Crispy Popcorn Shrimp with Zesty Dipping Sauce Recipe
This recipe for Crispy Popcorn Shrimp with Zesty Sauce delivers a perfect balance of crunchy, spicy shrimp paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce. Using a double coating of a seasoned flour mixture and an egg-soda water batter, the shrimp achieve a light and crispy texture. The shrimp can be cooked either in an air fryer for a healthier alternative or fried on the stovetop for classic crispy results. The zesty sauce blends mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, and lemon for a flavorful complement that brightens each bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
The Shrimp
- 1 lb small shrimp (41/50 or 51/60 count), peeled, deveined, and tails removed
The Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
The Liquid
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup soda water
Zesty Sauce
- ½ cup Duke’s Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Heinz Chili Sauce
- 1 tsp horseradish
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Dry Prep: Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Removing moisture is critical to ensure the coating adheres well and becomes crispy.
- The Dredge: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, Old Bay Seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until fully coated.
- The Dip: Beat the egg with soda water in a separate bowl to create a light batter. Quickly dip each coated shrimp into this liquid, then immediately toss back into the flour mixture for a second coating. This double dip helps create an extra crispy crust.
- The Fry (Air Fryer): Lightly spritz the breaded shrimp with oil and place them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- The Fry (Stovetop): Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for approximately 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let drain on a wire rack.
- Drain and Serve: After frying, place the shrimp on a wire rack rather than paper towels to prevent sogginess. Serve immediately with the zesty sauce and fresh lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Patting shrimp dry is essential for achieving a crispy coating.
- Flash freezing breaded shrimp for 20 minutes before cooking helps the coating adhere better.
- Try tossing cooked shrimp in a mixture of mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey for a “Bang Bang” style variation.
- Always serve with fresh lemon wedges to cut through the richness of the fried shrimp.