Frying Shrimp: Deep Fryer Pros And Cons

Frying shrimp is a great way to enjoy this popular seafood, and it can be done in a deep fryer. Deep-fried shrimp is a classic dish that can be made at home with relative ease and offers a crispy, golden exterior with a tender, sweet interior. The process involves preparing shrimp by coating them in a breading or batter, heating oil to the right temperature, and then frying the shrimp in batches to achieve the perfect texture and taste. This method can be used to create delicious appetizers or main courses, and with the right tools and ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fried shrimp in the comfort of your own home.

How to prepare shrimp for frying

Preparing shrimp for frying is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare shrimp for frying:

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For frying shrimp, you will need raw shrimp, preferably uncooked and grey in colour, as these will absorb more flavour during the prepping process. You will also need flour, eggs, breadcrumbs (preferably panko), and oil for frying. Other seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can also be used to add flavour.

Peeling and Deveining

Before coating the shrimp, you will need to prepare them by peeling and deveining. Most shrimp have a "vein", which is actually the intestine, that runs down the back and should be removed as it can contain grit. To do this, pull the shells away from the sides of the tail and remove the tail and shell. Use a paring knife to cut into the shrimp about 1/4 inch to expose the vein, then pinch it out with your fingers or lift it out with the knife. Rinse the shrimp to remove any residue.

Coating the Shrimp

Now it's time to coat the shrimp for frying. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour, in the second bowl, beat the eggs, and in the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. You can also add seasonings to the flour, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, for extra flavour.

Using one hand for the wet ingredients and the other hand for the dry ingredients, coat each shrimp first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, press it into the breadcrumbs, turning to coat both sides. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack or baking sheet.

Frying the Shrimp

Heat the oil in a deep, heavy pot or Dutch oven to 350-375˚F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if possible. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shrimp into the oil in batches of about 6 shrimp at a time. Fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serving

Serve the fried shrimp immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or honey mustard. Enjoy!

The best oil for frying shrimp

Frying shrimp is a fast and easy way to cook up a tasty treat, and you can use a variety of oils to do so. The best oil for frying shrimp is one with a high smoke point, and there are several options that fit the bill.

Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying shrimp, as it has a high smoke point and imparts a good flavour. However, it can be more expensive, and some people may have peanut allergies, so it is best avoided if you are frying for a large group.

Vegetable oil and canola oil are also excellent choices for frying shrimp. They are economical choices with high smoke points, making them ideal for deep frying. These oils are also the standard choice for most restaurants, so you will be in good company if you choose either of these.

Other oils you can use include grapeseed oil, olive oil, and corn oil. Grapeseed oil is a more economical choice, while olive oil is pricier. Corn oil is another good, inexpensive option, and it is used in some recipes, like Tempura, which calls for a cornstarch, flour, and water batter.

When deep-frying shrimp, it is important to get your oil to the right temperature. The ideal temperature range for frying shrimp and other seafood is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and never let the oil exceed 400 degrees, as it will start to smoke and burn.

Now that you know the best oils to use, you can confidently choose one to fry up some delicious shrimp!

How long to fry shrimp

Frying shrimp is a quick and easy process. It is important to note that shrimp cook very quickly, so it is crucial not to overcook them. The cooking time will depend on the method used, but generally, shrimp will fry for around 1-4 minutes.

Deep Frying Shrimp

Deep-fried shrimp should be cooked for around 1-2 minutes. It is important to fry the shrimp in batches of about 6 shrimp to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop. The oil should be heated to 350°F before frying, and it is recommended to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. After each batch, allow the oil to return to 350°F before adding more shrimp.

Pan-Frying Shrimp

Pan-fried shrimp will cook slightly longer than deep-fried shrimp, taking around 2-3 minutes. As with deep frying, it is important to fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. The oil should be heated to 360-365°F, and a candy thermometer or instant-read thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature. If a thermometer is not available, a single shrimp can be added to the oil to test the temperature. If the shrimp gently sizzles and turns golden brown after about 2 minutes, the oil is ready.

Air Frying Shrimp

Air-frying shrimp will take a little longer than other methods, at around 10 minutes. It is recommended to cook the shrimp in batches if needed and to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Baked Fried Shrimp

Baked fried shrimp will take the longest to cook, at around 15 minutes in the oven.

How to keep fried shrimp crispy

Yes, you can fry shrimp in a deep fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your shrimp are crispy:

Use the Right Oil:

Use an oil with a high smoke point, like peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or any other oil with a neutral flavor and a smoke point above 400˚F.

Maintain Oil Temperature:

The ideal temperature for frying shrimp is between 350˚F and 375˚F. If the oil is too hot, it will burn the exterior of the shrimp before the inside is cooked. If it's not hot enough, the shrimp will absorb more oil, becoming soggy.

Fry in Batches:

Frying too many shrimp at once will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, undercooked shrimp. Fry in small batches, and allow the oil to return to the desired temperature between batches.

Coat the Shrimp Properly:

For a crispy exterior, coat the shrimp in a dry mixture, then a wet mixture, and finally a dry mixture again. This three-step process ensures a crunchy coating. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack and chill for about 15 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere.

Use the Right Shrimp:

Larger shrimp, like jumbo or large shrimp, tend to be juicier and more flavorful when fried. Additionally, use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp better.

Drain Excess Oil:

After frying, place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep the shrimp crispy and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Serve Immediately:

Fried shrimp are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy. If you have leftovers, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness.

By following these tips, you can ensure your fried shrimp are crispy and delicious!

Can you fry already cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can fry already-cooked shrimp. However, frying raw shrimp is generally recommended, as cooked shrimp may become overdone and rubbery when exposed to hot oil.

If you are going to fry already-cooked shrimp, it is best to use precooked shrimp, as they are easier to work with and you don't have to worry about undercooking them. When frying precooked shrimp, all you need to do is turn the batter golden brown and delicious. You can also remove the tails so you don't waste your batter.

One advantage of frying already-cooked shrimp is that you can focus on getting a nice, crispy coating. To make the coating, mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Beat some eggs in another bowl, and pour breadcrumbs into a third bowl. First, dip the shrimp in the flour, then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Fry the shrimp in hot oil until they are golden brown, then serve.

If you are looking for a quick and easy option, you can also cook pre-cooked shrimp in an air fryer. It only takes 2-3 minutes, and you can cook them from fresh, frozen, or thawed.

Frequently asked questions