Copycat Chili’s Crispy Shrimp

This is how to fry up some shrimp. The perfect batter, with the perfect consistency and flavor. Not too light and not too heavy. And perfectly crunchy. And the best part of this copycat Chili’s crispy shrimp? You can still taste the shrimp. Don’t mess with perfection, follow the recipe as it is and you’ll (very) soon be enjoying fantastic shrimp.

Copycat Chili's Crispy Shrimp

A Big Hit In Our House

The first time I made a copycat Chili’s crispy shrimp, my wife took one bite and immediately said that I don’t need to fry shrimp in any other way. Ever again. She also told me to not change anything about it. I tend to do that. You know. A little tweak here. A little something more or less there. Nope, not with these shrimp.

If I’m cooking for a crowd, I’ll break out my big deep fryer. But, if it’s just the two of us, I’ll fire up my Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size for both of us. It fries everything perfectly. And as an added bonus, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which saves me money.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

Also try my copycat of Applebee’s peppercorn and garlic shrimp. I also make a mean copycat of Chili’s chicken crispers.

Copycat Chili's Crispy Shrimp
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5 from 1 vote

Copycat Chili’s Crispy Shrimp

This is how to fry up some shrimp. The perfect batter, with the perfect consistency and flavor. Not too light and not too heavy. And perfectly crunchy.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, crispy, deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 305kcal

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the batter

Instructions

  • Heat at least 3″ of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
  • Place the Corn Flakes crumbs in a shallow bowl.
  • Place all of the batter ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Working in batches, coat the shrimp in the batter. Shake off any excess and then roll in the crumbs.
  • Fry 2-3 minutes until golden brown, turning once.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 1093mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Crispy Fried Shrimp

I can eat an embarrassing amount of crispy fried shrimp. My addiction to these little goodies started as a child. Maybe once every few months we would eat out at Sizzler. I would always get the fried shrimp. I would devour them.

That tradition lives on, believe me. That’s why I make them at home. In bigger batches. These crispy fried shrimp are nice and crispy and have a fantastic lightly savory flavor. No overpowering flavors here, you can still taste the wonderful shrimp.

Crispy Fried Shrimp

Right-Sized Shrimp For The Perfect Bites

I like to use shrimp that aren’t too big or too small when I make crispy fried shrimp. For me, 21-25 count (that means 21-25 shrimp are in a pound) are the perfect size. If I can get them, I use Louisiana Gulf Shrimp. I believe they have the best flavor but you can use whatever you prefer (or can find).

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

You can use pre-shelled and pre-deveined shrimp but give them a once-over before using to make sure that there aren’t any shell pieces or veins left. Just in case.

If you’re looking for something super-simple for dipping your delicious crispy fried shrimp, try my quick cocktail sauce or my Carolina cocktail sauce.

Also try my Cajun fried shrimp and my panko fried shrimp.

Crispy Fried Shrimp
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Crispy Fried Shrimp

These crispy fried shrimp are nice and crispy and have a fantastic lightly savory flavor. No overpowering flavors here, you can still taste the wonderful shrimp.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword crispy, deep-fried, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 629kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Remove the shells from the shrimp up to the tail section. Make an incision down the back and remove the vein. Rinse with cold water.
  • In a large bowl or pie plate combine the egg and milk.
  • Place the flour in another large bowl or pie plate.
  • And in another large bowl or pie plate place the bread crumbs, salt, basil, parsley, garlic and onion powders.
  • Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350 F.
  • Working in batches, coat the shrimp in the egg mixture. Shake off excess and then roll in flour.
  • Return shrimp to the egg mixture and coat again. Shake off excess and then roll in the bread crumb mixture, coating well.
  • Transfer to hot oil and fry until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to let drain before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 629kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 385mg | Sodium: 3084mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 236IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 363mg | Iron: 9mg

Nutritional values are approximate.