Crispy coconut shrimp is a popular dish in most restaurants, usually served as an appetizer, but it’s so simple to make at home in the air fryer. Make this succulent shrimp dish into a complete meal with 30+ of the best side dishes to serve with coconut shrimp. They are all gluten free, healthier options the whole family will love!
Whether you’re gearing up for game day or you’re looking to serve something unique and unexpected as your main course, crispy crunchy coconut shrimp will always be a great option. Jazz up coconut shrimp as a main dish with tasty side dish ideas like zesty sauces, tropical salsas and veggie dishes that will make your taste buds jump for joy!
Tropical Style Dishes to Serve with Coconut Shrimp
1. Spicy Jalapeño Peach Salsa
This simple Jalapeño Peach Salsa is bursting with fresh tropical flavors and can be made in under 10 minutes. Sweet, yet spicy, it is the perfect tropical-style dish and a great way to use up any peaches during the summer months.
Get the recipe for Jalapeño Peach Salsa here.
2. Spicy Mango Salsa
If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy tropical dish, look no further than this chunky Mango Habanero Salsa recipe! The sweet mango and spicy pepper are the perfect combination!
Get the recipe for Sweet & Spicy Mango Salsa here.
3. Strawberry Peach Fruit Salad Salsa
If you’re looking for a side that uses fruit as main ingredients, this is it! Feeling all the tropical vibes with this strawberry peach fruit salad salsa!
Get the recipe for Strawberry Peach Fruit Salad Salsa here.
4. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
This copycat cilantro lime cauliflower rice is packed with tangy, fresh and roasted flavor from ingredients like fresh lime juice & cilantro. This recipe is healthy and filling. Perfect for a low carb, Keto or vegan diet.
Get the recipe for Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice here.
5. Coconut Basmati Rice (Instant Pot Recipe)
Bring coconut flavor into your side dish too with this delicious coconut basmati rice. This simple recipe is gluten free and on the table in only 20 minutes!
Get the recipe for Coconut Basmati Rice here.
Dips & Sauces to Serve with Coconut Shrimp
6. Bang Bang Sauce
Bang bang sauce is a sweet chili coconut shrimp sauce that takes about one minute to whip up, and is perfect for chicken tenders, and even on vegetables!
Grab the recipe for this Bang Bang Sauce here.
7. Boom Boom Sauce
This delicious and easy boom boom sauce is a slightly sweet mayonnaise-based chili sauce that goes with everything! It’s made with simple ingredients and takes under 10 minutes to prep.
Grab the recipe for this Boom Boom Sauce here.
8. Homemade Tartar Sauce
Homemade Tartar Sauce made with mayonnaise, dill pickles and fresh dill, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and capers. So easy to make and way better than any of the jarred stuff you’ll find at the store, you’ll love this tangy, creamy, delicious tartar sauce recipe.
Get the recipe for Homemade Tartar Sauce here.
9. Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly
This easy to make hot and sweet pepper jelly, made with red bell peppers & jalapeños, can add a fun burst of extra flavor to your coconut shrimp and take it to the next level.
Get the recipe for Sweet & Spicy Pepper Jelly here.
10. Pineapple Dipping Sauce
A yummy coconut shrimp recipe deserves an amazing dip. This sweet, spicy, & sticky Pineapple Dipping Sauce is the must have condiment & always a favorite dipping sauce for crunchy shrimp.
Get the recipe for Pineapple Dipping Sauce here.
11. Yogurt Dill Sauce
This easy yogurt dill sauce comes together in 5 minutes, it is made with chopped dill, olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and spices.
Get the recipe for Yogurt Dill Sauce here.
Veggie Packed Sides for Coconut Shrimp
12. Cucumber Salad with Strawberries
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad with blueberries, basil and mint is one of the best sides for crispy fried coconut shrimp. The crisp fresh flavors of this salad perfectly balance the bold flavors of juicy shrimp.
Get the recipe for Cucumber Strawberry Salad here. It’s my personal favorite!
13. Watermelon Panzanella Salad
This Watermelon Panzanella salad is the perfect easy, fresh summer salad recipe! It uses just a handful of fresh, easy to access ingredients for an incredibly impressive dish. Topped with sweet coconut shrimp it’s the perfect meal!
Get the recipe for Watermelon Panzanella Salad here.
14. Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
This kale salad with tahini dressing is full of flavour, packed with nutrients and is the perfect side for all kinds of flavors. It’s one of those salads that can be prepped ahead of time, perfect for entertaining.
Grab the recipe for Kale Tahini Salad here.
15. Oven Baked Zucchini
Delicious courgettes (zucchini) that’s thinly sliced and oven roasted. They’re slightly crispy around the edges and tender in the middle.
Get the recipe for Oven Baked Courgettes here.
16. Berry Mandarin Tossed Salad
This tossed salad calls for strawberries, mandarin oranges, lettuce, bacon, sweet red onion and slivered almonds. Tossed with a light dressing, it is a refreshing side dish.
Get the recipe for Berry Mandarin Tossed Salad here.
17. Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad
This vegan spinach mandarin orange salad is served with almond slivers and tossed in a quick Dijon vinaigrette for an easy side dish.
Get the recipe for Spinach Mandarin Orange Salad here.
18. Kani Salad
Kani salad is the real MVP when it comes to savory salads! Creamy, zesty, and spicy, this salad will make you want to shout with excitement and perfectly compliments easy coconut shrimp!
Get the recipe for Kani Salad here.
19. Roasted Mashed Cauliflower
This keto Roasted Mashed Cauliflower is creamy, rich, and silky smooth. It is loaded with garlic, sour cream, and parmesan cheese.
Get the recipe for Roasted Mashed Cauliflower here.
20. Air Fried Green Beans
Crispy Air Fried Green Beans Fries seasoned with red pepper flakes is the ideal healthy vegan snack recipe! These easy-to-make delicious green bean chips are healthy and also keto-friendly.
Get the recipe for Air Fried Green Bean Fries here.
21. Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (Air Fryer Recipe)
You’ve never had Brussels sprouts like these! Our Parmesan Air Fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy, savory, and absolutely delicious!
Get the recipe for air fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts here.
22. Cast Iron Asparagus
This Cast-Iron Asparagus is crisp and fresh, bringing out the delicious natural flavors in the asparagus in just 10 minutes.
Get the recipe for Cast-Iron Asparagus here.
23. Air Fryer Honey Roasted Carrots
These Honey Roasted Carrots In Air Fryer is a delicious way to eat carrots – caramelized with honey and perfectly balanced with simple seasoning. They make a healthy side dish, or a great snack by themselves.
Grab the recipe for Honey Roasted Carrots here.
24. Sticky Sweet Chili Cauliflower (Air Fryer Recipe)
This air fried sweet chili cauliflower is a delicious and easy to make veggie side. Recipe has instructions for both the air fryer and oven.
Get the recipe for Sweet Chili Cauliflower here.
25. Skillet Green Beans
This quick and easy side dish made with fresh green beans is perfect for a weeknight and also pairs well as a delicious healthy side for holiday meals.
Get the recipe for easy Skillet Green Beans here.
26. Homemade Caesar Salad
One of the most popular salads is the Caesar salad. It pairs well with almost any meal. You can also make it an entree salad with your favorite protein, like chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Get the recipe for Homemade Caesar Salad here.
27. Crispy Asian Tofu Salad
Crispy tofu cubes, crunchy veggies and a superb dressing make this Asian tofu salad too delicious to be so healthy!
Get the recipe for this Crispy Asian Tofu Salad here.
Potato, Corn & Rice Based Sides for Coconut Shrimp
28. Air Fried Smashed Potatoes
Instead of french fries, try these crispy, crunchy air fried potatoes alongside coconut shrimp. They’re packed with flavor while being the perfect creamy yet crisp side!
Get the recipe for Air Fried Smashed Potatoes here.
29. Creamy Jalapeño Corn
This gluten-free creamy jalapeno corn is an easy, 20 minute side dish that is perfect for a barbecue or weeknight meal. Spicy and cheesy, this dish is packed with bold flavor.
Grab the recipe for this Creamy Jalapeño Corn here.
30. Mexican Potatoes with Lime & Cilantro
Make crispy & spicy Mexican Potatoes in just 45 minutes, in the oven or air fryer. Topped with lime & cilantro this is a yummy side dish best served with a cool sauce or sour cream.
Grab the recipe for Mexican Potatoes with Lime & Cilantro here.
31. Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad is everything you love about grilled Mexican street corn without the mess! Fresh, grilled corn on the cob (elotes), sliced off the cob (esquites), and paired with a cool, creamy, and tangy gluten-free, allergy-free mayo-based sauce with cilantro, lime, and a dash of spice! An easy summer side dish recipe!
Get the recipe for Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad here.
32. California Quinoa Salad with Piña Colada Dressing
This clean, light, quinoa salad is full of interesting textures and bright flavors that filled will fill you up and keep you going all day. Served with a delightful piña colada dressing.
Grab the recipe for California Quinoa Salad here.
33. Lemon Basil Rice
This Lemon Basil Rice pilaf is the perfect side dish! Tart zippy lemon and fresh basil are a classic combo that pair well with any protein or veggie.
Get the recipe for Lemon Basil Rice here.
34. Airfryer Sweet Potato Fries
Nothing makes for a better french fry than sweet potatoes! These easy air fryer sweet potato fries are made with frozen sweet potato fries and come together in just 15 minutes. They’ll go perfectly with coconut shrimp and a spicy dip!
Get the recipe for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries here.
35. Butternut Squash Fries
Butternut squash fries with garlic sage aoli. It’s so easy to make, healthy and absolutely spectacular side dish for coconut shrimp!
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Fries here.
36. Lemony Herbed Millet
Make this flavorful lemony herbed millet as an easy and gluten-free side dish! You’ll love the fresh, earthy, zesty and sweet hints in this recipe.
Grab the recipe for this Lemony Herbed Millet here.
How to Make Coconut Shrimp Sauce
There are tons of great options for coconut shrimp sauce in this post, however if you want a simple, easy dipping sauce, I love to mix up 2 tbsp of apricot jam and 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce. It whips up in seconds and is just as delicious as any coconut shrimp sauce you’d get out at a restaurant!
How to Reheat Coconut Shrimp
If you have leftover coconut shrimp that you’d like to reheat, my recommendation is to do so in the air fryer. Simply pre-heat the air fryer to 375F, then cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Did you have a chance to make this gluten free coconut shrimp recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!
What To Serve with Coconut Shrimp: 30+ Healthy, Gluten Free Sides
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked shrimp
- 1 cup gluten free all purpose flour
- 1 cup gluten free panko crumbs
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- 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.
- Make egg mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and coconut milk, then add in fresh shrimp.
- 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.
- 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.
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