Crispy Popcorn Shrimp
User Reviews
5
Crispy Popcorn Shrimp
Description
This Crispy Popcorn Shrimp recipe uses peeled, deveined small shrimp coated first in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, dipped in an egg and water mixture, then coated in a breadcrumb blend of panko, seasoned crumbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Baking or frying produces shrimp with a crunchy, flavorful crust and moist interior. The garlic powder and smoked paprika infuse the coating with depth and mild smokiness. Baking with cooking spray creates crispness while air frying or deep frying offer alternative methods that yield a similar texture.
Baking at 400°F for 12-14 minutes total, flipping midway, ensures even browning without overcooking. Air frying at the same temperature requires flipping after 2 minutes and cooking a few more minutes until done. Deep frying at 350°F crisps the shrimp quickly in small batches. These cooking options allow for flexibility depending on available equipment and preference.
After cooking, seasoning with salt or seasoned salt enhances flavor. The size of shrimp affects cooking times, so smaller shrimp require less time to avoid drying out. This crunchy popcorn shrimp makes a versatile dish suitable for dipping sauces or serving atop salads and rice bowls.
Ingredients
- 2 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined, small
- cooking spray or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Whisk eggs and water in a bowl. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl with salt & pepper.
- Combine both breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste in a third bowl.
- Toss shrimp in the flour and shake off any excess.
- Dip in egg mixture and then into the bread crumbs gently pressing to adhere.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (see notes for air fryer or deep fryer).
- Spray shrimp with cooking spray until well coated. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake 6 minutes. Flip shrimp and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes or until cooked through.
To Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray shrimp with cooking spray until well coated. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 2 minutes. Flip shrimp and air fry an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
To Deep Fry
- Heat deep fryer or oil to 350°F.
- Add shrimp in small batches and cook 3-4 minutes or until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Smaller shrimp will cook faster; adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Season with salt or seasoned salt immediately after cooking for best flavor.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F before cooking for even crispness.
- When air frying, arrange shrimp in a single layer and flip after 2 minutes for uniform cooking.
- For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispness.
- Drain deep-fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 292 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 292 | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 225mg | 75% |
| Sodium | 1276mg | 53% |
| Potassium | 269mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 598IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 133mg | 13% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.