Hey there fellow shrimp lovers! I’ve been deep frying shrimp for years in my kitchen, and lemme tell you – getting that perfect crispy coating while keeping the inside juicy can be tricky. But don’t worry, I’m gonna break it down real simple for ya!
Quick Answer
For perfectly fried shrimp at 375°F here’s how long to cook based on size
- Small shrimp (36-45 per pound): 1½-2 minutes
- Medium shrimp (26-30 per pound): 2-2½ minutes
- Large shrimp (16-20 per pound): 2½-3 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (10-15 per pound): 3-4 minutes
Why 375°F is the Sweet Spot
We use 375°F because it’s the perfect temp to:
- Get that coating super crispy before the shrimp gets overcooked
- Keep the batter from getting all greasy and gross
- Make sure the coating sticks properly
- Give enough time for the shrimp to cook through without burning
Things That Affect Cooking Time
Listen up! These factors can change how long you need to fry those bad boys
-
Coating Thickness
- Thick breading = longer cooking time
- Light dusting = shorter cooking time
-
Type of Coating
- Wet batter needs about 30 seconds more
- Dry coating cooks faster
-
Batch Size
- Small batches cook quicker
- Large batches need more time
-
Starting Temperature
- Fresh/thawed: normal cooking time
- Frozen: add 30 seconds
How to Know When They’re Done
Look for these signs:
- Golden brown, crunchy coating
- Slightly curled shape
- White, opaque inside
- Clear juices when pierced
- Internal temp of 140°F
Pro Tips for Crispy Perfection
- Work in small batches (5-8 jumbo or 12-15 small shrimp)
- Use a thermometer to keep oil temp steady
- Let shrimp warm up before frying
- Drain on a rack instead of paper towels
- Let oil heat back up between batches
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Here’s what NOT to do:
- Using oil that’s too cold (makes greasy shrimp – yuck!)
- Overcrowding the pot (creates steamy not crispy shrimp)
- Using thick batter with cool oil (it’ll fall right off)
- Burning the coating with super hot oil
- Not draining properly (nobody likes oily shrimp)
Keeping Them Crispy
Nothing worse than soggy fried shrimp! Here’s what I do:
- Rest 5 mins after frying
- Use a cooling rack for draining
- Sprinkle with extra breadcrumbs
- Pop in 400°F oven for 1-2 mins to re-crisp
- Serve immediately while hot
My Fave Dipping Sauces
These sauces take your fried shrimp to the next level:
- Classic cocktail sauce
- Spicy remoulade
- Sweet chili sauce
- Tangy tartar sauce
- Garlic aioli
Bottom Line
Deep frying shrimp ain’t rocket science, but getting it just right takes a bit of practice. Keep that oil at 375°F, watch your timing based on size, and don’t overcrowd the pot. Follow these tips and you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality fried shrimp in no time!
Remember, practice makes perfect – so don’t get discouraged if your first batch isn’t Instagram-worthy. Keep at it and you’ll be a shrimp-frying pro before ya know it!
What’s your favorite way to season fried shrimp? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your secret recipes!
What You’ll Need for the Best Beer Battered Shrimp
Let’s talk about a few key items that you’ll need.
- Large shrimp: Look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save yourself some prep time. The larger the shrimp, the juicier they’ll be when cooked.
- Cajun seasoning: This spice blend is a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other herbs and spices. It adds a nice depth of flavor and a touch of heat to the batter. Don’t worry if you can’t find it—I’ve included a simple substitute in the recipe!
- Dijon mustard: A little Dijon mustard in the batter helps tenderize the shrimp and adds a subtle tangy flavor. It’s a small but important ingredient, so don’t skip it.
- Peanut oil: This oil has a high smoke point, which is crucial for deep frying. It helps prevent the batter from burning and ensures the shrimp cook evenly.
BEST Crispy Southern-Style DEEP-FRIED Shrimp RECIPE
FAQ
How long do shrimp take at 375 degrees?
How long to bake shrimp at 375? Same answer as above, only cooking time will be a little longer due to decreased temperature. Cook time should be 10-12 minutes.
How long to deep fry fish at 375 degrees?
How long to leave shrimp in a deep fryer?
Working in small batches, dredge shrimp in egg mixture. Lower shrimp carefully into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
How long to deep fry frozen shrimp at 350 degrees?
- Preheat your deep fryer or a large pot of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the frozen stuffed shrimp to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn crispy and golden brown.