Crispy Oven Fried Shrimp: A Healthier & Easy Family Favorite
Are you craving deliciously crispy shrimp but want to avoid the mess and unhealthiness of deep-frying? Look no further! This Oven Fried Shrimp recipe delivers incredibly crunchy, flavorful shrimp that’s baked to perfection, making it a wholesome and easy meal your entire family will adore. Say goodbye to excessive oil and hello to a guilt-free indulgence!
For many families, seafood is a cherished culinary delight, and mine is no exception. If left to their own devices, my loved ones would happily feast on various seafood dishes several times a week. While their enthusiasm for all things aquatic knows no bounds, my personal preference tends to lean towards specific treasures from the sea. Among these, shrimp holds a special place in my heart, especially when it’s prepared with that irresistible crispy coating. Traditionally, deep-fried shrimp has been my go-to for that satisfying crunch, but let’s be honest – it’s far from the healthiest choice, and the thought of dealing with hot oil and splattering mess at home is often enough to deter even the most ardent craving. That’s precisely why this oven-fried shrimp recipe has become my culinary savior, offering all the delightful crispiness without any of the drawbacks.
This recipe transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary dish, providing a fantastic alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. You’ll achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior that usually only comes from a fryer, all by leveraging the power of your oven. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or anytime you want a quick, delicious, and wholesome seafood option.
Why Choose Baked Shrimp Over Deep-Fried?
Shrimp itself is a lean protein, packed with nutrients and incredibly low in calories. It’s a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your diet, especially when you’re focusing on healthier eating habits. This oven-fried method allows you to enjoy all the goodness of shrimp without adding unnecessary fats and calories from deep frying. It genuinely feels like a special treat, yet you know you’re making a smart, healthy choice for your family. We frequently turn to recipes like this, alongside other healthy options such as Crispy Baked Shrimp, for delicious and wholesome meals.
The Secret to Effortless & Crispy Coating: The “Shake & Bake” Method
Remember the classic “Shake n’ Bake” from childhood? That ingenious method for quickly coating foods? We’re bringing that same efficiency and fun to our oven-fried shrimp! This technique makes breading your shrimp incredibly fast, easy, and, perhaps best of all, minimizes mess. While traditional bowls for flour and breading work, they often lead to sticky fingers and a more time-consuming dipping process for each individual shrimp. Using plastic bags revolutionizes the process, ensuring an even coating with much less fuss.
Crafting Your Crispy Oven Fried Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful oven-fried shrimp is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy results every time:
- **Prepare Your Breading Station:** Grab two large, sealable plastic bags and one small bowl. In the first bag, combine your Panko breadcrumbs with all the delicious seasonings (paprika, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper). Seal it and give it a good shake to ensure everything is evenly distributed. In the second bag, place your all-purpose flour. In the small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create your egg wash. Having everything prepped makes the coating process seamless.
- **First Coat: Flour Power:** Add your peeled and deveined shrimp into the bag with the flour. Seal the bag, ensuring there’s enough air for the shrimp to tumble freely, then shake vigorously until each shrimp is thoroughly coated in a light layer of flour. This initial layer helps the egg wash adhere better.
- **The Egg Bath & Second Coat: Panko Perfection:** Remove the flour-coated shrimp from the bag, shaking off any excess. Dip each individual shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any extra liquid to drip off. Immediately transfer these wet shrimp into the bag containing the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Repeat this process until all shrimp have gone through the egg wash and are now in the breadcrumb bag.
- **Final Shake for Maximum Crunch:** Once all the shrimp are in the Panko bag, seal it and shake again, even more enthusiastically this time! Ensure every piece of shrimp is generously and completely covered with the crispy breadcrumb mixture. The Panko is key to achieving that fantastic crunch without deep-frying.
- **Prepare for Baking:** Lightly brush a large baking sheet with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also aids in the browning and crisping of the shrimp’s underside. Don’t be shy with the oil, but don’t drown it either.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. This allows for even air circulation, which is crucial for crispiness. Bake in your preheated oven (set to 400°F/200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. Halfway through the cooking time, carefully flip each shrimp to ensure both sides achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crunch.
- **Serve Hot:** As soon as they emerge from the oven, golden and fragrant, serve your oven-fried shrimp immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauces, such as classic cocktail sauce, a zesty tartar, or a creamy sriracha aioli.
Shrimp cooks remarkably fast, making this an ideal meal for those hectic weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying dinner on the table. In under 20 minutes total, you can enjoy a gourmet-quality seafood dish without the fuss!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Crispy Oven Fried Shrimp
These versatile oven-fried shrimp are fantastic on their own as an appetizer, but they also make a wonderful main course when paired with the right side dishes. Here are some delectable suggestions to complete your meal:
- Fresh Vegetable Sides: Light and flavorful options like Sautéed Asparagus, a simple garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or steamed green beans complement the shrimp beautifully.
- Comforting Classics: For a more indulgent meal, consider Homemade Hush Puppies or crispy French fries.
- Hearty Options: Dishes like Zucchini Fritters or Mushroom Rice Pilaf add substance and flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the hot shrimp brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
- Variety of Dipping Sauces: While classic cocktail sauce is always a winner, don’t limit yourself! Try tartar sauce, a creamy garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, or even a homemade remoulade for an extra kick.
Tips for Achieving the Best Oven Fried Shrimp
To ensure your oven-fried shrimp turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- **Pat Shrimp Dry:** Before coating, make sure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the breading from sticking and getting truly crispy.
- **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Arrange the shrimp in a single layer with a little space between each piece on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the shrimp instead of frying them, resulting in a soggy coating.
- **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** While regular breadcrumbs work, Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended. Their larger, flakier texture delivers an unparalleled crispiness that’s essential for “fried” baked dishes.
- **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning blend to your family’s taste. A little extra cayenne can add a nice subtle heat, while more garlic powder is always welcome for garlic lovers.
- **Watch the Cooking Time:** Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re opaque and golden brown.
- **Serve Immediately:** For the best texture, serve the shrimp right out of the oven. If you need to keep them warm for a short period, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F/90°C) to maintain crispness.
More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes to Explore
If you’re a shrimp enthusiast like us, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious ways to prepare this versatile seafood. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other fantastic shrimp recipes:
- Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
- Speedy Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp & Avocado Tostadas
- One Pan Spicy Garlic Shrimp
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Easy Shrimp & Grits
- Shrimp Cakes
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Oven Fried Shrimp
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 3 Tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
-
Add panko breadcrumbs, paprika, oregano, basil, powder, salt, and cayenne to a large plastic bag. Add flour to a
separate large plastic bag. Beat egg and water in a bowl. -
Add shrimp to the bag of flour. Shake until well coated. Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, and add to the bag of breadcrumbs. Shake until well coated.
-
Drizzle olive oil over a large baking sheet.
-
Place coated shrimp in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes (depending on how large your shrimp are), flipping half way.
-
Serve with cocktail sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram