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Angled shot of golden brown fried shrimp on a platter showing texture of the crust.
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Best Fried Shrimp Recipe

This recipe for panko crusted fried shrimp makes perfectly seasoned, ultra crispy shrimp that cook up golden and light every time. They’re easy to prepare at home, ready in minutes, and taste just like the crispy fried shrimp you’d find at your favorite seafood restaurant.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Cocktail sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. In another shallow bowl, beat the egg and season with a little salt and pepper.
  3. Add the panko breadcrumbs to a third shallow bowl and season with cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Working one at a time, dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the egg.
  6. Let the excess drip off, then coat in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick. Place the coated shrimp on a sheet pan or plate and allow to rest on the fridge from 10-30 minutes or until ready to fry. 
  7. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a large heavy-bottomed skillet and heat to 350°F.
  8. Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  9. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  10. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • You can keep the first batches warm in a 200°F oven while frying the rest, but they’re best enjoyed right away.
  • Don’t skip letting the shrimp rest in the fridge after breading, it helps the coating stick.
  • Make sure the oil temperature stays steady over medium-high heat for even cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the correct temperature of the hot oil.
  • If preferred, cook them in an air fryer for a lighter version, just spray them thoroughly with oil first.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 184mg | Sodium: 823mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 368IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 3mg
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