Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Dipping Sauce

Get your healthy on with this easy and delicious air fryer coconut shrimp. The coconut shrimp is crunchy, slightly sweet, and takes just minutes to make.

It's perfect anytime for any reason. Serve it with a sweet mango dipping sauce for lunch, dinner, or as a crunchy party appetizer.

Healthy Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce

I love coconut shrimp but not the extra calories that frying brings to the dish, so I looked far and wide for a recipe that didn't require deep-frying. I found one that was not only quick and easy but tasted just as good as the fried I always order at restaurants. You'll never go back to deep-frying when you learn how to air fry coconut shrimp.

Making this coconut shrimp air fryer recipe is faster than takeout (and just as easy). Air fryer shrimp always comes out so crispy and flavorful; it's perfect for dipping and sharing at parties.

I decided instead of making a sweet and sour sauce that is usually served with this type of dish that, I would make a mango salsa in its place. And I am so glad I did because it was out of this world delicious!

I bet the sauce for this coconut shrimp recipe would also be great served with grilled pork chops or these chicken wontons. Just look at all that fresh and sweet goodness!

Ingredients

For the mango coconut shrimp sauce:

• Mango - is the main flavor adding a fruity sweetness
• Orange Marmalade - gives the sauce more tang
• Lime Juice - adds a bit of sour to the sweet
• Cayenne Pepper - brings the heat

For the coconut shrimp:

• Large Shrimp - fresh or frozen with tails left on
• All-purpose Flour - helps the shrimp retain moisture
• Garlic Powder - gives a bit of flavor to the panko coating
• Salt - brings out all the flavors
• Ground Black Pepper
• Eggs - aids in coating adhering to shrimp
• Panko Breadcrumbs - gives the coating a crispness
• Sweetened Coconut Flakes - sweetens the coating and adds a tropical flavor
• Lemon - for serving

How to Defrost Frozen Shrimp

The best way to defrost frozen shrimp is in the refrigerator overnight. For a quick defrost, place the shrimp in a colander and run cool water over them for about 8 minutes, tossing them occasionally.

How to Make Mango Dipping Sauce for Coconut Shrimp

1. Place cut up mango pieces into food processor or blender.
2. Add orange marmalade.
3. Pour in lime juice.
4. Process until smooth then pour into a small bowl and present with air fried shrimp.

How to Make Coconut Shrimp in the Air Fryer

1. In a large-mouthed bowl, combine flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
2. On a flat plate or in a wide bowl, mix panko crumbs and sweetened coconut flakes. Set aside.
3. Whisk eggs in another bowl.
4. Set up an assembly line with the 3 mixtures. Dredge shrimp in seasoned flour.
5. Holding shrimp by the tail, dip into egg.
6. Place the shrimp into the panko-coconut mixture and coat. You can pat lightly to help the coating adhere. Repeat with all shrimp.

7. Spray the basket of the air fryer with oil. Lay shrimp in the basket, without overcrowding, and spray them liberally with oil.
8. Set air fryer to 375 degrees and cook for 8 minutes, turning halfway through.

Plate these crispy, delicious-looking fried coconut shrimp onto a platter along with the mango dipping sauce. Garnish with parsley for a nice finishing touch. Great for dinner served with rice or fries and some coleslaw or as an appetizer come game time. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Keep the tail on the shrimp. The tail makes for easier dipping and coating when preparing the shrimp.
• Pat the shrimp dry before breading. This will help breading stick to the shrimp.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Have the shrimp in a single layer with space between them. This helps the shrimp to be nice and crispy.
• Flip the shrimp. This is crucial for the shrimp to be crispy all over.
• Make it gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with coconut flour to make gluten-free coconut shrimp.

More Sauces for Coconut Shrimp

Not a fan of mango or can't find one at the store? You can easily adapt the recipe or use other sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Apricot Dipping Sauce - Substitute the mango with 2 apricots or enough for 1 cup.
• Pineapple Dipping Sauce - Substitute the mango with 1 cup of fresh pineapple.
• Sweet Chili Sauce - You can find this at most grocery stores in the Asian food section.

What to Serve with Coconut Shrimp

Aside from serving coconut shrimp with dipping sauce for an appetizer, you can make a meal with these sides:

• Coleslaw - either regular or with pineapple for a little tropical flavor.
• Plain pasta such as simple buttered noodles.
• Rice - plain white, brown, or jasmine.
• Vegetables - Broccoli, cauliflower, or a simple green salad.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Coconut Shrimp

• To Store: Place the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• To Freeze Before Air Frying: Place the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze completely then transfer the frozen coconut shrimp to a freezer-safe container. Thaw before air frying or add 2 to 3 minutes to the air frying time.
• To Freeze Leftovers: Place the leftovers in a freezer-safe airtight container or plastic freezer bag. Frozen coconut shrimp will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• To Reheat Leftovers: Air fry at 375°F for 2 to 3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

• Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp are crispy panko crusted and deliciously seasoned.
• Air Fryer Salmon with lemon butter sauce.
• Air Fryer Scallops from Crumb Top Baking
• Air Fryer Tuna Patties with onion, bell pepper, and garlic.

Find lots of easy air fryer recipes here on 2CM!

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This post has been updated to an easier air fryer recipe with new photos and information. It was first posted on June 10, 2013.