Crispy, golden brown coconut shrimp straight from your air fryer? Yes, please! This easy keto air fryer coconut shrimp recipe delivers big flavor and crunch without the carbs or extra calories.
Coating the shrimp in a seasoned coconut mixture before air frying creates a deliciously crispy crust on the outside while keeping the shrimp moist and juicy on the inside. The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, and onion powder gives these coconut shrimp tons of flavor you’re sure to love.
In just minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality coconut shrimp from the comfort of your own kitchen thanks to this handy air fryer recipe. Keep reading to learn how simple it is to make this keto coconut shrimp right in your air fryer.
Trust me, this will become your new go-to for effortless yet impressive low-carb dinners and appetizers! So, let’s get started!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Satisfying This air fryer coconut shrimp takes just minutes to cook, so you can have a tasty low carb meal on the table fast. No need to wait while shrimp fries or bakes. The air fryer makes quick work of cooking the shrimp to crispy, golden perfection.
Coconutty and Crunchy Who doesn’t love the tropical flavors of coconut paired with plump, juicy shrimp? This keto coconut shrimp air fryer recipe delivers in the flavor department.
Dredging the shrimp in shredded coconut before air frying gives such a crisp, coconutty coating on the outside while the shrimp stays moist inside.
Keto-Friendly Indulgence You can enjoy these crispy coconut shrimp guilt-free on a keto diet. With only 3g net carbs per serving, they make a wonderful low carb indulgence. The fresh taste of shrimp with coconut is completely satisfying without all the carbs.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make this keto air fryer coconut shrimp you will need:
- 1/2 pound (450g) Shrimp (tail on)
- 1/2 cup Coconut (shredded)
- 1 Egg (beaten)
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this recipe make the best keto air fryer coconut shrimp:
Step 1
Mix the shredded coconut with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder (use a medium bowl).
Step 2
In a different bowl, beat the egg. Place both bowls aside.
Step 3
Place the shrimp into the beaten egg and coat it. Then, transfer it to the bowl with the shredded coconut mixture. Coat evenly.
Step 4
Spray the air fryer with olive oil cooking spray. Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in multiple batches if needed). Air fry on 360F (180C) for 8-10 minutes.
Step 5
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve. That’s it! Enjoy this delicious air fryer keto coconut shrimp recipe!
💡Tips
1. Beyond the Flakes
You can mix in chopped roasted almonds, crushed pecans, or toasted sesame seeds for added crunch. Or, for a touch of sweetness and tropical flair, incorporate a tablespoon of finely chopped dried mango or pineapple.
2. Don’t Overcrowd The Air Fryer
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure that the shrimp are arranged in a single layer, with some space between them to allow for even cooking.
If you try to cook too many shrimp at once, they may not cook evenly, and the coconut crust may not get crispy. You can cook the shrimp in batches if needed, making sure to keep the cooked shrimp warm while you cook the rest.
3. Toss Midway Through Cooking
For optimal results, open the air fryer halfway through cooking and toss shrimp with tongs. This allows all sides to brown evenly. Be quick to prevent heat loss. Tossing helps prevent spotty cooking for uniformly crispy coconut shrimp.
4. Garnishing
Adding fresh herbs to the dish not only improves the flavor but also makes it look more appetizing. Some herbs that pair well with shrimp and coconut include cilantro, parsley, basil, and mint.
Rinse them well under cold water and pat them dry before using them as a garnish. For added flavor, you can chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over the dish just before serving.
5. Serve The Shrimp Immediately
I recommend serving the shrimp immediately after cooking. This will help ensure that they are crispy and warm, and that the coconut coating doesn’t get soggy.
You can serve the shrimp on a bed of greens or low carb cauliflower rice or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations
1. Keto Coconut Shrimp With Almond Flour – If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to shredded coconut, try using almond flour instead.
Almond flour is a great substitute for coconut because it has a similar texture and nutty flavor.
To make this variation, simply replace the shredded coconut with an equal amount of almond flour. Follow the same steps as the original recipe, and air fry on 360F (180C) for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
2. Spicy Keto Coconut Shrimp- For those who love a bit of heat, I recommend adding some spice to your keto coconut shrimp. Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder with the shredded coconut mixture to give your shrimp a spicy kick.
3. Keto Coconut Shrimp Skewers– To make this variation, thread the shrimp onto skewers before air frying them. This is a fun and creative way to serve the shrimp, and it makes them easier to eat as a finger food.
4. Keto Coconut Shrimp Tacos- For a fun twist on this recipe, you can make keto coconut shrimp tacos.
Simply serve the air-fried shrimp in low-carb tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime juice. This is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
5. Keto Coconut Shrimp Salad– If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, make a keto coconut shrimp salad.
Toss mixed greens with a low-carb dressing, such as olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and top with the air-fried shrimp. You can also add some additional toppings, such as sliced almonds or chopped tomatoes, for extra flavor and texture. So tasty!
6. Keto Coconut Shrimp Stir Fry– For a quick and easy dinner, try making a keto coconut shrimp stir fry. Simply stir fry some low-carb vegetables, such as broccoli and bell peppers, in a wok or skillet with some garlic and ginger.
Add the air-fried shrimp and toss everything together until heated through. Serve over cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Coconut (shredded): If you don’t have shredded coconut, you can use almond flour instead.
Egg: You can use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of egg to help the coconut mixture stick to the shrimp.
Garlic Powder: You can use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder. Just mince the garlic finely and add it to the coconut mixture.
Smoked Paprika: You can use regular paprika or chili powder instead of smoked paprika if you don’t have it on hand.
Dipping Sauces
1. Spicy Mayo – A spicy mayo dipping sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that complements the coconut flavor of the keto air fryer coconut shrimp. Mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce and spices like cayenne, paprika, and garlic makes a quick and easy dip that most people love with fried foods.
2. Cilantro Lime Aioli – The fresh flavor of lime and cilantro brightens up the rich coconut coating on the shrimp in this aioli sauce. Blending mayo, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices creates a fresh, herby dipping sauce that’s especially tasty with coconut shrimp right out of the air fryer.
3. Sweet Chili Sauce – For those who like a sweet and mildly spicy accent to their coconut shrimp, a chili sauce made with erythritol or stevia makes the perfect keto-friendly match. The sweet and sour punch enhances the coconut flavor. Mix chili paste, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, ginger and spices for an easy sauce with complexity.
4. Lemon Butter – Melting butter and mixing it with lemon juice, zest, garlic, and Italian parsley produces an elegant yet easy lemon butter sauce that allows the flavor of the shrimp itself to shine. The buttery richnesspairs nicely with something breaded and fried like air fryer keto coconut shrimp.
Storage
These air fryer keto coconut shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔁 How To Reheat
Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C). Place the leftover coconut shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Spray the shrimp with a light coating of cooking oil or non-stick spray to help them crisp up.
Air fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy these delicious air fryer keto coconut shrimp!
Side Dishes Ideas
Here are 4 delicious and low-carb side dishes that will pair perfectly with your keto air fryer coconut shrimp:
1. Creamy Avocado Cucumber Salad – This refreshing salad is the perfect light and bright side dish to balance out the richness of the coconut shrimp.
Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber, and a tangy lime dressing adds a burst of flavor. This salad is easy to make and will keep you feeling energized and satisfied.
2. Garlic Roasted Asparagus – Asparagus is a classic side dish that pairs well with seafood. Roasting it with garlic adds an extra layer of flavor and makes it even more delicious. This dish is easy to make and will add a touch of elegance to your meal.
3. Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese – Grilled zucchini is a simple and tasty side dish that’s perfect for a summer meal. Adding parmesan cheese gives it a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the coconut shrimp.
4. Cauliflower Rice – If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is without any doubt, the perfect option.
It’s easy to make and pairs well with almost any dish. Simply saute it with garlic and onion for added flavor and season with salt and pepper to taste. So tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of shrimp works best for this air fryer coconut shrimp recipe?
The best shrimp to use is medium-sized tail-on shrimp. You want the shrimp to be a good size to coat evenly in the coconut, but not too large or they won’t cook properly. Avoid using extra jumbo shrimp as they may not cook through.
2. Can I use almond flour instead of shredded coconut?
You can, but the texture won’t be quite the same. For best results with this recipe, stick to unsweetened shredded coconut flakes. The large coconut flakes provide the perfect crispy exterior.
3. What dipping sauces go well with the keto coconut shrimp?
This crispy coconut shrimp pairs deliciously with low-carb dipping sauces like garlic aioli, horseradish sauce, ginger lime sauce, sweet chili sauce, or an orange marmalade sauce. Get creative with your favorite keto-friendly condiments!
Shrimp: Perfect for Keto
For those following a ketogenic (keto) diet, shrimp should definitely be on the menu. Here’s why this tasty shellfish is an ideal keto food:
Low in Carbs Minimizing carbs is critical for entering ketosis. Shrimp supply less than 1 gram of carbs per serving, allowing you to pile on your plate without worrying about disrupting ketosis. Their low carb counts keep net carbs in check.
High in Protein Shrimp also supply over 17 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Protein provides satiety while also helping maintain and build muscle mass when carbs are restricted on keto diets.
Nutrient Dense In addition to their stellar macronutrient profile, shrimp contain a variety of micronutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and astaxanthin. Their nutritional density makes them an excellent choice while following keto.
This crunchy, coconutty air fryer keto shrimp is sure to satisfy your cravings. The coconut coating gives these shrimp a tropical twist while keeping them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Be sure to check the cooking time as all air fryers vary a bit. I hope you enjoy this easy keto shrimp recipe. For more air fryer recipes and keto meal ideas, explore the recipes on my site or let me know in the comments if you try this one or have any questions!
Air Fryer Keto Coconut Shrimp
- 1/2 pound Shrimp (450g)
- 1/2 cup Coconut (shredded)
- 1 Egg (beaten)
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Mix the shredded coconut with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder (use a medium bowl).
- In a different bowl, beat the egg. Place both bowls aside.
- Place the shrimp into the beaten egg and coat it. Then, transfer it to the bowl with the shredded coconut mixture. Coat evenly.
- Spray the air fryer with olive oil cooking spray. Place the coated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in multiple batches if needed). Air fry on 360F (180C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve. That’s it! Enjoy this delicious air fryer keto coconut shrimp recipe!
