Name: Heart Healthy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup rice vinegar; 1/2 cup zero calorie zero sugar granulated sugar substitute; 1 finely grated fresh ginger; 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp no salt added ketchup; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 Tbsp water; 1 lb (about 30) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup gluten-free all purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1 large egg; 1 egg white; 3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut; 1/4 cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs; Non-stick cooking spray; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

By Adam Fisher

Published 2/18/2025

Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT

Approved for These Diets:

Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp delivers the crispy, golden texture of a restaurant favorite with a heart-healthy twist. Made without deep frying, this recipe keeps saturated fat low while using unsweetened coconut flakes and gluten-free panko for a light, crunchy coating. By making a homemade sweet chili sauce with this shrimp recipe, it provides a tasty kick while reducing the amount of added sugars and sodium compared to store-bought versions. With only 8 grams of carbs per serving, it’s an excellent choice for those managing blood sugar levels. Ready in just 30 minutes, this diabetic-friendly appetizer is a satisfying way to enjoy a classic, made healthier at home.

Don't have an air fryer? You can easily make Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp in the oven!

For even more crispy, crunchy recipes, enjoy sinking your teeth into our amazing heart-healthy appetizer recipes!

Total Time

30 minutes

Servings

10

Calories

100

How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Sweet Chili Sauce

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water and rice vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in sugar substitute, ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, ketchup, and garlic. Simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
Step 2

Add cornstarch to small mixing bowl; stir in water until smooth. Whisk slurry into chili sauce.
Step 3

Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve with the shrimp.

Coconut Shrimp

Step 1

Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Step 2

Sift together gluten-free flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika into a shallow bowl using a fine-mesh sieve. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and egg white. In a third shallow bowl, combine shredded coconut and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3

Dip shrimp into flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dredge in egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Lastly, coat the shrimp in the coconut mixture, gently pressing to adhere.
Step 4

Grease the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place coconut shrimp in a single layer in air fryer, making sure they are not touching. Spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 6 minutes, flip the shrimp, and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray again; cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Season immediately with additional black pepper, if desired.
Step 5

Season immediately with additional black pepper, if desired, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with sweet chili sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:

3 shrimp, 1 Tbsp sauce

100

Calories

5

g

Fat

79

mg

Cholesterol

273

mg

Sodium

8

g

Carbs

4

g

Sat. Fat

1

g

Fiber

8

g

Protein

1

g

Sugars

Heart Healthy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients

Sweet Chili Sauce

Coconut Shrimp

How to Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Sweet Chili Sauce

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Coconut Shrimp

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Nutrition Facts

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