Hey there! I’m super excited to share everything I know about frying shrimp in flour. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I can tell you that flour-fried shrimp is absolutely delicious and way easier than you might think!
Quick Answer
Yes, you can definitely fry shrimp in flour! It’s actually one of the simplest ways to get that perfect crispy coating while keeping the shrimp juicy inside. The key is using the right flour and following some basic steps.
What You’ll Need
Basic Ingredients:
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- All-purpose flour
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- Salt and pepper
- Your favorite seasonings
Essential Equipment:
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer
- Thermometer
- Paper towels
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Guide to Frying Shrimp in Flour
1. Prep Your Shrimp
- Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels
- Remove shells (leave tails on if desired)
- Devein the shrimp
- Season with salt and pepper
2. Prepare Your Coating
Mix in a shallow bowl:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Your choice of seasonings (I love adding:)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Old Bay seasoning
- Cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!)
3. Coating Methods
You’ve got two options:
Simple Dredge:
- Coat shrimp in seasoned flour
- Shake off excess
- Ready to fry!
Double Dredge (my fave for extra crispiness):
- Dip in flour
- Dunk in beaten egg or buttermilk
- Back in flour again
- Let rest 15 mins in fridge
4. Frying Process
- Heat oil to 350-375°F
- Fry 2-3 minutes per side
- Cook in batches (don’t overcrowd!)
- Drain on paper towels
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Shrimp
- Always use raw shrimp – pre-cooked will get tough
- Keep oil temp steady around 350-375°F
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Let coated shrimp chill before frying
- Season flour well – this is where flavor magic happens!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wet shrimp (moisture = soggy coating)
- Frying at wrong temperature
- Overcrowding the pan
- Not seasoning enough
- Skipping the resting time
Serving Ideas
Your crispy flour-fried shrimp will be amazing with:
- Tartar sauce
- Cocktail sauce
- Remoulade
- Lemon wedges
- On po’ boy sandwiches
- In tacos
- Over salads
Storage Tips
While these are best fresh. you can
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 2 days
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
- Avoid microwave (makes ’em soggy!)
Final Thoughts
I gotta tell ya, frying shrimp in flour is one of those cooking techniques that seems fancy but is actually super doable! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making restaurant-quality fried shrimp right in your kitchen. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for more!
Remember, practice makes perfect – don’t get discouraged if your first batch isn’t Instagram-worthy. Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be a pro at making these crispy, delicious morsels!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
If you love shrimps as much as we do, consider trying our other favorite shrimp recipes
What you need to make crispy fried shrimps:
How to cook Fried Shrimp w/ Batter NO Breadcrumbs ~ Yummy
FAQ
Can you deep fry with flour?
Flour-Dredge Breading
How It’s Done: Brined or soaked (often in buttermilk) pieces of food are tossed in seasoned flour and fried. Pros: When done well, produces plenty of crunchy, dark brown crust. Cons: A little messy (you often end up breading your hands). Causes extremely rapid breakdown of oil.
Is it better to fry shrimp in cornstarch or flour?
I find that mixing flour and cornstarch makes crispier shrimp. You can opt to use flour only, if preferred. Eggs + Water. Adding a bit of water to the egg mixture helps to thin it out and create a light coating before dipping the shrimp into the breadcrumbs.
How do you keep batter from falling off shrimp?
To keep the batter from falling off the shrimp, start by patting the shrimp dry before dipping them in flour. Be sure to bread them in the correct order: flour first, followed by egg whites and then the panko. The flour and egg whites create a sticky coating for the bread crumbs to adhere to, so don’t skip those steps.Jul 7, 2025
What are some common mistakes to avoid when frying shrimp?
Can you fry shrimp with flour?
Yes, frying shrimp with flour in a pan is another common method. Heat oil in a deep-sided skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Gently place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for a few minutes until they become golden brown and crispy.
What is the difference between prawn and shrimp?
Prawn is famous for delicious taste, beautiful color and rich nutrition. Shrimp has a rich protein, high nutritional value and rich mineral (such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc.). Its meat is soft and easy to digest and very beneficial to human health.
How do you cook shrimp with flour?
Preheat oil in a large pot to 350 degrees while you coat shrimp. Note that shrimp should be lightly wet on the exterior, if not rinse with water and drain well otherwise the flour won’t stick in the next step. Dredge shrimp in flour mixture on both sides. Transfer to egg mixture and coat on both sides.