Description
Easy Popcorn Shrimp is a fast, crispy, flavor-packed appetizer with golden breading and juicy shrimp, perfect for weeknights or parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb small or medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, divided
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Ensure they are thawed, peeled, and deveined.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, 1/2 tbsp Old Bay, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with whisked egg and buttermilk; one with panko, cornmeal, and remaining Old Bay.
- Dredge shrimp first in seasoned flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb-cornmeal mix. Press to coat thoroughly.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispiness; avoid microwave.
- To freeze, lay cooked shrimp on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour can be used as substitutions.
