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Crispy Cajun Popcorn Shrimp Recipe with Spicy Aioli Dip

Cajun popcorn shrimp - featured image
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Golden, crunchy Cajun-spiced popcorn shrimp are fried to perfection and served with a cool, creamy, spicy aioli dip. This crowd-pleasing appetizer is quick, easy, and packed with bold Southern flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb medium raw shrimp (41/50 count), peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (Louisiana or Crystal recommended)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2–3 cups vegetable oil (peanut, canola, or sunflower oil for frying)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tsp hot sauce
  • 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the peeled, deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and dry thoroughly.
  2. Place shrimp in a bowl and pour over buttermilk and 1 tbsp hot sauce. Toss to coat and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Set up three breading stations: In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Working in batches, lift shrimp from the marinade (let excess drip off), dredge in flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat in panko. Press lightly to help panko stick. Place breaded shrimp on a plate.
  5. Pour 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  7. While shrimp fry, make the spicy aioli dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, hot sauce, paprika, and salt until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Serve hot, crispy shrimp on a platter, sprinkle with parsley or chives, and serve with lemon wedges and spicy aioli for dipping.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and vinegar for buttermilk. Bake or air fry for a lighter version. Drain fried shrimp on a wire rack for maximum crispiness. Marinate shrimp for extra flavor and tenderness. Adjust spice level for kids by reducing Cajun seasoning and omitting hot sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: popcorn shrimp, Cajun shrimp, fried shrimp, spicy aioli, appetizer, Southern, party food, seafood, game day, crunchy shrimp, easy shrimp recipe

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