If you love restaurant-style fried shrimp with a light, crunchy coating and tender juicy centers, this crispy fried shrimp recipe is for you. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at parties, seafood nights, or game day gatherings. With a seasoned flour mixture, a quick buttermilk soak, and hot oil, you can have a plate of golden shrimp ready in minutes.
Why This Fried Shrimp Recipe Works
The secret to perfect fried shrimp is all in the texture. The outside should be crisp and golden, while the inside stays soft and slightly sweet. A buttermilk marinade helps tenderize the shrimp and adds a subtle tangy flavor, while seasoned flour gives you that classic Southern-style crunch. You can serve these shrimp with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a dish that disappears fast.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the coating:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fine cornmeal or cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For frying and serving:
- Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for deep frying
- Lemon wedges
- Your favorite dipping sauce (tartar, garlic mayo, cocktail sauce, or spicy ranch)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them very dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and keeps the oil from splattering. Place the shrimp in a bowl.
Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp and add a splash of hot sauce if using. Season lightly with salt and pepper and stir to coat all the shrimp. Let them sit in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the coating and heat the oil.
2. Mix the Crispy Coating
In a large shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal or cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined so each shrimp will get an even coating.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or heavy pot to a depth of about 2–3 inches. Heat the oil to 350–365°F (175–185°C). If you do not have a thermometer, drop in a pinch of the flour mixture—if it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, the oil is ready.
4. Dredge the Shrimp
Working in small batches, lift the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Add them to the flour mixture and toss or gently press so they are fully covered. Shake off any extra flour and place them on a tray or rack while you finish coating the rest.
5. Fry Until Golden
Carefully lower a handful of shrimp into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. They cook quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt while they are still hot. Repeat with the remaining shrimp, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches.
6. Serve Hot and Crispy
Arrange the crispy fried shrimp on a platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauce. Fried shrimp are best enjoyed hot, when the coating is at its crunchiest.
Tips for the Best Crispy Fried Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp well: Any extra water will make the oil splatter and can cause the coating to slide off.
- Do not overcrowd the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once cools the oil and results in soggy, greasy shrimp.
- Use fresh oil when possible: Clean oil gives a lighter flavor and better color.
- Adjust the spice level: For mild shrimp, skip the cayenne and hot sauce. For spicy shrimp, increase both and add a pinch of chili powder.
- Keep them warm: Place cooked batches on a rack in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) while you finish frying. This keeps them crisp.
Variations
- Coconut Fried Shrimp: Dip the shrimp in beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of flour, panko crumbs, and shredded coconut.
- Beer-Battered Shrimp: Replace the buttermilk with cold beer and whisk a thinner batter, then dip and fry for a light, airy coating.
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Add extra lemon zest and pepper to the flour and serve with a lemony dipping sauce.
Serving Ideas
Crispy fried shrimp can be served as:
- A main dish with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad
- A starter for seafood dinners or parties
- A filling for shrimp po’ boy sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce
- A topping for rice bowls or pasta with garlic butter
However you serve them, this easy crispy fried shrimp recipe brings restaurant flavor straight to your kitchen. One bite of the crunchy coating and tender shrimp inside, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.