Crispy Fried Shrimp

There’s something irresistible about perfectly crispy fried shrimp — golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Crispy Fried Shrimp is a classic comfort dish that works beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or party snack. Whether served with tangy cocktail sauce, creamy aioli, or spicy remoulade, these shrimp deliver crunch, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.

What makes this recipe special is the double coating technique: first a seasoned flour dredge, then a buttermilk dip, followed by a breadcrumb or panko crust. This ensures a light, crunchy coating that stays crisp while keeping the shrimp juicy and succulent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Crispy Fried Shrimp recipe because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. The shrimp cook quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals, yet the crunchy coating feels indulgent and restaurant-quality.

The combination of seasoned flour, egg wash or buttermilk, and panko crumbs ensures a golden crust every time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers restaurant-quality fried shrimp at home. The texture contrast between the crispy exterior and tender shrimp interior is irresistible. Plus, it’s perfect for seafood lovers who want a quick, impressive dish that’s also fun to make.

Unlike store-bought frozen fried shrimp, homemade crispy fried shrimp lets you control seasoning, crunch, and freshness — creating a flavor that’s unmatched.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25–27 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~320 per serving

Course: Appetizer / Main Course

Cuisine: American / Seafood

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough to deep-fry or shallow-fry)

For Serving (Optional):

• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this helps the coating stick and prevents oil splatter.
2. Trim tails if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

1. Flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Egg wash: In another bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk.
3. Breadcrumbs: Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

1. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Dip in the egg and buttermilk mixture.
3. Press into breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry shrimp in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Shrimp should curl and turn opaque.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

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How to Serve

• Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
• Pair with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
• Great as an appetizer, over a salad, or in tacos or sandwiches for a main course.

Recipe Tips

• Pat shrimp dry to ensure coating sticks.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — it lowers oil temperature and prevents crispiness.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Serve immediately; fried shrimp lose crispiness if left to sit too long.
• Oil temperature is crucial — around 350°F ensures golden, crispy shrimp.

Variations

1. Spicy Fried Shrimp: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to flour mixture.
2. Parmesan Crusted Shrimp: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs.
3. Coconut Shrimp: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to panko breadcrumbs.
4. Air Fryer Version: Spray coated shrimp with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
5. Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free panko in place of regular breadcrumbs.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing (Uncooked): Coat shrimp and freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes shrimp soggy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet, Dutch oven, or frying pan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels for draining
• Shallow bowls for breading stations
• Thermometer (optional, to check oil temperature)

Conclusion

Crispy Fried Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and indulgent dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor into your home kitchen. Golden, crunchy, and juicy, it’s perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party snack. With versatile breading options, quick cooking time, and endless serving possibilities, it’s a dish you’ll love making and everyone will love eating. Serve with dipping sauces, lemon wedges, or over rice or salad for a complete meal — a true seafood delight for any occasion.

Crispy Fried Shrimp

There’s something irresistible about perfectly crispy fried shrimp — golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Crispy Fried Shrimp is a classic comfort dish that works beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or party snack.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Appetizer & Snacks

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough to deep-fry or shallow-fry)

For Serving (Optional):

• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp : Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels — this helps the coating stick and prevents oil splatter. Trim tails if desired.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations : Flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Egg wash: In another bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk. Breadcrumbs: Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
3. Step 3: Coat the Shrimp : Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in the egg and buttermilk mixture. Press into breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Set aside on a plate.
4. Step 4: Fry the Shrimp : Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Shrimp should curl and turn opaque. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Keywords: Crispy Fried Shrimp