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This baked breaded shrimp recipe is one of the easiest ways to get crispy, golden shrimp without deep frying.
They come out juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and require minimal oil, no mess, and no lingering smell in your kitchen.
You can serve them as a quick appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, or turn them into a simple dinner with a salad, fries, or vegetables.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked Breaded Shrimp
- Why Bake Instead of Fry?
- How To Make Baked Breaded Shrimp
- Best Type Of Shrimp To Use
- Baking Time & Temperature
- Tips For Perfect Crispy Shrimp
- How To Keep The Breading From Falling Off
- Cornstarch vs Flour
- Air Fryer Option
- How Much Shrimp Per Person?
- Tips for Crispy Baked Breaded Shrimp
- What to serve with?
- More Shrimp recipes:
- Baked Breaded Shrimp (Crispy, Juicy, No Frying) Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No deep frying
- Crispy texture with minimal oil
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Easy, foolproof breading method
- Works in oven or air fryer
This is what I like to call “clean comfort food” – all the crunch, none of the hassle.
Baked Breaded Shrimp
This recipe works year-round.
Make it in the summer with a cold drink, or serve it as a holiday appetizer with a glass of sparkling wine. It’s simple, reliable, and always a crowd favorite.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
I’ll be honest – deep frying at home is not my favorite.
Yes, it tastes great, but:
- it requires more oil
- it leaves a strong smell
- cleanup takes longer
That’s why I prefer oven baking or air frying.
You still get crispy shrimp, but in a much easier, lighter way.
How To Make Baked Breaded Shrimp
The key to getting shrimp that are crispy outside and juicy inside is a simple 3-step breading process.
- Coat shrimp in cornstarch
- Dip into beaten eggs
- Cover in breadcrumbs (panko works best)
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake until golden and cooked through.
Best Type Of Shrimp To Use
For best results, use jumbo shrimp (21/25 per pound).
- Easy to handle
- Less likely to overcook
- Perfect bite-sized texture
You can use smaller shrimp, but reduce cooking time by a few minutes.
Baking Time & Temperature
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Shrimp are done when:
- coating is golden
- inside is opaque and fully cooked
Cooking time may vary depending on shrimp size and your oven.
Tips For Perfect Crispy Shrimp
1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs
They create a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
2. Season the Breadcrumbs
Mix salt, pepper, and spices into the breadcrumbs — not the eggs.
This keeps the shrimp juicy while the coating gets flavorful.
3. Don’t Skip Drying the Shrimp
Pat them dry well before breading so the coating sticks properly.
4. Use Cooking Spray
Lightly spray before baking and again after flipping.
This helps achieve that golden, crispy finish.
How To Keep The Breading From Falling Off
Take your time with each shrimp:
- Dry well
- Coat evenly in cornstarch
- Dip fully in egg
- Press into breadcrumbs
This step-by-step process ensures the coating stays in place during baking.
Cornstarch vs Flour
You can use either, but:
- Cornstarch → crispier, better golden color
- Flour → works fine if that’s what you have
Cornstarch helps lock in moisture, which is why I prefer it.
Air Fryer Option
You can also make this recipe in the air fryer.
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer
- Spray lightly with oil
- Cook 4 minutes, flip, then cook 4-5 more minutes
Great for small batches and even crispier results.
How Much Shrimp Per Person?
Cooked, peeled: about 1/2 to 1/3 lb per person
Raw, unpeeled: about 1 lb per person
Tips for Crispy Baked Breaded Shrimp
Use the Right Breadcrumbs
Panko creates the crispiest texture, but regular or seasoned breadcrumbs also work.
You can even make your own by blending stale bread into fine crumbs.
For best flavor, mix salt, pepper, and spices into the breadcrumbs – not the eggs.
Keep the Breading from Falling Off
Take your time with each shrimp:
- Pat dry well
- Coat evenly in cornstarch (or flour)
- Dip fully in egg
- Press into breadcrumbs
Don’t rush or toss everything together — this step-by-step method ensures the coating sticks.
Cornstarch vs Flour
Both work, but cornstarch gives better results.
- Cornstarch → crispier, lighter, more golden
- Flour → good substitute if needed
Use a Light Spray of Oil
Spraying the shrimp before baking (and again after flipping) helps:
- breadcrumbs stay in place
- coating turn golden and crispy
A light layer is enough – no deep frying needed.
What to serve with?
While this breaded shrimp tastes great on its own, here are some options on what to serve it with:
- Chipotle mayo
- Honey Mustard sauce
- Garlic Aioli
- Cocktail sauce
- Tartar Sauce
- Chimichurri
More Shrimp recipes:
- Easy Broiled Shrimp – baked in the oven, ready in just 5 minutes. Quick to make, with a few simple ingredients, flavorful and delicious.
- Tequila Lime Shrimp Salad – made from scratch, fresh Mexican flavors come together into a nutritious and delicious, colorful salad.
- The Best Shrimp Taco Recipes – made with seasoned shrimp, cabbage slaw, chipotle mayonnaise, fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, onions and sour cream.
Baked Breaded Shrimp (Crispy, Juicy, No Frying)
Ingredients
- 25-30 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, panko preferred
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, optional
- Cooking spray
Video
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare three shallow bowls:
- cornstarch
- beaten eggs with water
- breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and seasonings
- Coat each shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in breadcrumbs.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again, until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Jumbo shrimp work best for juicy, evenly cooked results.
- Cooking time may vary depending on shrimp size and oven.
- Shrimp are done when opaque inside and lightly golden outside.
- Do not overcrowd the pan for best crispiness.
- Panko breadcrumbs create the crispiest coating.
- Cornstarch helps lock in moisture and improves texture.
- Always pat shrimp dry before breading.
- Spray lightly with oil for a golden finish without frying.
- Air Fryer Option Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer
- Spray lightly with oil Cook 4 minutes, flip, then cook 4–5 more minutes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made this a few days ago. My husband loves it !
Made it for lunch today. My wife and I loved it! Easy and tasty!
These are excellent A bit of a chore to make but well worth it Better than fried shrimp out Will definitely make this again
Would you please expand this recipe to include a way to make it coconut shrimp too?
Yes, definitely, thanks for the feedback 🙂