Learn how to make deep fried shrimp that’s light, crispy, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes. It’s simple if you do it this way.
What’s not to love about a perfectly fried shrimp? The golden, crispy outside gives way to a soft, sweet inside. You can serve them as a starter with a classic Cocktail Sauce or for dinner with steamed vegetables and an easy rice pilaf.
If you have visited the site the before, you know that I have an affinity for shrimp. I try to keep a bag of shrimp in the freezer for quick meals. I don’t even have to remember to take them out in the morning because I thaw them this way.
Crispy, golden fried shrimp is one of life’s great culinary pleasures When done right, fried shrimp has a light, delicate crunch on the outside and a tender, juicy bite on the inside But achieving that perfect fried shrimp requires precision, especially when it comes to oil temperature. So what temp do you fry shrimp at for the best results?
350°F – 375°F is the Ideal Oil Temperature for Frying Shrimp
The optimum oil temperature range for frying shrimp is 350°F to 375°F. Heating the oil to 350°F – 375°F allows the shrimp to fry up golden and crispy without becoming greasy or overcooked. Shrimp cook extremely fast, so this high heat helps them develop a nice crust before the insides get dried out. Any lower and you risk soggy, undercooked shrimp. Any higher and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
So for lightly breaded, perfectly fried shrimp, aim for an oil temp of 350°F to 375°F. Keep reading for more tips on frying up fantastic shrimp!
How to Fry Shrimp to Perfection
Follow these handy tips for deliciously fried shrimp every time:
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Use raw peeled shrimp – For even frying, start with raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Leaving the tails on adds presentation.
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Dry shrimp thoroughly – Blot shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture before breading. This prevents splattering.
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Bread lightly – For a delicate crunch, bread shrimp with a light coating of flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs.
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Use a thermometer – An oil thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining correct temperature.
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Fry in batches – Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temp. Overcrowding drops the temp.
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Flip halfway – Flip shrimp halfway through frying for evenly golden crust.
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Fry just until golden – Fry just until shrimp are golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
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Drain on paper towels – Drain fried shrimp on paper towels to soak up excess grease.
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Season while hot – Toss fried shrimp with salt, pepper, or spice blends when they come out.
Handy Answers to Common Shrimp Frying Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about frying shrimp:
Can you fry frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them completely first for even cooking. Pat dry before breading.
What type of oil is best for frying shrimp?
Opt for neutral oils with high smoke points like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil.
How long do you fry shrimp?
Shrimp fry quickly, usually 1-2 minutes per side depending on size. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it better to fry peeled or unpeeled shrimp?
Either works! Frying in the shell can help retain moisture.
Should you bread shrimp before frying?
Breading adds a nice crunch but isn’t required. Fry “naked” for a simpler approach.
What’s the best breading for fried shrimp?
For ultra-light, crispy fried shrimp, use a standard breading of flour, egg wash, and panko crumbs.
How do you know when fried shrimp is done?
Shrimp will turn opaque and pink with a crunchy, golden exterior when ready.
Can you reuse frying oil for shrimp?
Yes, strain and refrigerate oil between uses. Discard once it smells or smokes prematurely.
What are good dipping sauces for fried shrimp?
Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, remoulade, sriracha mayo, honey mustard sauce, etc.
Serving Up Next-Level Fried Shrimp
Take your fried shrimp to new heights with these tasty tips:
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Make shrimp po’ boys piled high with crispy fried shrimp.
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Toss fried shrimp into fresh salads for a protein punch.
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Sprinkle fried shrimp with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
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Serve with french fries or onion rings for an indulgent meal.
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Pair fried shrimp with creamy coleslaw to balance the crunch.
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Fry shrimp and calamari together for a tasty seafood combo.
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Stuff fried shrimp into tacos along with avocado and salsa.
So for the crispiest, juiciest fried shrimp around, heat your oil to 350°F – 375°F. Proper oil temperature is the key to achieving the ultimate texture and flavor. Follow these handy frying tips for batch after batch of fantastically fried shrimp.
More Amazing Shrimp Recipes
This page has all of my shrimp recipes. If you want more great shrimp recipes, see the ones below.
How To Deep Fry Shrimp
- Heat the oil to 350˚F.
- Fry in batches of about 6 shrimp per batch. Keep an eye on the shrimp because they only take one to two minutes to cook. You want them to be a golden brown. Note: If there are too many people, the oil will cool down faster and the food will soak up more oil, which is gross.
- Allow the oil to return to 350˺F after each batch is taken out before adding the next one.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. English Cocktail Sauce and Classic Cocktail Sauce are two ideas if you need some help.
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What temperature do you deep fry shrimp?
The recommended temperature for deep frying shrimp is between 350-375°F (175-190°C). This high heat ensures that the shrimp cooks quickly and produces a crispy coating. 3. Should I devein the shrimp before deep frying? Deveining the shrimp is a matter of personal preference.
What temperature should shrimp oil be fried at?
Shrimp cook rather quickly so the optimal frying temperature of the oil should be between 350 degrees F and 375 degrees F. Using a thermometer to tell when the oil is at the correct temperature for frying is key to success. Too cool and the food will absorb the oil.
Can you fry shrimp in a deep fryer?
A deep-fry thermometer is super handy to make sure your oil stays at the proper temperature. You can also use a deep fryer for this shrimp recipe. Shrimp cook really quickly. The oil temperature should be 350-375° and the shrimp will cook in 1-2 minutes. What Kind of Oil is Best for Fried Shrimp? Peanut Oil is the best.
How long to deep fry frozen shrimp?
The ideal cooking time for deep frying shrimp is around 2-3 minutes. However, it may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the cooking temperature. It’s important to monitor the shrimp closely to prevent overcooking, as they can become rubbery and lose their natural sweetness if left in the oil for too long. 1. Can I deep fry frozen shrimp?