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. Based on the characteristics of core-shell structured Al-matrix composites， an overview of the research progress was summarized. The commonly used preparation methods for core-shell structured Al-matrix composites was discussed， effects of different compositions on the combustion performance， energy release efficiency and stability of these composites were analyzed. Furthermore， the potential applications and future development directions of core-shell structured Al-matrix composites were outlined. Optimizing the preparation techniques for core-shell structures to achieve large-scale production， 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 combustion process of Al-matrix composites.