Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 3-5 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls. Bowl 1: combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bowl 2: beaten eggs. Bowl 3: shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs mixed together.

Step 3: Pat the Shrimp Dry

This is the most important step! Pat each shrimp completely dry with paper towels before breading. Dry shrimp = coating that sticks properly.

Step 4: Bread the Shrimp

Working one at a time dip each shrimp into the flour mixture shaking off any excess, then into the beaten egg, then press firmly into the coconut panko mixture coating all sides. The pressing motion is key for maximum crunch.

Step 5: Air Fry

Arrange coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket — do not overlap. Spray tops generously with cooking spray. Air fry at 360°F for 6 minutes then flip each shrimp, spray again, and cook for another 4-6 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Immediately season with a pinch of extra salt straight out of the air fryer. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.