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Homemade Crispy Fried Shrimp photo

Crispy Fried Shrimp

This Crispy Fried Shrimp recipe is irresistibly crunchy and packed with flavor! Perfectly seasoned jumbo shrimp fried to golden perfection for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Fried, Quick, Seafood, Shrimp
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, and tail-on
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp water
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Cajun or Old Bay Seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup oil for frying about

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

  • Rinse your shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Set Up Your Breading Station

  • In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, and salt. Mix well.
  • In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until fully combined.
  • In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the Shrimp

  • Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour, then dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Finally, coat the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Repeat for all shrimp.

Heat the Oil

  • Heat about ½ cup of oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Test oil by dropping a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and turn golden brown in about 60 seconds.

Fry the Shrimp

  • Carefully place coated shrimp into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce, aioli, or fresh lemon juice.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Frying pan or deep fryer
  • Slotted spoon or spider
  • Paper Towels

Notes

  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy shrimp.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Pat shrimp dry before coating for better batter adhesion.
  • Use cornstarch in the batter for an ultra-crispy texture.
  • Leftover shrimp can be refrigerated for 2 days or frozen uncooked for up to 2 months.