Crispy Baked Shrimp – all the crunch of fried shrimp in a quick, healthier bake. Super crunchy, ready in minutes, and delicious!
Shrimp is one of my favorite, budget-friendly seafood choices. It cooks fast, is versatile, and keeps well in the freezer when bought on sale. I usually keep a bag of peeled and deveined shrimp on hand for easy weeknight meals.
When I need something quick and satisfying, I make Crispy Baked Shrimp. This recipe gives you the golden crunch of fried shrimp without the extra oil. It comes together with just a few ingredients, uses minimal dishes, and is ready in about 25 minutes.
Below you’ll find why this recipe works, what you need, step-by-step instructions, tips, serving ideas, and storage information so you can make this crunchy shrimp again and again.
Why this recipe works
- Minimal, everyday ingredients combine to create a flavorful, crunchy topping.
- Mixing Italian and panko breadcrumbs gives a seasoned, sturdy coating with an extra-crispy texture.
- Fresh garlic adds bright, punchy flavor that complements the shrimp.
- From start to finish the dish is ready in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
What you’ll need
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic – grate or press for the best flavor.
- Italian breadcrumbs – seasoned and fine-textured to help the topping adhere.
- Panko breadcrumbs – for a light, extra-crispy crust.
- Cooking sherry – adds depth; chicken broth or a splash of dry white wine work as substitutes.
- Seasonings – cayenne for heat and paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- Shrimp – peeled and deveined large or jumbo shrimp keep the prep quick.
How to make Crispy Baked Shrimp
Scroll to the recipe card below for a printable ingredient list and full directions.
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a light brush of oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, grated garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, panko, cooking sherry (or substitute), cayenne, and paprika. Mix until evenly combined.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp, using a spoon to distribute it so each piece gets coated.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque in the thickest part.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch while it’s hot.
Recipe tips
- Non-stick spray or a thin brush of oil is enough to prevent sticking—no need for heavy greasing.
- Using both Italian and panko breadcrumbs balances flavor and crispiness while helping the topping adhere.
- Cooking sherry adds a subtle depth that enhances the breadcrumbs; if you prefer, a dry white wine or chicken broth will also work.
- Watch the shrimp closely near the end of baking—overcooking makes shrimp tough. They’re done when the flesh turns opaque.
The shrimp is cooked when the thickest part along the outer curve turns from translucent to opaque. That change indicates the shrimp is fully cooked through.
Either works. Tail-on shrimp can look more impressive and add extra flavor, while tail-off shrimp are easier to eat and serve, especially for casual meals.
How to serve Crispy Shrimp
These sides and dips pair well with the shrimp:
- Spicy Cajun-style dipping sauce for a smoky, creamy kick.
- Smoked mac and cheese for a comforting, indulgent pairing.
- A simple tossed salad to keep the meal light and fresh.
- Roasted asparagus, which can roast alongside the shrimp for convenience.
- Air-fryer potato wedges for extra crunch and a family-friendly side.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. To reheat and preserve crispness, return the shrimp to a hot oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
More seafood recipe ideas
- Chipotle shrimp tacos
- Pan-seared salmon
- Slow cooker jambalaya
- Bang Bang shrimp
- Crab puffs
- Fish tacos
- Easy baked cod
Crispy Baked Shrimp
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cooking sherry (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 12 oz large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl combine the olive oil, garlic, breadcrumbs, panko, sherry (or substitute), cayenne, and paprika. Mix well.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Additional Info
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