Panko breadcrumbs help ensure these Fried Shrimp end up with a perfectly crispy texture every time. Ready in just 30 minutes, these make a great appetizer or entree. Just serve with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce for dipping!
Easy & Crispy Fried Shrimp
Once you try this fried shrimp recipe and realize just how easy it is, you’ll never order fried shrimp at a restaurant again.
While shrimp, in general, is much easier and faster to cook than I think many realize – as noted in my other recipes like dynamite shrimp, shrimp tacos, and shrimp scampi – this fried shrimp recipe brings in a whole new level of “easy”.
All you need to do is dip each shrimp in an egg wash then into panko breadcrumbs and fry for a few minutes. It takes just 5-6 minutes per batch to cook these!
Why This is The Best Fried Shrimp Recipe
If you’re looking for an impressive but easy shrimp recipe, look no further. Here are a few reasons this one stands out.
- Quick and easy. These fried shrimp take less than 30 minutes to prepare, from start to finish. And besides the shrimp, every ingredient used is a pantry staple.
- Super crispy texture. The panko breadcrumbs and frying them in preheated oil helps to ensure that these shrimp end up with a crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Appetizer or entree. This recipe is very flexible and can be served as an appetizer or as the main course itself. Just add fries and you have a lovely shrimp and chips basket to enjoy!
What You’ll Need
You’ll need just a handful of ingredients for this easy crispy shrimp recipe. See the recipe card below for measurements.
- Shrimp – See notes below.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs ensure a lighter, crispier outside than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and paprika season the breading on this fried shrimp.
- Eggs – Helps the batter stick to the shrimp.
- Vegetable oil – For frying. You can substitute another frying oil as desired.
What Shrimp Is Best For Frying?
Fresh or frozen shrimp will work for making this fried shrimp recipe. In most cases, frozen shrimp is the easiest. Just be sure to thaw it and use a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
Since you need to handle each individual shrimp, extra-large shrimp work best for this recipe. You can easily pick them up and the breading sticks to them nicely. The shrimp do need to be peeled and deveined. Tail-on is best for both presentation and working with the shrimp.
How to Make Fried Shrimp
You may be surprised by how quickly these fried shrimp come together! You can easily have them ready to serve in less than half an hour.
- Prepare the breadcrumbs. Combine the seasonings with the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
- Coat the shrimp. Dip each shrimp into the eggs then roll into the panko mixture, gently pressing it to the shrimp.
- Fry. Heat oil temperature to 350F. Fry shrimp in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Enjoy. Serve immediately with desired sauces and lemon wedges.
Tips for Success
This crispy fried shrimp recipe is quite simple to master but here are a few tips to help along the way.
- Press the shrimp into the breadcrumbs. To ensure a crispy coating, it is important to press the panko bread crumb mixture onto the shrimp gently but firmly.
- Fry the shrimp in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Serve immediately. Serve the fried shrimp immediately to enjoy them at their best texture and flavor. The longer they sit and cool, the less crispy the outside will be.
- Add seasonings to the breadcrumbs. Feel free to add additional herbs or spices to the panko bread crumbs to enhance the flavor. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, or even grated parmesan cheese.
What to Serve with Crispy Fried Shrimp
These crispy fried shrimp can be served as an appetizer or entree. I like to serve them with either cocktail sauce or tartar sauce for dipping as well as a lemon wedge or two. You also dip them in ketchup, honey mustard, hot sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even my coconut shrimp sauce.
To turn them into a meal, just add a side of your favorite French fries! Zucchini fries and sweet potato fries are fun alternatives. A side salad or some broccoli would round out the meal well.
Proper Storage
As mentioned above, these fried shrimp are best served immediately. However, if you do have leftovers, here’s how to store them.
- Fridge. Store leftover fried shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer. You can also freeze the shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You do not need to thaw to reheat.
- Reheat. The best way to reheat your shrimp is in the air fryer, as it will help maintain the crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven or quickly fry them again. The microwave will create a softer outside.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Extra-Large Shrimp Tail-on, Peeled, and Deveined
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon Paprika
- 2 large Eggs Beaten
- Vegetable Oil For Frying
- Tartar Sauce For Serving
- Cocktail Sauce For Serving
- Lemon Wedges For Serving
- Fresh Parsley For Garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
- Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Roll the shrimp into the panko bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the shrimp.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the shrimp.
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining shrimp.
- Serve the fried shrimp hot with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
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