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Plated shrimp with crunchy breading, dipping sauce blurred in the background.

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn Shrimp is a crispy fried seafood appetizer made with small shrimp, flour, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, herbs, and simple seasonings.
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Keyword: Popcorn Shrimp
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/8 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp onion powder
  • 24 uncooked small shrimp peeled and deveined

Instructions

  • Pour the vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or deep pot.
  • Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
  • Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl.
  • In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined.
  • In a third shallow bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs, salt, dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Stir the breadcrumb mixture until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels, if needed.
  • Coat each shrimp lightly in the flour.
  • Shake off any excess flour.
  • Dip each floured shrimp into the egg and milk mixture.
  • Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off.
  • Transfer the shrimp to the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
  • Coat each shrimp evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently if necessary.
  • Shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
  • Place the coated shrimp on a plate while preparing the remaining shrimp.
  • Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil in small batches.
  • Fry the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, turning halfway through, until the coating is crisp and golden brown.
  • Remove the fried shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
  • Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack to drain.
  • Allow the shrimp to cool slightly before serving.
  • Serve warm with the dipping sauce of your choice.

Notes

To make this Popcorn Shrimp gluten free, replace the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating.
Confirm that the dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and any dipping sauces are gluten free.
Use clean bowls, utensils, plates, and frying equipment to prevent gluten cross-contact.
If frying for someone with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, use fresh oil that has not been used to fry gluten-containing foods.