Hey there! I’m a home cook who’s fried countless batches of shrimp, and I’m excited to share my tested tips for getting that perfect golden-brown crunch every time. Let’s dive right into the key details you need to know about deep frying shrimp!
Quick Answer
Deep fry shrimp at 350-375°F for 1-2 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F
Essential Equipment & Ingredients You’ll Need
Deep Fryer Setup
- Deep fryer or deep heavy-bottomed pot
- Oil thermometer
- Spider strainer or slotted spoon
- Paper towels for draining
Oil Options
- Peanut oil (my favorite for its high smoke point and subtle nutty flavor)
- Vegetable oil (great neutral-tasting alternative)
For the Shrimp
- Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp
- Breading ingredients (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs)
- Seasonings of your choice
Step-by-Step Deep Frying Process
-
Prep Your Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- Season with salt and pepper
- Set up breading station if using coating
-
Heat Your Oil
- Bring oil to 350-375°F
- Maintain temperature throughout cooking
-
Frying Time
- Add 4-6 shrimp at a time (don’t overcrowd!)
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown
- Check internal temp reaches 145°F
-
Draining
- Remove with spider strainer
- Place on paper towels
- Let cool slightly before serving
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
- Never drop too many shrimp in at once – this lowers oil temp and makes greasy shrimp
- Keep that oil temp steady between 350-375°F
- Double-coating in breading = extra crispy results
- Let breaded shrimp rest 5 mins before frying for better coating adhesion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcrowding the fryer
❌ Using oil that’s too hot or too cool
❌ Not patting shrimp dry before breading
❌ Forgetting to season the breading
Serving Suggestions
I love serving my crispy fried shrimp with:
- Tangy remoulade sauce
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Crispy french fries
- Crunchy coleslaw
Storage Tips
If you somehow end up with leftover fried shrimp (rarely happens in my house!), store them:
- In airtight container
- In fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 5-7 mins to restore crispiness
Final Thoughts
Deep frying shrimp isn’t rocket science – just keep your oil at the right temp, don’t overcrowd, and fry for 1-2 minutes. Once you get these basics down, you’ll be making restaurant-quality fried shrimp at home every time!
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if your first batch isn’t Instagram-worthy – we’ve all been there! Just keep at it and you’ll be a shrimp-frying pro in no time.
Got any questions about frying shrimp? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help you nail this technique!
Happy frying!
[Note: Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?]
Dredge shrimp in flour mixture and add to the hot oil
Working in batches so that you dont crowd the pan, dredge the shrimp through the flour mixture and toss into the hot oil.
Batter the shrimp
Youll want to work in batches to bread and fry your medium, peeled shrimp, so start by setting up your dipping and dredging stages. Pour buttermilk into one bowl, and in another bowl, whisk together flour and cornmeal—this is your breading. Dip the seasoned shrimp briefly in the buttermilk.
How to Fry Louisiana Shrimp | New Orleans Style
FAQ
How long do shrimp take to deep fry?
How do I know when deep fried shrimp is done?
Fried in oil heated to 350 degrees F, individual shrimp should be perfectly fried after about one minute. You can tell the shrimp is done when it reaches a gorgeous golden brown color and the tail curls without being constricted.
How long should you deep fry?
| Oil temperature | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Battered fish | 365 °F | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Catfish nuggets | 365 °F | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 375 °F | 8 to 10 minutes |
| Chicken strips and chicken tenders | 350 °F | 3 to 5 minutes |
How long to deep fry frozen breaded shrimp at 375 degrees?
In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 375°F. Working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, fry the shrimp until golden brown, three to four minutes. Drain on paper towels. If desired, serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
How long does it take to fry shrimp in a deep fryer?
The cooking time for frying shrimp in a deep fryer will depend on several factors, including the size of the shrimp, the temperature of the oil, and the desired level of crispiness. Generally, shrimp will take between 2-4 minutes to cook, with larger shrimp taking longer to cook than smaller ones.
How long do you cook shrimp in a frying pan?
When using a stovetop, heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to 350-375°F. Cook shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and then cook the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
How long should shrimp be fried?
On average, shrimp should be fried for 2 to 3 minutes. However, this can vary based on several factors. Size of the Shrimp: Larger shrimp may require an additional minute, while smaller shrimp may cook faster. Frying Temperature: Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (typically between 350°F to 375°F) before adding the shrimp.
Can you deep fry frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can deep fry frozen shrimp. However, it is best to thaw them before frying to ensure even cooking. 2. What temperature should I deep fry shrimp at? 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.
What temperature do you fry shrimp in a deep fryer?
The ideal temperature for frying shrimp in a deep fryer is between 350°F and 375°F. This temperature range will help the shrimp cook evenly and prevent them from absorbing too much oil. Using a thermometer to monitor the temperature is crucial. Make sure the oil has reached the desired temperature before adding the shrimp.
How to deep fry shrimp?
Deep-frying shrimp is an art that requires technique and patience. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection: Use the right oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or avocado oil. Heat the oil correctly: Heat the oil to the right temperature, and maintain it throughout the cooking process.