Popcorn Shrimp is an easy delicious recipe for crispy bite-sized shrimp with a bold zesty Cajun flavor. A perfect party appetizer! Try today!
Popcorn Shrimp are a bite-size restaurant favorite appetizer. From Dynamite Shrimp to Shrimp Tempura, battered and deep-fried shrimp makes the most addictive seafood dish for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp?
- Easy to make and serve as an appetizer, dinner or as a sandwich.
- Perfect appetizer and ready in 20 minutes that your guests will love!
Sabrina’s Popcorn Shrimp Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s a surefire crowd-pleaser? Look no further than Popcorn Shrimp! These crunchy bites aren’t just irresistible, they are super simple to make too. Serve them as a starter, recreate a classic dinner basket with fries and coleslaw, or load them into a hoagie for an amazing sandwich!
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp , peeled and deveined (30-40 count)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk milk
- vegetable oil , for frying
Instructions
- Mix the flour, Cajun seasoning, and salt in a shallow bowl.
- Whisk together the eggs and buttermilk in a second bowl.
- Add the shrimp to the flour, tap off excess flour, then dredge in the egg mixture.
- Let excess drip off then place back in the flour and coat.
- Place on a baking sheet and continue to coat the remaining shrimp.
- Heat a large pot with 2 inches of vegetable oil on medium high heat.
- Heat oil to 350 degrees.
- Fry the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
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Sabrina’s Tips
To peel and devein shrimp, first, remove the head and shell by gently pulling them off. Then, use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the black vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry before using in the recipe.
Table of contents
About this Recipe
These irresistible crunchy Popcorn Shrimp are not only delicious but they are super simple to make! With a few basic ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can have tasty fried shrimp with bold Louisiana Cajun flavor. Plus, the recipe is versatile so you can easily swap in your favorite seasonings or try out different breading options like coconut flakes or panko bread crumbs.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Choose fresh or thawed frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined, with the tail on or off, depending on your preference. The size of the shrimp is also important. Look for medium to large-sized shrimp, around 30-40 count per pound.
- Flour: Flour is used as the base for the breading mixture. It helps to coat the shrimp evenly and create a crispy texture when fried. All-purpose flour is the most common flour used, but you can also use rice flour or cornmeal for a gluten-free version.
- Cajun Seasoning: Cajun seasoning adds a spicy and smoky flavor to the shrimp. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Eggs: Eggs are used to bind the breading mixture to the shrimp. They also help to create a crispy texture when fried.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is used to tenderize the shrimp and enhance the flavor of the breading mixture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk or a mixture of milk and vinegar as a substitute.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Popcorn Shrimp ahead of time. Prepare the shrimp up to the point of frying and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, fry the shrimp as directed in the recipe. You can also freeze the prepared shrimp for later use. To freeze, place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, fry the shrimp as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.
Serving Ideas
This is sure to be one of your favorite recipes for more than just an appetizer option! Pile crisp Popcorn Shrimp in soft hoagie rolls to make a tasty sandwich. Or serve them in a dinner basket with some Steak Fries along with Tartar Sauce and Cocktail Sauce for dipping. No matter how you serve it, this homemade shrimp is sure to be a go-to favorite.
How to Store
- Store: If you have any leftover, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Once the shrimp has cooled, store in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
- Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven to reheat so that the breading gets crispy again. Reheat at 375 degrees in the oven or 400 degrees in the air fryer, for about 5-10 minutes until hot. If frozen, you will need about 10-15 minutes.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for an hour on a flat tray before storing in an airtight sealed container. This will keep it from sticking together or getting freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat as instructed above from frozen.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Air Fryer Method
- Cut and batter shrimp per the recipe instructions. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil.
- Place the battered shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. You will likely need to work in batches.
- Lightly spray with vegetable oil.
- Cook the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked.
Oven Baked Method
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Prepare the shrimp as usual with the breading and let them rest for 10 minutes before baking.
- For extra crispy shrimp, place a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate them as they bake.
- Place breaded shrimp on the baking sheet, or wire rack, and spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the breading is golden brown and the shrimp are cooked through.
Frequent Questions
It is recommended to use medium to large-sized shrimp that are peeled and deveined, with the tail on or off, depending on your preference. Look for around 30-40 count per pound, not too small or too big for a one bite snack.
Yes, popcorn shrimp are small-sized shrimp that are usually bite-sized and coated with a crispy breading. However, they are not usually baby shrimp, and sometimes they can be chopped shrimp bits.
Baby shrimp are tiny, immature shrimp that are usually less than an inch in length. They are often used in salads, sandwiches, and sushi rolls as a garnish or filling.
Variations
- Coconut: Replace ½ the flour with shredded coconut flakes and use coconut milk instead of buttermilk in the egg mixture.
- Lemon Parmesan: Add some lemon zest, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese to the breading mixture for a tangy Italian version. You could also add some dried Italian herb seasoning for more flavor.
- Breading: Replace half or all of the flour with breadcrumbs for a crispier coating on the shrimp. You can make low-carb breading with crushed pork rinds or make them gluten-free with almond or coconut flour.
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