check out my Low Calorie Chicken Taquitos and my Air Fryer Breaded Sea Scallops for more delicious air fryer recipes.

    Low calorie air fryer coconut shrimp is a popular seafood dish that is both crispy and flavorful, yet healthier than its traditional deep fried counterpart.

    The shrimp is cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crunchy and golden-brown crust while the inside stays tender and juicy.

    Coconut shrimp on a plate with dipping sauce.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • This recipe uses an air fryer instead of deep-frying, making it a healthier option as it requires less oil.
    • The combination of panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut creates a crispy texture while adding a tropical flavor to the shrimp.
    • This recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few simple ingredients.
    • Cooking the shrimp in the air fryer takes only 7 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare. It's a perfect healthy appetizer for the holidays!

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the coconut shrimp.

    For The Dipping Sauce, optional:

    • Granulated Sweetener: Adds sweetness.
    • Ketchup: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
    • White Vinegar: Adds acidity and balances the sweetness.
    • Water: Dilutes the dipping sauce and makes it a bit thinner in consistency.
    • Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds coconut flavor and texture.

    For The Shrimp:

    • Shrimp: The main ingredient in the recipe. Choose fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined.
    • Eggs: Used to coat the shrimp before dipping in the breadcrumb mixture.
    • All-Purpose Flour: Used to dredge the shrimp before dipping in the egg mixture.
    • Cornstarch: Helps to make the shrimp coating crispy and provides a nice texture.
    • Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides a crispy texture to the shrimp coating.
    • Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the shrimp coating and enhances the coconut flavor of the recipe.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Steps to make the coconut shrimp.

    For The dipping Sauce:

    Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the sweetener, ketchup, white vinegar, water and shredded coconut. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly. Set aside.

    For The Shrimp:

    Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs. Combine the flour and cornstarch in another shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut.

    Step 2: Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko/coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

    Step 3: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

    Step 4: Cook the shrimp for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

    Step 5: Serve the shrimp hot with the coconut dipping sauce on the side.

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    Shrimp dipped in sauce.

    Expert Tips

    • For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp that has been properly cleaned and deveined.
    • Leave the tail on the shrimp as it makes for a great handle to hold while eating.
    • Panko bread crumbs are lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs, making them perfect for this recipe.
    • Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and don't overcrowd them. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly.

    Variations

    • Curry: Add some curry powder to the panko bread crumb mixture for a fragrant and spicy twist.
    • Lemon: Add some lemon zest to the panko bread crumb mixture for a refreshing and tangy flavor.
    • Salad: Serve the coconut shrimp on a bed of mixed greens with sliced mango, red bell pepper, and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette.

    Oven Baked Coconut Shrimp

    1. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sweetener, ketchup, white vinegar, water, and shredded coconut. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Then, set it aside.
    2. In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading stations:
      • Dish 1: Whisk the eggs.
      • Dish 2: Combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
      • Dish 3: Mix the panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut.
    3. Take each shrimp and dip it first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the shrimp into the whisked eggs. Finally, coat the shrimp with the panko/coconut mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well.
    4. Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
    5. Place the coated shrimp on the wire rack on the baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them over halfway through the baking time. Bake until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
    6. Once the shrimp are baked, serve them hot with the coconut dipping sauce on the side.

    Storing

    Storing: The coconut shrimp is best served immediately while it's still warm and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Reheating: To reheat the shrimp, preheat the air fryer to 350 ℉. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

    Fresh shrimp is recommended for the best flavor and texture. However, if you need to use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.

    Can I make this recipe gluten free?

    Yes, you can use gluten free all-purpose flour and gluten free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter!

    Thumbnail of low calorie coconut shrimp.

    Low Calorie Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

    5 from 2 votes
    By Kate
    Low calorie air fryer coconut shrimp is a delicious and healthier version of the classic deep fried shrimp dish. With the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep 20 minutes mins
    Cook 28 minutes mins
    Total 48 minutes mins
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 268kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Special Equipment

    • Power Air Fryer XL
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

    Ingredients
     
     

    For Sauce, Optional

    • ¼ cup granulated sweetener I like Monk Fruit Sweetener or Swerve Granular.
    • ¼ cup ketchup
    • ¼ cup white vinegar
    • ¼ cup water
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
    • 2 tablespoons chili oil optional, for heat

    For Shrimp

    • 1 pound raw shrimp peeled to the tail
    • 2 eggs
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup cornstarch
    • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
    • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

    Instructions
     

    • In a small saucepan, combine the sweetener, ketchup, white vinegar, water and shredded coconut. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly. Set aside.
    • In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs. Combine the flour and cornstarch in another shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs and shredded coconut.
    • Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko/coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
    • Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
    • Cook the shrimp for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
    • Serve the shrimp hot with the coconut dipping sauce on the side.

    Notes

    • For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp that has been properly cleaned and deveined.
    • Leave the tail on the shrimp as it makes for a great handle to hold while eating.
    • Panko bread crumbs are lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs, making them perfect for this recipe.
    • Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and don't overcrowd them. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook the shrimp evenly.
    • Storing: Air fryer coconut shrimp is best served immediately while it's still warm and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Reheating: To reheat the shrimp, preheat the air fryer to 350 ℉. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 235mgSodium: 855mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Tried this recipe?Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lauren Vavala

      April 07, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      I love making coconut shrimp in the air fryer. SO much better than hot grease splattering everywhere and healthier too!

      Reply
    2. Jamie

      April 07, 2021 at 5:07 pm

      This would make such a great appetizer for the summer! We love anything with coconuts. Looks so good!

      Reply
    3. Beth

      April 07, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      We loved your recipe for this fast coconut shrimp. I'll be making it like this from now on. Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Diana Reis

      April 07, 2021 at 4:13 pm

      These are delicious and super easy. The air fryer gives the perfect crunch without the yucky grease.

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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