Fried Old Bay shrimp are made with a few simple ingredients and served with a flavorful, easy Old Bay aioli for dipping.
They work great as an appetizer or a main course when paired with sides like a salad, fries, or steamed vegetables.
The trick to an extra-crispy crust is combining panko breadcrumbs with a little cornstarch.
How to make fried Old Bay shrimp
Start with 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, and pat them dry.
In a bowl combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning.
Crack an egg into a separate bowl and beat it lightly with a fork.
Pour vegetable oil into a small saucepan to a depth of about 1–2 inches and heat over medium. After about 4–5 minutes check the oil with a thermometer—350°F (175°C) is the target frying temperature.
Fry the shrimp in small batches (4–5 at a time) so the oil temperature stays steady. Dip each shrimp in the beaten egg, then press it into the panko mixture to coat thoroughly.
Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil and cook for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.
Serve fried Old Bay shrimp with lemon wedges and Old Bay aioli
To make the aioli, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust seasoning and heat to taste.
Arrange the shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and a bowl of aioli for dipping. Crisp, well-seasoned shrimp are best served immediately.
Recipe details
Fried Old Bay Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp seasoned with Old Bay and served with a tangy Old Bay aioli.
Ingredients
Fried Old Bay Shrimp
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill a small saucepan 1–2 inches deep)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Old Bay Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- A few dashes hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
Fried Old Bay Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry. Combine panko, cornstarch, and Old Bay in a bowl. Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
- Heat oil in a small saucepan to 350°F (175°C), about 4–5 minutes over medium heat—use a thermometer to be sure.
- Dip shrimp in the egg, coat with the panko mixture, and carefully lower 4–5 shrimp into the oil. Fry 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Remove to paper towels to drain and repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and Old Bay aioli.
Old Bay Aioli
- Whisk mayo, Old Bay, lemon juice, and hot sauce together. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve alongside the shrimp.
