Name: Baked Popcorn Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray or olive oil spray; Lemon wedges for serving

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Craving something crispy, golden, and delightfully poppable? Let’s dive right into Baked Popcorn Shrimp! This irresistible appetizer somehow balances that coveted crunch and succulent flavor, all without deep-frying. Bite-sized, crowd-pleasing, and blessedly easy to whip up, Baked Popcorn Shrimp works magic as a quick snack, lively party platter, or even a last-minute weeknight treat. The best part? You get all the guilty-pleasure taste you love with a lighter, oven-baked approach.

Baked Popcorn Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun for this recipe! In this dish, every element plays a role—shrimp for sweetness and tenderness, buttermilk for tang and moisture, and the spiced breadcrumb mix for color and crunch. Each bite of Baked Popcorn Shrimp is a testament to keeping things simple, yet perfectly balanced.

Shrimp (1 pound, medium, peeled and deveined): The star of the show—medium shrimp cook up tender and juicy, and their size is perfect for popping!
Buttermilk (1 cup): A quick soak in buttermilk adds flavor, helps the breading stick, and provides subtle tanginess.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): These Japanese-style breadcrumbs bring that all-important crunch for our crust.
Plain breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Balanced with panko, they help the coating adhere and brown beautifully in the oven.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For warmth, color, and a hint of smokiness.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory factor in every bite.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle sweetness and depth—totally essential.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Use for a little spicy kick (or skip if you prefer things milder).
Salt and pepper (to taste): Classic seasonings make all the flavors come alive.
Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Just a light spritz helps your shrimp get golden without deep frying.
Lemon wedges (for serving): Bright and zippy, these make each bite sing.

How to Make Baked Popcorn Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first: preheat your oven to a piping hot 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (for easy cleanup) and give it a light misting of cooking spray. This helps the shrimp crisp up as they bake, instead of sticking.

Step 2: Soak the Shrimp

Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to a bowl, then pour over the buttermilk. A quick 5-minute soak is all you need—this not only flavors the shrimp but helps the breading cling nice and even.

Step 3: Mix the Breading

In a shallow bowl, combine the panko, regular breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy), plus a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk them together so the seasoning coats every breadcrumb—this way, each shrimp gets maximum flavor.

Step 4: Bread the Shrimp

Let any excess buttermilk drip off each shrimp, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure every piece is well coated. The mix of panko and regular crumbs means they’ll turn golden and crunchy with just the right texture (no soggy shrimp here!).

Step 5: Arrange and Spray

Lay the coated shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t crowd them—space lets the hot air circulate for an extra crisp finish! Give the tops a mist of cooking spray or olive oil spray, which helps mimic the magic of frying, just without all the oil.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray in your hot oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway. You want them deeply golden, crispy all over, and just cooked through. If you love extra crunch, finish under the broiler for another 1–2 minutes. Serve your piping hot Baked Popcorn Shrimp with lemon wedges and any favorite sauce—these won’t last long!

How to Serve Baked Popcorn Shrimp

Garnishes

Lemon wedges are a classic, but don’t stop there—sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley, chives, or a pinch of flaky sea salt after baking for an extra pop. Even a dash of smoked paprika can add a wow factor if you want to up the color and aroma of your Baked Popcorn Shrimp.

Side Dishes

These crispy bites are a hit on their own, but pairing them with bright slaws, garlic green beans, or roasted potatoes transforms them into a satisfying meal. A big, leafy salad with a citrusy vinaigrette also balances their richness beautifully—making your shrimp the star, but never an island.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, pile the Baked Popcorn Shrimp high on a platter surrounded by little bowls of sauces. Skewer a few onto toothpicks for easy munching, or serve atop mini buns as sliders for a whimsical twist. You can even tuck them inside lettuce cups for a light, fresh appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve somehow managed to resist devouring all your Baked Popcorn Shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 2–3 days, though they’re definitely at their best on day one when the coating is freshest.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled, cooked shrimp in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This method helps keep the breading from getting soggy—your shrimp can be frozen for up to a month, so you’re always ready for a quick, crispy fix.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Baked Popcorn Shrimp in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crisp again (usually about 5–7 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch, but the breading will lose its crunch—so always opt for dry heat to bring your shrimp back to prime condition.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Popcorn Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before soaking in buttermilk so the breading sticks and cooks up crispy.

What dipping sauces go best with Baked Popcorn Shrimp?

Classic cocktail sauce is always a hit, but spicy mayo, honey mustard, tartar sauce, or even a creamy sriracha dip turn each bite into something special.

Can I make Baked Popcorn Shrimp gluten-free?

Yes—instead of regular and panko breadcrumbs, use your favorite gluten-free versions, and double-check the seasonings to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.

How do I keep the crust from falling off when baking?

Press the coating gently onto each shrimp before baking, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, a quick spray of oil helps the crumbs adhere and crisp up nicely.

Is there a way to make Baked Popcorn Shrimp even crispier?

Finishing under the broiler for a minute or two after baking gives you an extra-golden, shatteringly crisp crust—perfect for those who love maximum crunch!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe for Baked Popcorn Shrimp! Whether you’re cooking for a party, a family dinner, or just treating yourself to a tasty homemade snack, these are sure to become a new favorite. Light, crispy, and utterly addictive—you’ll be popping them by the handful in no time!

Baked Popcorn Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy crispy and flavorful Baked Popcorn Shrimp that’s easy to make and perfect as an appetizer or snack. These oven-fried shrimp are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden and crunchy.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Prepare the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Coat the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge each shrimp in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
Bake: Arrange the breaded shrimp on the baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.