This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
These popcorn shrimp are seasoned with old bay seasoning and fried to perfection! Super crispy, tender, and perfect for a large crowd.
One of my most popular recipes on the blog is this Southern-fried shrimp. It was definitely the inspiration for this delicious popcorn shrimp recipe. I mean if you enjoy fried seafood then you’re going to love this!
Why I Love This Popcorn Shrimp Recipe
- These shrimp are perfect for game day, tailgating, or a busy weeknight.
- You can enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or toss them on top of a salad or fried rice!
- Any leftovers can be placed in an air-tight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Ingredient Notes
Shrimp – Make sure to purchase the smallest shrimp you can find. I used raw, peeled, and deveined baby shrimp. Ideally, you want those small shrimp you see in fried rice and lo main.
Old Bay Seasoning – Although I highly recommend using old bay seasoning to season the shrimp and flour, feel free to use Cajun seasoning or the spice blend of your choice.
How To Make
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, dijon mustard, hot sauce, and 2 tsp old bay seasoning. Place the shrimp in the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, 1 tsp old bay seasoning, and 2 tbsp cornstarch.
- Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat it well!
- Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and enjoy!
Top Tips
- Place the flour in a brown paper bag or a container with a lid. This will help to coat the shrimp really well.
- Enjoy with tartar sauce, sweet chili sauce, or cocktail sauce. Or you can enjoy them without sauce, cause they’re super flavorful!
- Use peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil. The frying oil temperature should be about 350 degrees F.
- Once the popcorn shrimp are done frying, place them on a wire rack to cool a bit.
- Fry in batches and don’t overcrowd the skillet.
Can I Make These In The Air Fryer?
Yes, of course. Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the flour-coated shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process.
What Can I Serve This With?
I highly recommend serving these with 4 cheese mac and cheese, coleslaw, and Southern-fried corn with bacon. That is a 5-star meal right there!
Tried this spicy grilled chicken sandwich recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Popcorn Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb small shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups buttermilk , or whole milk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 3 tsp old bay seasoning , divided
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, dijon mustard, hot sauce, and 2 tsp old bay seasoning. Place the shrimp in the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, 1 tsp old bay seasoning, and 2 tbsp cornstarch.
- Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat it well!
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, let it cool for 5 minutes, and enjoy with lemon wedges!
Notes
- Use peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil. The frying oil temperature should be about 350 degrees F.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
you forgot the flour amount in the recipe
Thank you so much! I just adjusted it, sorry about that.