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Crispy Popcorn Shrimp Bites

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Experience tender small shrimp enveloped in a flavorful seasoned flour coating, deep fried until perfectly golden and crisp. This delightful dish delivers bite-sized shrimp that are juicy inside and satisfyingly crunchy outside, making them an ideal option for serving at gatherings or as a quick snack. To prepare, shrimp are first dried and dusted with flour seasoned with salt, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder, then dipped in an egg and milk wash before a final flour dredge. Fried in hot oil until crisp, they are quickly drained and garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as cocktail, marinara, or lemon aioli to complement their bright flavors.

Using small shrimp ensures even cooking and a crisp texture, while careful temperature control during frying prevents greasiness or burning. Variations on the seasoning mix allow for Mexican, Italian, Cajun, or Asian flavor twists, enhancing versatility. These shrimp are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated, keeping their delightful crunch. A touch of lemon or fresh herbs adds brightness, making these golden bites a standout appetizer or snack.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:29:15 GMT
A bowl of shrimp with lemon and herbs. Save
A bowl of shrimp with lemon and herbs. | lilicooks.com

This popcorn shrimp recipe delivers tender shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy batter, fried to a golden brown finish. It’s an easy appetizer that always goes fast at parties or family gatherings. If you love shrimp and crave a crunchy bite with a flavorful zip, this recipe was made with you in mind.

I discovered this recipe when I wanted a restaurant-quality snack at home, and now it’s become a favorite to share with friends during game days and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

  • One pound small shrimp peeled and deveined: small size is key for that perfect bite
  • One and one quarter cups all-purpose flour: forms the crispy coating
  • Two teaspoons salt: essential for seasoning the shrimp and flour
  • Half teaspoon smoked or regular paprika: adds a subtle smoky warmth, smoked variety gives extra depth
  • Quarter teaspoon black pepper: balances the flavors with a little spice
  • Quarter teaspoon garlic powder: for a mild savory note
  • One large egg: helps the flour stick perfectly to the shrimp
  • Quarter cup milk: combined with egg forms the dredging mixture
  • Vegetable oil for frying: neutral oil that can withstand high heat without burning
  • Two teaspoons fresh parsley chopped: for a bright fresh finish and color, use fresh for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sift and Season the Flour:
Mix the flour with salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl until well combined. This seasoned flour is the first and final coating that ensures plenty of flavor in every bite.
Coat the Shrimp Lightly:
Pat your shrimp dry to avoid clumping. Toss them with about a quarter cup of the seasoned flour until they are lightly coated. This first flour layer helps the egg mixture stick better.
Heat the Oil to Right Temperature:
Pour 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil into a large deep pot or Dutch oven. Heat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer for accuracy because too hot oil burns the coating and oil too cool makes it greasy.
Mix the Egg and Milk:
Whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture acts like glue for the final flour coating.
Dredge the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the egg and milk mixture until fully wet. Then immediately coat it again in the remaining seasoned flour, pressing gently so it sticks well.
Fry in Batches:
Carefully place 8 to 10 shrimp at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Overcrowding the pot lowers oil temperature and leads to soggy shrimp.
Drain and Garnish:
Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining shrimp. Sprinkle with fresh parsley while still hot and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
A bowl of shrimp with lemon and a dipping sauce. Save
A bowl of shrimp with lemon and a dipping sauce. | lilicooks.com

I absolutely love smoked paprika in this recipe; it adds a layer of flavor that makes the shrimp pop on the palate. Sharing these popcorn shrimp is always a hit — I remember one game day when the platter disappeared before kickoff, everyone kept going back for more.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blends to make this recipe gluten free. For milk, any dairy or non-dairy milk works well. Try adding spices like cayenne or dried herbs to customize the coating to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Popcorn shrimp are fantastic with classic cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a fresh squeeze of lemon. They also pair well with creamy aioli or a spicy remoulade. Serve alongside crunchy coleslaw or a crisp salad for a simple meal.

Cultural Context

Popcorn shrimp gained popularity as a casual finger food in American seafood cuisine. It mimics the bite-sized nature of popcorn and became a popular appetizer at bars and restaurants, loved for how easy it is to snack on by the handful.

Recipe FAQs

→ What size shrimp is best for this dish?

Small shrimp such as rock shrimp or those in the 41/50 to 61/70 count range work best, allowing for quick, even frying and crisp texture.

→ How can I ensure the shrimp turn out crispy?

Pat shrimp dry before coating, use a seasoned flour mixture, maintain oil temperature around 375°F, and avoid overcrowding the frying pot.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with fried shrimp bites?

Classic options include cocktail sauce, marinara, lemon aioli, or remoulade, each adding complementary flavors to the crispy shrimp.

→ Can I make different flavor variations?

Yes, by adjusting the seasonings such as adding Cajun spice, Italian herbs, chili powder, or Asian five-spice powder to the coating for unique twists.

→ How should leftover shrimp be reheated?

Reheat gently in the oven to help retain crispness, but avoid overbaking as that may cause the shrimp to become rubbery.

→ How do I peel and devein shrimp efficiently?

Press under the shrimp to loosen the shell and peel from head to tail. Devein by cutting along the top and removing the dark vein with a knife tip.

Crispy Popcorn Shrimp Bites

Golden fried shrimp bites with a seasoned coating, served hot and fresh for a flavorful crunchy snack.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Seafood

01 1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Batter

02 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
03 2 tsp salt, plus more for serving
04 1/2 tsp paprika, smoked or regular
05 1/4 tsp black pepper
06 1/4 tsp garlic powder

→ Dipping Mixture

07 1 large egg
08 1/4 cup milk

→ Frying

09 Vegetable oil, for deep frying

→ Garnish

10 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

Step 01

In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Pat shrimp dry and place in a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the seasoned flour mixture and toss until shrimp are lightly coated.

Step 03

Pour 3 to 4 inches of vegetable oil into a large deep pot and heat to 375°F (190°C), monitoring with a frying thermometer.

Step 04

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined.

Step 05

Dip each shrimp into the egg and milk mixture, then thoroughly coat with the remaining seasoned flour.

Step 06

Carefully place 8 to 10 shrimp at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp, turning as needed.

Step 07

Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat frying with remaining shrimp in batches.

Step 08

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.

Tips

  1. Maintain oil temperature at 375°F to ensure crispiness and prevent greasiness. Serve immediately for best texture.

Required Tools

  • Deep-frying thermometer
  • Large deep pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish, eggs, and dairy
  • May contain gluten from all purpose flour

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 314
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Proteins: 25 g