When the craving for something crunchy and a little sweet hits, reaching for this Air Fryer Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp feels just right. It’s that perfect snack or appetizer that sneaks into your afternoon or evening without any guilt. The air fryer makes the shrimp crisp up beautifully, without the mess or heaviness of deep frying. If you’ve ever thought gluten-free meant sacrificing texture or flavor, this recipe will change your mind.
One time, I was halfway through making these shrimp when I realized I’d forgotten to preheat the air fryer. I stood there, shrimp in hand, wondering if I should just start over or wait. Turns out, patience paid off — the shrimp still came out golden and crunchy, just with a little extra anticipation. The smell of toasted coconut mixed with that hint of peppery shrimp filled the kitchen, making the wait worthwhile. I’m pretty sure I snuck a bite or two before dinner, even though I wasn’t supposed to.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy and golden with a light, flaky coating — but it’s not deep-fried, so it feels lighter.
- Gluten-free and easy to whip up quickly, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
- The air fryer cuts down on oil and mess, though you might miss that classic fry smell lingering around the house.
- Perfect as a snack or appetizer that pairs well with almost any dipping sauce you have on hand.
If you’re nervous about gluten-free breadcrumbs or the air fryer, don’t be. It’s pretty forgiving, and even if your coating isn’t perfectly even, the result is still delicious. I usually serve these with a tangy dipping sauce or a simple squeeze of lime — sometimes both, depending on how hungry I am.
PrintAir Fryer Gluten-Free Coconut Shrimp
Crispy and golden air fryer coconut shrimp made with gluten-free ingredients for a delicious and healthier appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined.
In a third shallow bowl, mix the shredded coconut and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Dredge each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the coconut and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Kitchen Notes
This recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment — just an air fryer, which most kitchens have these days. It’s a great way to get that satisfying crunch without heating up the whole house or dealing with splattered oil. For serving, these shrimp are lovely alongside a fresh salad or even tucked into a gluten-free wrap if you want to turn them into a meal. You could experiment with swapping the coconut for crushed nuts or adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat, though I haven’t tested those myself thoroughly yet.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, leftovers keep well in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat briefly in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
What dipping sauces work best? I usually go for something creamy like a honey mustard or a spicy mayo, but a sweet chili sauce is a nice contrast too.
Are these suitable for freezing? I haven’t tried freezing cooked shrimp this way, but if you do, it’s best to freeze them before cooking and air fry straight from frozen.
Ready to make a crunchy, gluten-free shrimp snack that’s quick and easy? Give this recipe a try and see how your air fryer can transform your snack game.