The core-shell structure can effectively suppress the formation of large aluminum (Al) agglomerates in Al-matrix composites, enhance the energy release efficiency of Al powder, and improve its ignition performance and combustion energy release characteristics. Starting from the characteristics of core-shell structured Al-matrix composites, this study presents an overview of the research progress in this field. It discusses the commonly used preparation methods for core-shell structured Al-matrix composites, analyzes the effects of different compositions on the combustion performance, energy release efficiency, and stability of these composites. Furthermore, it outlines the potential applications and future development directions of core-shell structured Al-matrix composites: optimizing the preparation techniques for core-shell structures to achieve large-scale production, while simultaneously regulating the composition of the coating materials or constructing functional interlayers at the matrix-coating interface can effectively improve the mass and heat transfer characteristics during the material's combustion process.