Baked Coconut Shrimp

Baked Coconut Shrimp are golden, crispy, and perfect dipped in a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. They’re great to serve as an appetizer or even with a side for dinner.

Ingredients for Baked Coconut Shrimp:

It only takes a few simple ingredients to make homemade coconut shrimp in the oven. Here’s what you need:

• Raw Shrimp – Peeled and Deveined with tails left on. I like to use large shrimp.
• Eggs
• Shredded Coconut – I use sweetened coconut
• Panko Breadcrumbs – this adds extra crunch without the frying
• All Purpose Flour – You could swap in a gluten free flour mix or even almond flour
• Spices – Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika
• Honey and Chili Garlic Sauce – To make a homemade dipping sauce

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How to Make Coconut Shrimp in the Oven

1. Set up Breading Stations: Use shallow bowls (or I like to use cake pans) to set up the breading stations. In the first, beat the eggs with a little pepper. In the second, mix together the coconut, Panko, and a pinch of pepper. And in the third, the flour and spices.
2. Coat the Shrimp: Start by dredging the raw shrimp in the flour mixture, then in the eggs (coating both sides), and finally coat in the shrimp mixture. Place the coated shrimp on a lined baking sheet leaving a small amount of space in between each shrimp.
3. Bake – Bake the coconut shrimp in the hot, preheated oven until golden brown and the shrimp are cooked.
4. Dipping Sauce – To make a homemade dipping sauce, mix together the honey and chili garlic sauce. Taste and adjust to your spice preference.

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How to Make Coconut Shrimp in the Air Fryer

Instead of baking in the oven, you can also cook coconut shrimp in the air fryer. Depending on your air fryer size, you will likely need to air fry in batches. But the results are super crispy.

1. Set up Breading Stations: Use shallow bowls (or I like to use cake pans) to set up the breading stations. In the first, beat the eggs with a little pepper. In the second, mix together the coconut, Panko, and a pinch of pepper. And in the third, the flour and spices.
2. Coat the Shrimp: Start by dredging the raw shrimp in the flour mixture, then in the eggs (coating both sides), and finally coat in the shrimp mixture. Place the coated shrimp in an even layer in your air fryer. You will need to air fry in batches.
3. Air Fry – Air fry the shrimp for about 5-7 minutes at 375 degrees F. They should be golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Dipping Sauce – To make a homemade dipping sauce, mix together the honey and chili garlic sauce. Taste and adjust to your spice preference.

How do you know when shrimp is cooked?

Shrimp is cooked when it goes from translucent and grey to opaque and light pink. The shrimp will also start to curl slightly. Shrimp cook quickly so be sure to not overcook as they can become chewy and tough.

What is good with coconut shrimp?

I love serving coconut shrimp as an appetizer along with the dipping sauce, but it can also be used for the main meal! Serve coconut shrimp alongside a pasta or rice and veggies.

Leftovers, Storage, and Reheating

Leftovers and Storage: Leftover coconut shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days.

Reheating: For best results, I recommend reheating the coconut shrimp in the oven at 325 degrees F for 5-8 minutes until warmed.

Recipe Notes and Tips:

• Can you prep the shrimp in advance? Yes, you can coat the shrimp earlier in the day and then bake up before serving. Store the coated shrimp in the fridge, loosely covered in plastic wrap.
• Air Fryer – You can follow the same steps to coat the shrimp but cook in the air fryer for extra crispy shrimp.
• Frozen Shrimp – Frozen shrimp can be used to make coconut shrimp but you’ll need to thaw them first. A super quick way to thaw frozen shrimp is in a bowl of cold water.
• Tails On – While you can remove the tails, I like to leave the tails on not only for better presentation but so you can hold the tails for dipping.

More Shrimp Recipes

• Grilled Shrimp Kabobs – The lemon marinade for grilled shrimp is so flavorful and fresh tasting.
• Sheet Pan Pineapple Shrimp – Broil pineapple, bell peppers, and shrimp with a simple teriyaki-inspired sauce that’s made with pantry ingredients.
• One Pot Lemon Butter Shrimp Orzo – A one pot dinner made in just around 30 minutes.

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