Crispy Fried Shrimp are delicious jumbo shrimp coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown and crisp. Pair this crispy fried shrimp basket with cocktail sauce, or my Easy Bang Bang Sauce for the ultimate seafood feast!
For more delicious shrimp recipes, try Jamaican Curry Shrimp (Seafood) and Bang Bang (KaPow) Shrimpnext.
Crispy Fried Shrimp
I love shrimp because it’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and absolutely delicious! You can saute, bake, or air fry shrimp. But nothing compares to deep fried crispy fried shrimp recipe. It is my favourite way to enjoy shrimp!
Fried shrimp has a crispy coating that makes for a delectable crunch, and the seasoned shrimp just below the surface is always tender, juicy, and flavorful. Serve them as part of a main course or appetizer option that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Here’s Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Versatile – add this protein to rice bowls, salads, tacos, or burritos. The serving options are endless!
- Quick – it takes less than 10 minutes to fry breaded shrimp.
- Restaurant Quality – you don’t have to eat out to treat yourself. These irresistible shrimp tastes are truly mouthwatering!
How to Prepare Shrimp for Frying
Before frying shrimp, remove the shells, devein them, rinse them off, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Is it really necessary to devein shrimp?
Although the vein in shrimp is safe to consume, many people prefer to remove it. That is because the black lining that runs along the spine of the shrimp is its intestinal tract (aka shrimp poop). Aside from it being unsightly, it also has a gritty texture that can make it unpleasant to consume.
How to Devein Shrimp
Here are two ways to devein shrimp:
- Toothpick – place a toothpick anywhere underneath the digestive tract lining and pull it up. It should slide right out.
- Sharp Knife – slice along the back of the shrimp so that the vein is revealed. Then pull it out with your hand or the edge of the knife.
Can You Eat Shrimp Tails?
Yes. Shrimp tails are edible. In some countries, it is considered a delicacy. For this crispy fried shrimp recipe, I keep the tails on. It adds to the presentation, makes them easier to grab by hand, and I like the crunch. However, you can remove them if you prefer.
What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)
- Medium-Sized Mixing Bowl – you will need three; one for the flour mixture, one for the egg mixture and another for the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Heavy Bottom Pot – for deep frying the shrimp.
Crispy Fried Shrimp Ingredients and Ingredient Notes
- Raw Jumbo Shrimp – peeled and deveined.
- Seasoned Flour – combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley flakes for a flavourful, crispy coating.
- Eggs – whisked. The egg mixture helps the breadcrumbs stick to the shrimp.
- Panko Breadcrumbs Mixture – combine panko, Italian seasoning, Old Bay (or seafood/fish seasoning) for a tasty crunch.
- Lemon Wedges – for serving.
- Fresh Parsley – for garnish.
- Oil – for frying.
How to Make Crispy Fried Shrimp
- Flour Mixture – in a medium sized bowl, add flour and season with garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, Old Bay, seafood or fish seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper; stir to combine.
- Panko Breadcrumbs Mixture – in another medium sized bowl, add panko breadcrumbs and season with Italian seasoning, and old bay seasoning; stir to combine.
- Egg Mixture – add 3 eggs in a third bowl and whisk until combined.
- Bread Shrimp -working one by one, start by first dredging lightly (dipping) each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and lastly roll in the panko breadcrumbs mixture until evenly coated. Place each shrimp onto a wire rack to rest, then repeat the process until all shrimp are breaded. sheet pan.
- Fry Shrimp – heat a large deep heavy bottom pot over medium heat, and add enough oil to fry the shrimp. Add shrimp being sure not to overcrowd your pot and cook, flipping at the halfway point for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pot and drain on a clean wired rack. Repeat the process until all shrimp are cooked.
- Serve – serve immediately with cocktail sauce or bang bang sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Recipe Substitutions and Tips for the Best Crispy Fried Shrimp
- Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp – prepare the shrimp just as the instructions, then instead of frying them on the stove, add them to a preheated air fryer set to 400°F. Cook them for about 5 minutes.
- Spicy – add cayenne pepper and cajun seasoning to the seasoning blend for a kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions and Tips
- Dips & Sauces – if you’re enjoying crispy fried shrimp as an appetizer or snack, pair it with your favourite dipping sauce. I suggest cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, hot sauce, or honey mustard.
- Fries – replicate a restaurant meal and serve the shrimp with fries and coleslaw.
- Salad – mix up that boring salad by adding crunchy shrimp as a protein.
- Tacos – next Taco Tuesday, serve these between tortillas with all your favourite taco toppings.
Recipe Notes and Tips for Success
- Use jumbo shrimp because they are easier to fry and harder to overcook. Besides, we aren’t making popcorn shrimp!
- As you coat the shrimp, hold it by the tail and shake off any excess coating.
- Test the heat level of your oil by testing one shrimp and ensuring the coating doesn’t burn or become browned before the shrimp is cooked through.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan. Otherwise, the shrimp will be soggy.
Can I Make Crispy Fried Shrimp Ahead of Time?
I don’t advise it. Enjoy them fresh!
Storage Instructions
If you have leftover shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispy coating. They will be soggy if microwaved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should shrimp be cooked before frying?
No. If the shrimp is precooked, it will be overcooked after frying. They also won’t absorb the flavour of the seasoning or breadcrumbs. So use raw shrimp to make crispy fried shrimp.
What is the best oil for frying shrimp?
Vegetable oil is best for frying shrimp because it has a high smoke point and a neutral taste.
Do you have to dry shrimp before frying?
Dry shrimp frying so the seasoning sticks to the shrimp. If the shrimp is wet, you will have a difficult time getting the breadcrumbs to adhere to the surface.
Interested in more Seafood Recipes? Check These Out!
- Ackee and Saltfish
- Brown Stew Fish
- Lemon Chive Salmon Cakes
- Cajun Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Jamaican Coconut Curried Salmon
- White Wine Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
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Crispy Fried Shrimp with Recipe Video
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Large Deep Heavy Bottom Pot
Ingredients
- 2 lb Raw Jumbo Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seafood or Fish Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper more or less to taste
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 3 Eggs whisked
- 11/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- Lemon Wedges for serving
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, add flour and season with garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, Old Bay, seafood or fish seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper; stir to combine. In another medium sized bowl, add panko breadcrumbs and season with Italian seasoning, and old bay seasoning; stir to combine. Lastly, add 3 eggs in a third bowl and whisk until combined.
- Working one by one, start by first dredging lightly (dipping) each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and lastly roll in the panko breadcrumbs mixture until evenly coated. Place each shrimp onto a wire rack to rest, then repeat the process until all shrimp are breaded. sheet pan.
- Heat a large deep heavy bottom pot over medium heat, and add enough oil to fry the shrimp. Add shrimp being sure not to overcrowd your pot and cook, flipping at the halfway point for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from pot and drain on a clean wired rack. Repeat the process until all shrimp are cooked.
- Serve immediately with cocktail sauce or bang bang sauce (linked above) and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Recipe Notes
Note, the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary based on products used.
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