Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Creamy Pineapple Dipping Sauce

Name: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Creamy Pineapple Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 per lb size, peeled and deveined); 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 egg (whisked); 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1/4 cup crushed pineapple; 1 tablespoon sugar

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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp - This lightened up version of coconut shrimp is crispy, sweet, made entirely in the air fryer, and paired with a creamy pineapple sauce.

air fryer coconut shrimp with creamy pineapple sauce

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Ingredients you'll need

shrimp
flour
egg
unsweetened coconut flakes
panko breadcrumbs
sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
crushed pineapple
sugar

ingredients for air fryer coconut shrimp with creamy pineapple dipping sauce

How to make coconut shrimp in your air fryer

Detailed instructions and measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray and set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, mix together the coconut flakes and panko bread crumbs.
Place the flour, egg, and coconut panko mix in separate shallow dishes.
Dip the shrimp into the flour, coating all said. Remove, shake off the excess, and dip in the egg, fully coating. Remove, shake off the excess, and dip in the coconut Panko mixture coating all sides. Set aside while you do the remaining scrimp. I like to set them on a cooling rack, but this isn't required.
Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket making sure they do not overlap. You may need to do multiple batches depending on the size of your basket.
Spray the tops of the shrimp lightly with your avocado oil spray.
Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.
Open the basket, flip your shrimp over, spray lightly with avocado oil spray again and cook an additional 3 minutes.
Remove the shrimp and serve them with the creamy pineapple dipping sauce!

how to make creamy pineapple dipping sauce

Combine the sour cream, crushed pineapple, and sugar in a small mixing bowl.
Serve with your coconut shrimp!

tips and tricks

I use avocado oil spray because I find that it gives the best browning without affecting the taste.
Don't forget to spray the basket. The coating will stick to your basket and pull away from the shrimp if you skip this step.
While you can make this recipe in the oven, you won't get the same crispy results as the air fryer.

How long does it take to air fry shrimp?

In this recipe, it will take a total of 8 minutes in the air fryer.

What goes well with coconut shrimp?

We love to serve ours with rice! A fun coastal rice pilaf is delicious with coconut shrimp.

alterations for picky eaters

Use sweetened coconut flakes. The unsweetened will still give the coconut flavor, but won't be as sweet.
Skip the dipping sauce. If they prefer something else, have them dip it in their favorite sauce.

alterations to lower calories or ww points

Be sure to use unsweetened coconut flakes.
Use Greek yogurt in the dipping sauce.
Be sure to get the crushed pineapple in its own juice rather than in syrup.
Use a sugar substitute in place of the sugar for the dipping sauce.

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