There’s something fun about food you can eat with your fingers, especially when it’s crispy and bite-sized. Popcorn shrimp is one of those snacks that tends to disappear the moment it hits the table. I started making this baked version during a stretch of weeknights where I wanted something quick that felt a little special but didn’t leave me with a stovetop covered in oil splatters. This recipe hits that sweet spot of comfort and simplicity, and you can adapt it to your own flavor style without needing anything complicated.
What Makes This Recipe Enjoyable
This version tastes crispy and satisfying without the heaviness that comes with deep-frying. The seasoned mayonnaise helps the breadcrumb coating cling without mess, so the prep stays relaxed and clean. It also bakes fast, which is helpful when everyone starts asking, “Is it ready yet?” halfway through cooking.
I often serve these shrimp when friends stop by unexpectedly or as an easy appetizer before a relaxed dinner. They pair nicely with lemon, a swipe of sauce, and something cool and crunchy on the side.
Ingredients You Will Need
Shrimp
Medium shrimp work nicely here. If you want something more snackable, choose smaller shrimp. They cook quickly and have that classic “popcorn” feel.
Mayonnaise
This helps hold the seasoning and gives the shrimp a tender texture.
Seasoning
Old Bay or Cajun-style seasoning works well. A pinch of garlic powder brings a little warmth. I adjust the salt based on how salty the blend already is.
Breadcrumbs
Fine, regular, or gluten-free all work. Parmesan adds a toasty finish and a bit of flavor.
Olive Oil Spray
Just a light mist to help things crisp in the oven.
To Serve
Chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a favorite dipping sauce.
How To Make It
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Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
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Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels.
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Mix mayonnaise and seasoning in one bowl.
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Stir breadcrumbs and parmesan in another bowl.
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Coat shrimp in the mayo mixture.
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Toss small batches of shrimp in the breadcrumb mixture.
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Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet.
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Spray lightly with olive oil.
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Bake 6 minutes, flip, spray again, and bake another 6 minutes.
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Let the shrimp cool briefly before serving so the coating firms up.
Notes From Experience
Spacing matters. If the shrimp sit too close together, they won’t crisp. Giving them room on the baking sheet helps them brown well.
If your breadcrumbs feel too coarse, pulse them once or twice in a food processor to soften the texture. I often do this when using gluten-free breadcrumbs since they tend to run a bit larger.
Shrimp turn opaque once cooked. If they still look slightly gray, give them a couple more minutes.
Ways To Change The Flavor
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Add a little cayenne for extra heat.
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Try smoked paprika for a warm, rounded flavor.
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Use lemon pepper seasoning for a lighter taste.
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Air fry instead of baking by cooking at 400°F for about 8 minutes, turning halfway.
Storage And Reheating
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The coating softens once stored, but reheating brings back crispiness. A warm oven or an air fryer works well for this.
Cooled shrimp freeze without trouble. Store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Popcorn shrimp goes well with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, sweet chili sauce, chipotle mayo, or even a simple mixture of mayo and hot sauce.
For a meal:
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Scatter shrimp over a fresh salad.
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Add to a wrap with lettuce and something creamy.
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Serve over greens with a squeeze of lemon and a bit of olive oil.
On busy nights, I’ve made quick shrimp rolls using soft buns, shredded lettuce, and these crispy shrimp. It’s simple and very satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw and pat dry before coating.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can coat the shrimp and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
Do I have to use parmesan?
No. It adds flavor, but the recipe works without it.
Easy Baked Popcorn Shrimp
Crispy, tender little bites of shrimp baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil spray
For serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Dipping sauce of choice (such as mayo, guacamole, or yum yum sauce)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry to help the coating stick.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, stir the mayonnaise with the seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the shrimp and mix until evenly coated.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a separate bowl. If your breadcrumbs are coarse, pulse them briefly to make a finer crumb.
- Working in small batches, press the coated shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture so each piece is well covered.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
Spray lightly with olive oil. - Bake for about 6 minutes, flip each shrimp, spray the other side lightly, and bake for another 6 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Let them cool just a minute or two to allow the coating to crisp.
- Serve with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and your favorite dip.
- Enjoy each crunchy, flavorful bite!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 488Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 260mgSodium 2613mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 34g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This baked popcorn shrimp is something I make when I want a small treat that feels friendly and familiar. It’s quick, it works with simple pantry items, and it always brings a sense of easy comfort to the table. It’s the kind of recipe that fits into regular life without asking much from you, and those are the ones that tend to stay.
