Crispy Fried Shrimp Recipe
These are some of the best crispy deep fried shrimp you will ever try and you can make them at home! Better than at a restaurant
The secret is not to over cook the fried shrimp and not use too much breading.
A light coat of flour and cornstarch combined with old bay seasoning will give you the crispy delicious fried shrimp every time!
Frying seafood at home insures the freshest crispiest final product and no waiting 45 minutes for a table at a crowded restaurant.
Crack open a beer, get yourself a bunch of shrimp and fry up some golden crispy fried shrimp at home.
Equipment You’ll Need For Fried Shrimp
- Fryer: you can use a tabletop electric fryer or even a dutch oven with a candy thermometer on the stove.
- Strainer/Spider: You will want something to help you scoop up all the shrimp quickly once they are fully cooked. If you have a tabletop fryer it most likely will come with a basket.
- Tongs: If you are worried about getting hot grease splashed on you I recommend placing the shrimp in the fryer with a pair of long tongs
- Paper Towels: After the shrimp are fully cooked I like to place the shrimp on a few paper towels so they any excess grease can drain off and I can season the shrimp before serving.
For exact amounts see printable recipe card below
Ingredient List
- 2 lbs Shrimp Raw, peeled and deviened, tail on
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 tbsp Old Bay
- 1 cup Flour
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tbsp Hot Sauce
Additional Ingredients
- 3 quarts Canola Oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil to 350 degrees F.
- Whisk together milk, egg and hot sauce along with half tbsp of old bay seasoning. Place cleaned shrimp in mixture and place in the fridge while you prepare your dry ingredients.
- In a large container with a lid shake together remaining old bay, cornstarch and flour until well combined. Place a few handfulls of shrimp at a time in the container, seal tight and shake to completly coat the shrimp
- Shake off any excess flour then gently place into the oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes until golden brown then scoop the shrimp out and transfer to a pan lined with paper towels to absore the excess oil. Season lightly with old bay and serve.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Storage: If you have any leftover fried shrimp you can store then in a sealed container for about 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat: The best method for reheating is to cook them in your oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes at 425 degrees F. just until hot and crispy.
Dipping Sauce: Cocktail Sauce and Remoulade are the classic dipping sauces for fried shrimp. If you want to try something a bit more exotic try my Spicy Hoisin Vinaigrette or even my Southwestern Ranch
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend getting the biggest shrimp you can find and afford. Something like a 21/25 count or a 16/20 count shrimp would be ideal.
You can. The cook time will be cut in half since the shrimp just need to be warmed through since they are already cooked. The breading tends to fall off cooked shrimp easier though so keep that in mind.
After breading the shrimp in the flour mixture let the shrimp sit on a plate for 5-10 minutes before dropping into the oil. This will give the shrimp time to absorb the breading allowing the breading to stick to the shrimp better. This tip works with anything you’re coating with flour.
Cooking time on fried shrimp will vary depending on size but a good rule to go by is when the shrimp turn a golden color and start to float to the top. This should take somewhere in the 4-6 minute range
What to Serve With Fried Shrimp
I love to keep it simple and serve my fried shrimp with Classic Coleslaw and some thick cut Steak Fries.
Fried Shrimp are also commonly served over cheesy grits or salads as well…That makes it healthy right?
Pair the fried shrimp with lemon wedges and a few tasty dipping sauces like the ones I mentioned above and you have yourself a fantastic seafood dinner.
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Best Crispy Fried Shrimp
Equipment
- Deep fryer or large pot with thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Shrimp Raw, peeled and deviened, tail on
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 tbsp Old Bay
- 1 cup Flour
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tbsp Hot Sauce
Additional Ingredients
- 3 quarts Canola Oil
Instructions
- Heat oil to 350 degrees F.
- Whisk together milk, egg and hot sauce along with half tbsp of old bay seasoning. Place cleaned shrimp in mixture and place in the fridge while you prepare your dry ingredients.
- In a large container with a lid shake together remaining old bay, cornstarch and flour until well combined. Place a few handfulls of shrimp at a time in the container, seal tight and shake to completly coat the shrimp
- Shake off any excess flour then gently place into the oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes until golden brown then scoop the shrimp out and transfer to a pan lined with paper towels to absore the excess oil. Season lightly with old bay and serve.
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