Crispy Coconut Shrimp Tacos Recipe

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4.9 (1005)

Crispy coconut shrimp tacos deliver tropical paradise with perfectly fried coconut-crusted shrimp topped with fresh pineapple avocado salsa and cilantro-lime crema. These restaurant-quality tacos combine sweet coconut coating with succulent shrimp and fresh tropical flavors for an unforgettable taco experience. The contrast between crispy shrimp and creamy toppings creates perfect texture balance that makes these tacos absolutely irresistible.

Three crisp coconut shrimp tacos garnished with pineapple salsa and drizzled with a creamy topping on a plate

These crispy coconut shrimp tacos are simply delicious. They are served with homemade pineapple avocado salsa and cilantro-lime crema for extra flavor.

Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

1/2x
1x
2x

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Coconut Shrimp:

  • 1 pound colossal shrimp, peelend and deveined

  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

  • 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

  • 3/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)

  • cooking spray

Pineapple-Avocado Salsa:

  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple

  • 1/2 large avocado – peeled, seeded, and finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce, plus more for serving (optional)

Cilantro-Lime Crema:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons lime juice

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

In addition:

  • 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients. 

    Ingredients for crispy coconut shrimp tacos arranged on a surface, including shrimp, coconut, spices, avocado, tortillas, and toppings

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

  2. Pat shrimps dry with paper towels.

    Person blotting raw shrimp with a paper towel on a tray lined with paper towels

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

  3. Combine flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk together egg and coconut milk in another shallow bowl. Stir together panko and shredded coconut in a third shallow bowl.

    Three bowls with flour, batter, and shredded coconut, part of a recipe preparation step for coconut shrimp tacos

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

  4. With basket inserted in the appliance, preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 170 degrees F (77 degrees C) (or the warm setting).

  5. Working in batches, dredge shrimp in flour mixture to coat, shaking off excess. Dip shrimp in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and toss shrimp in panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place breaded shrimp on a large plate. Generously coat shrimp on top and sides with cooking spray.

    Preparation steps for coconut shrimp shown in separate dishes

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

  6. Coconut shrimp cooking in an air fryer

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

    Coat the air-fryer basket generously with the cooking spray. Arrange half of the shrimp in the prepared basket. Do not crowd shrimp. Air-fry until shrimp are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket or turning the shrimp once halfway through cooking, 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a baking sheet and place in the warm oven while cooking the remaining shrimp. 

  7. For salsa, combine pineapple, avocado, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl.

    A bowl of salsa with diced fruits, vegetables, and herbs

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

  8. For crema, combine sour cream, cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl.

    A bowl of creamy sauce with visible herbs

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

  9. Divide hot coconut shrimp (about two each) among tortillas. Spoon salsa over shrimp and top with crema. Serve immediately with additional hot sauce if you like.

    Crispy shrimp tacos served with a bowl of salsa and a creamy dip, tortillas placed on a wooden cutting board in the background

    Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Breanna Ghazali

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

702 Calories
30g Fat
74g Carbs
38g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 702
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g38%
Saturated Fat 11g54%
Cholesterol 304mg101%
Sodium 1743mg76%
Total Carbohydrate 74g27%
Dietary Fiber 12g43%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 38g76%
Vitamin C 45mg50%
Calcium 242mg19%
Iron 4mg21%
Potassium 921mg20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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