Perfectly Crispy Shrimp

These Perfectly Crispy Shrimp are coated in a crunchy, golden panko crust and fried until perfectly crisp while staying tender and juicy inside. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

For Serving

Lemon wedges
Cocktail sauce
Tartar sauce
Sweet chili sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the breaded shrimp with cooking oil.
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Tips

Use large or jumbo shrimp for the juiciest results.
Pat the shrimp completely dry before breading to help the coating stick.
Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket—cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
Serve with French fries, coleslaw, a fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore their crispiness.