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Crispy Southern Fried Shrimp Recipe

A close-up of a generous pile of perfectly golden brown fried shrimp stacked on a white plate.
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Follow these steps to make **best fried shrimp** with a light, golden crust that stays **crispy** and never greasy. This **Southern Fried Shrimp** recipe uses a simple buttermilk and seasoned flour dredge for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce until combined. Set aside.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, and Creole seasoning. Mix well to create your **flavorful shrimp coating**.
  3. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; maintaining this heat is key to **golden fried shrimp**.
  4. Dip the shrimp first into the wet mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Dredge the shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack while you finish coating the rest.
  6. Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches so you do not overcrowd the pan. Do not let the oil temperature drop too low.
  7. Fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Remove the **crispy fried shrimp** from the oil and place them immediately on a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Do not place them on paper towels, as this can make them soggy.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cocktail or tartar sauce, for a true **seafood shack style shrimp** experience.

Notes

  • For an **Air Fryer Fried Shrimp** alternative, spray the coated shrimp lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • If you prefer a thicker crust, you can double-dip the shrimp: dip in the wet mixture, coat in flour, dip back into the wet mixture, and coat again in the flour.
  • This recipe is perfect for a **quick fried appetizer** or a main **seafood dinner idea**.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/crispy-southern-fried-shrimp-recipe/