Air Fryer Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp Recipe

This crispy air fryer coconut shrimp recipe is the ultimate gluten free party appetizer! Made using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, these crunchy shrimp are bursting with coconut flavor. Serve them with homemade sweet chili sauce for a delicious restaurant quality seafood recipe at home!

I love a good air fryer recipe, especially when I’m preparing for guests. These air fryer coconut shrimp are one of my favorite easy gluten free party appetizers to serve on game day because they are so fast and easy to make.

If you love an easy air fryer recipe, you’ll love these Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Zucchini, or these Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos which are also perfect gluten free game day appetizers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It is healthy. These gluten free coconut shrimp are made in the air fryer rather than deep frying in oil, so it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a healthier gluten free party appetizer.
• It is delicious. A restaurant quality seafood recipe that is bound to please even the pickiest of eaters.
• It is easy. Made with simple pantry ingredients like gluten free panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened shredded coconut, this gluten free coconut shrimp recipe is so quick & easy to make.

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Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Gluten Free 1:1 All Purpose Flour: I love Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Flour, but you can also use coconut flour if you have that available and want to up the ante on the coconut flavor.
• Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs: I prefer using gluten free panko breadcrumbs because they make for extra crunchy shrimp, but if you don’t have them available you can use traditional gluten free breadcrumbs.
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut Flakes: I like using unsweetened coconut flakes rather than coconut chips because then there’s no need to break out the food processor, so prep is much faster.
• Shrimp: Be sure to use uncooked fresh shrimp and also choose larger shrimp. If you use cooked shrimp you’ll risk overcooking them and will result in a serving a less than stellar gluten-free coconut shrimp appetizer.
• Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: I like adding just a touch of sweetness to this dish through coconut sugar or brown sugar.
• Eggs: For best results, be sure to use two eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, you can omit these and double up on the coconut milk, just note that the batter may not cling as well to the uncooked shrimp.
• Coconut Milk: I like using coconut milk as it just adds even more delicious coconut flavor to the gluten free coconut shrimp.
• Spices: I added chipotle powder, but you can add paprika, garlic powder or onion powder to these air fried shrimp.

Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp Recipe Steps

1. Mix the dry ingredients. First make the flour mixture. In a medium mixing bowl add gluten free flour & gluten free panko breadcrumbs, then add spices if using. In a second bowl, make the coconut mixture by combining the unsweetened shredded coconut and sugar.

2. Make egg mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and coconut milk, then add in fresh shrimp.

3. Coat the shrimp. First dip the shrimp into the flour mixture, then back into the egg and then into the shredded coconut. Repeat the process with each of the uncooked shrimp, placing on a baking sheet or large plate until finished.

4. Prepare to cook. If your air fryer needs preheating, preheat to 370F for 5 minutes then place the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry the coconut shrimp for 10-12 minutes at 370F. You may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp Recipe FAQs

Can I use coconut flour instead of gluten free flour?

If you’d prefer to use coconut flour in your flour mixture rather than gluten free all purpose flour, you may do that but I would suggest adding a tablespoon or two of tapioca starch to the mixture to ensure it clings to the shrimp better.

Can I use frozen cooked shrimp?

No, I do not recommend using cooked shrimp for this gluten-free coconut shrimp recipe because the shrimp will be air fried. If it’s already cooked, it will get rubbery which is a very unappetizing texture for shrimp. Opt for fresh or frozen uncooked shrimp instead.

Can gluten free coconut shrimp be made ahead of time?

I do not recommend making this gluten free coconut shrimp recipe more than 20-30 minutes ahead of when you plan to serve it as it tastes best when fresh.

Can you bake the shrimp instead of air frying?

Yes you can! If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the shrimp at 375F for 12-15 minutes until shrimp is golden brown and crispy.

If You Liked This Recipe You Might Also Enjoy:

• Blackened Shrimp with Old Bay Mashed Potatoes
• Drunken Mussels in White Wine
• Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!