Crispy Baked Shrimp

Crispy Baked Shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish that delivers all the crunch of fried shrimp—without the deep fryer. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, these shrimp make a perfect appetizer, light dinner, or protein-packed addition to salads and bowls. With minimal ingredients and easy prep, it’s a go-to recipe for seafood lovers looking for a healthier option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier than fried: No need for deep frying—these shrimp are baked to a crispy finish.
• Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Crispy and flavorful: Panko and Parmesan create a light, crunchy coating.
• Versatile: Serve with salads, in tacos, or as a party appetizer.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the crispy texture and mild flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make breadcrumb coating: In a bowl, mix together panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Prep shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Dip each shrimp into the melted butter, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4. Arrange and bake: Place coated shrimp on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through if desired.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
• Coconut shrimp: Swap ⅓ of the panko for unsweetened shredded coconut.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko or almond flour as a coating.
• Herb-crusted: Add dried thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Butter alternative: Use olive oil or egg wash for coating before breading.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving, which will soften the coating.
• Freezing: Not recommended after baking, but you can freeze breaded raw shrimp and bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes of cook time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading to ensure crispiness.

Do I have to remove the tails?

Leaving the tails on makes for easy handling as an appetizer, but you can remove them if preferred.

Can I air-fry these shrimp?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

What dipping sauces go well?

Try cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, tartar sauce, or lemon-herb yogurt dip.

Can I make these ahead?

You can bread the shrimp ahead and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking.

What type of shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo raw shrimp work best for optimal texture and flavor.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

The shrimp will turn pink and opaque, and the coating should be golden brown.

Can I skip the Parmesan?

Yes, but the cheese adds extra flavor and helps with crispiness.

What if I don’t have panko?

Use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or cornflakes as alternatives.

How can I make them extra crispy?

Lightly spray the coated shrimp with cooking spray before baking to help them brown and crisp more.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Shrimp is the perfect recipe when you want something fast, crunchy, and satisfying without the mess of frying. It’s versatile enough to fit any meal—from light lunches to party platters—and it’s packed with bold, savory flavor in every bite. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite way to enjoy shrimp.

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