Crispy popcorn shrimp are little bites of joy! These tiny shrimp are coated in a crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection. They’re great for snacking or as a fun appetizer.
I love to dip them in a zesty sauce for an extra kick! Plus, they disappear quickly at parties — talk about crowd-pleasers! 🍤💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using small shrimp, often labeled as popcorn shrimp, gives you that perfect bite-sized crunch. If you can’t find small shrimp, you can cut larger shrimp into smaller pieces to achieve the same size.
Buttermilk: This is essential for tenderizing the shrimp and helping the coating stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are key for that crispy texture. If you’re out of Panko, you could use regular breadcrumbs, although they might not be quite as crunchy. I sometimes mix Panko with crushed cornflakes for an extra crispy finish!
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for a touch of heat. If you prefer milder shrimp, feel free to leave it out. For extra flavor without spice, a pinch of smoked paprika can be a nice touch!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Shrimp?
A common challenge with frying shrimp is achieving that perfect crunch without undercooking or overcooking. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C). A candy thermometer can be useful here!
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which keeps the shrimp from being crispy.
- Remove shrimp as soon as they turn golden brown. They can go from perfect to overdone quickly, so keep an eye on them!
Lastly, allowing the shrimp to drain on a paper towel is key to keeping them crisp. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crispy Popcorn Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Coating:
- 1 pound small shrimp (popcorn shrimp size), peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Frying and Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to fry, plus any time needed for soaking the shrimp. In total, you should set aside about 25-30 minutes to make this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the coating sticks nicely to the shrimp.
2. Soak the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, place the shrimp and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 15 minutes. This will help to tenderize the shrimp and make them extra flavorful!
3. Mix the Coating:
While the shrimp is soaking, grab a shallow dish and mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This will be your tasty coating. In another shallow dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp have soaked, take them out of the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. First, coat each shrimp in the flour mixture. Then dip them back into the buttermilk for a second, and finally, roll them in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You want enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp, allowing them to fry evenly.
6. Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in small batches—fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot to keep the oil’s temperature stable.
7. Drain and Garnish:
Once the shrimp are done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the crispy popcorn shrimp with chopped parsley, and serve them right away with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, like cocktail sauce. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful treat!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for a quick thaw.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Shrimp?
Store any leftover crispy popcorn shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, rather than microwaving.
Can I Make These Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden. This is a healthier alternative and still delivers great taste!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Popcorn Shrimp?
Cocktail sauce is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick! Don’t hesitate to get creative with your dips!
