Best Air Fryer Frozen Coconut Shrimp Recipe

One of our favorite ways to enjoy shrimp is the breaded coconut version.  Sometimes, though, I just don’t have time to clean, dredge, and fry my shrimp. That’s where air fryer frozen coconut shrimp come in. They’re crispy, tasty, and ready in under 10 minutes!

frozen coconut shrimp in the air fryer dinners done quick

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you start with frozen coconut shrimp, you don’t have to go through the time consuming and messy process of cleaning and breading them yourself. That means a huge time saver, making these shrimp perfect for a weeknight dinner or even lunch!

Plus, your air fryer not only cooks them right from frozen (no defrosting required) but it does an awesome job! You’ll use way less oil than deep frying, and the shrimp will still come out golden brown and crunchy.

What You’ll Need

frozen coconut shrimp out of box with dipping sauce
  • 1 Box frozen coconut shrimp, any brand
  • Dipping sauce (if not included with your shrimp)
  • Nonstick spray (optional)

Ingredient Notes

  • There are lots of great brands to choose from.  I have Fremont Fish Market (Aldi) here, but I’ve also used SeaPak, Margaritaville, and Trader Joe’s frozen coconut shrimp all with great success
  • If your coconut shrimp doesn’t come with sauce, my favorite options are: orange marmalade, sweet chili sauce, or pina colada sauce to serve with them
  • Nonstick spray is only needed if your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick, or if you want to add a little oil to the breading for extra crunch

How to Cook Frozen Coconut Shrimp in the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
  2. Spray your basket with nonstick spray (if it’s not already nonstick)
spray air fryer basket with nonstick oil
  1. Place frozen coconut shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer
  2. Spritz lightly with additional oil if desired for a crispier exterior (optional)
add frozen coconut shrimp to air fryer basket
  1. Cook on air fry setting for 8 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway to flip
  2. Shrimp is done when the outside is brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches at least 125°F. Add additional cooking time in 1-2 minute increments as needed
  3. Serve with dipping sauce and any sides you’d like for a full meal
overhead view of air fryer coconut shrimp on a square plate

What to Serve With Coconut Shrimp

  1. Alfredo pasta
  2. Fried rice
  3. Sticky rice
  4. Coleslaw
  5. Spring rolls
  6. Egg rolls
  7. French fries
  8. Hush puppies
  9. Baked potato
  10. Steamed broccoli
  11. Tropical salsa
  12. Lemon or lime wedges
  13. Dipping sauce
  14. Key lime pie

Check out our Air Fryer Frozen Hush Puppies, Air Fryer Frozen Spring Rolls, Frozen Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer, Air Fryer Baked Potato With Foil, Frozen Fried Rice in the Air Fryer, or easy Microwave Sticky Rice for some great options! 

holding an air fried coconut shrimp dipped in duck sauce

Recipe FAQs

Can You Cook Frozen Coconut Shrimp in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen coconut shrimp in the air fryer.

It does not need to be defrosted ahead of time. Simply cook it from the frozen state.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Frozen Coconut Shrimp in an Air Fryer?

On average, it takes between 8 and 12 minutes to cook frozen coconut shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F. This is dependent on the size of the shrimp and the power of the air fryer.

In most cases, you can expect your shrimp to be ready in less than 10 minutes.

Is Frozen Coconut Shrimp Already Cooked?

Most frozen coconut shrimp is already cooked.  Make sure to read the packaging of your selected brand to double check.

If you have raw frozen coconut shrimp, per the USDA you’ll want to cook to an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety.

Recipe Expert Advice

  • If your shrimp comes with a frozen sauce packet, run it under hot water to defrost it while the air fryer is running
  • My jumbo frozen coconut shrimp were perfectly hot and crispy after 8 minutes in a Ninja air fryer. However, other brands of air fryer and shrimp sizes may differ slightly

Other Air Fryer Frozen Seafood Recipes to Try

Final Thoughts

This easy air fryer frozen coconut shrimp comes out nice and crispy, with succulent shrimp hiding inside a toasty coconut exterior.  

Dip them in your favorite sauce for a great snack, appetizer, or lunch. Alternatively, add some sides and make a full meal!  

These fun coconut shrimp give me sunshine and beach vibes. So, get ready to kick back and relax and enjoy some tasty food. Best of all, they’re ready in 10 minutes or less, so you can enjoy them anytime you want to get away (without ever leaving home)!

frozen coconut shrimp in the air fryer dinners done quick featured image

Crispy Frozen Coconut Shrimp in Air Fryer

Frozen coconut shrimp in the air fryer come out crispy and golden, with succulent shrimp inside. They are crispy and ready to eat in 10 minutes or less!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Seafood
Servings 3
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 7 Ounce box frozen coconut shrimp, any brand (approximately 10 jumbo shrimp)
  • 3 Tbsp dipping sauce (if not included with your shrimp)
  • Nonstick spray (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
  • Spray your basket with nonstick spray (if it’s not already nonstick)
    Nonstick spray
  • Place frozen coconut shrimp in air fryer basket in a single layer
    7 Ounce box frozen coconut shrimp, any brand
  • Spritz lightly with additional oil if desired for a crispier exterior (optional)
  • Cook on air fry setting for 8 minutes at 400°F, pausing halfway to flip
  • Shrimp is done when the outside is brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches at least 125°F. Add additional cooking time in 1-2 minute increments as needed
  • Serve with dipping sauce and any sides you’d like for a full meal
    3 Tbsp dipping sauce

Notes

  • I have Fremont Fish Market (Aldi) here, but I’ve also used SeaPak, Margaritaville, and Trader Joe’s frozen coconut shrimp all with great success, so use your favorite
  • If your coconut shrimp doesn’t come with sauce, my favorite options are: orange marmalade, sweet chili sauce, or pina colada sauce to serve with them
  • Nonstick spray is only needed if your air fryer basket isn’t non-stick, or if you want to add a little oil to the breading for extra crunch
  • If your shrimp comes with a frozen sauce packet, run it under hot water to defrost it while the air fryer is running
  • My jumbo frozen coconut shrimp were perfectly hot and crispy after 8 minutes in a Ninja air fryer. However, other brands of air fryer and shrimp sizes may differ slightly
  • If your frozen coconut shrimp are raw (most are already cooked), then cook to an internal temperature of 145℉ instead
  • Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, sides or sauces, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 360mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14gCalcium: 72mgIron: 1.3mg
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Katie Vine