Golden & Crunchy Breaded Shrimp Recipe

Did you know that shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the U.S.? In fact, the average American eats over 4 pounds of shrimp every year! And it’s no surprise—shrimp is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

If you’re looking for a crispy, golden, and absolutely mouthwatering shrimp recipe, this breaded shrimp recipe is perfect for you. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate restaurant-style fried shrimp at home in just 20 minutes!

These breaded shrimp make an excellent party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a quick weeknight meal. Dip them in your favorite sauce, pair them with a fresh salad, or serve them over rice for a complete dish.

Let’s get started with this easy and delicious crispy breaded shrimp recipe!

How to Make Breaded Shrimp

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4–5

Freshly cooked Breaded Shrimp served for dinner.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

- - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  - ½ teaspoon salt
  - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  - 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Breading:

- - ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  - 2 eggs, beaten
  - ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness!)

For Frying:

- - Vegetable oil (enough to submerge the shrimp in a frying pan)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Set aside.

2. Prepare three shallow bowls:

- Flour Bowl: Add the all-purpose flour.
- Egg Bowl: Beat the eggs until smooth.
- Breadcrumb Bowl: Add the panko breadcrumbs.

3. One by one, dip each shrimp into the flour, then the beaten egg, and lastly into the panko breadcrumbs.

Dipping the shrimp into the breadcrumbs to make Breaded Shrimp.

4. In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping breadcrumb in it—if it sizzles immediately, it’s good to go!

5. Carefully add a few shrimp at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3–5 minutes, flipping once, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.

6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp onto a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or lemon aioli.

Tips & Twists for the Best Breaded Shrimp

Fresh shrimp provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry before breading.
For super crispy shrimp, dip them in egg and panko twice.
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for spicy breaded shrimp.
For a healthier version, cook the shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

A plate of Breaded Shrimp served with tomato sauce.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

A single serving of shrimp provides 18 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle building.
Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain heart health.
A 3-ounce serving has only 84 calories, making it a great option for weight management.

Make Your Breaded Shrimp Today!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into crispy, golden-breaded shrimp—the crunch, the juicy shrimp inside, and the burst of flavor! This easy breaded shrimp recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game nights, or party appetizers. The simple seasoning, crispy panko coating, and juicy shrimp make it an absolute hit. Make a batch today, serve it with a squeeze of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear within minutes!

Kitchen Tools You Need for This Recipe

For the best cooking experience, check out these high-quality kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen:

Premium Knife Set – For easily deveining and preparing shrimp.
Mixing Bowls – Perfect for breading shrimp.
Frying Skillet – To achieve that perfect crispy golden fry.

Tried This Recipe? Let Us Know!

Have you tried this crispy breaded shrimp recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell us what you think. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and tag us @zulay_kitchenusing #kitchenhappiness!

Breaded Shrimp served with Tartar sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breaded Shrimp

Can I bake breaded shrimp instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded shrimp on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get the same deep-fried crispiness, but it’s a healthier alternative!

How do I store leftover breaded shrimp?

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to keep them crispy.

Can I freeze breaded shrimp?

Absolutely! Bread the shrimp and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry straight from frozen—just add an extra 1–2 minutes of cooking time.

What are the best dipping sauces for breaded shrimp?

Some of the best dipping sauces include: