Shrimp Fritters

Name: Shrimp Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 3/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; pinch cayenne pepper ((optional)); 1/4 cup milk; 2 Tablespoons sour cream; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 2 (6 ounce) cans tiny shrimp, well drained ((or 8 ounces finely chopped cooked shrimp)); 1/4 cup sliced green onion ((or sliced chives))

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These crispy Shrimp Fritters are made with canned shrimp, green onions in a seasoned batter, then fried until golden brown!

A Crispy Seafood Appetizer

Some people fuss every time I used canned shrimp or canned chicken. But, I love the convenience of canned chicken and shrimp and it’s nice to just pull it from my pantry to make something easily without a bunch of fuss (especially when the craving hits fast!) These shrimp fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and can be served as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or even a light meal. Perfect thing to whip up in no time!

A large pile of Shrimp Fritters with a glass of tea.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these in the Air Fryer instead?

I wouldn’t recommend air frying. Since the batter is fairly loose, it would likely need to be thickened and shaped into flatter patties instead of the way these are before air frying. For the crispiest texture and best results, frying is still the recommended cooking method. I know a lot of people hate frying in oil but this recipe is specifically designed for oil frying. I am sure there are recipes out there on the internet that were designed for the air fryer.

What to serve with Shrimp Fritters?

These fritters pair well with a bunch of things. I like to dip them in Yum Yum Sauce, Homemade Tartar Sauce, Bang Bang Sauce, Remoulade Sauce, Cocktail Sauce, and to serve them with lemon wedges. They pair nicely with a variety of sides like coleslaw, French fries, your favorite vegetables, and a big side salad.

Can I cook these in a skillet instead of deep frying?

Yes. You can flatten the batter slightly and cook the fritters in a skillet with a shallow layer of oil.

Do I need a deep fryer?

No. A Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot works perfectly. That said, I personally like using an electric deep fryer because it keeps the oil at a more consistent temperature. It’s a great option for those that are not used to frying in oil because you don’t have to keep fussing with a thermometer.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well because of their high smoke points.

What temperature does the oil need to be for frying?

The oil should stay around 325°F. If it gets too hot, the outside can brown too quickly before the center is fully cooked. If it’s too cool, the fritters can absorb excess oil.

Can I add veggies?

Yes. Finely chopped onions, bell peppers, corn, or even jalapeños would all make great additions. Just make sure they are chopped small or you’ll be crunching into hard vegetables.

How do I keep the already cooked Fritters warm while the rest are still frying?

Keep finished fritters warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining batches.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to fry. For the best texture, fry the fritters just before serving.

How do I store leftover Shrimp Fritters?

Store leftover Fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy again. The microwave is not recommended since it can make them soft.

A large pile of freshly fried Shrimp Fritters.

Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)

all-purpose flour – you could use self rising flour instead of all purpose flour, just remove the baking powder that is in this recipe.
baking powder
granulated sugar – you can leave this out if you’re just appalled at using sugar but this is how my Granny always made them. It does not make it taste sweet at all. It just adds to the balance of flavor and its only one small teaspoon spread out over 32 fritters.
Old Bay seasoning– a classic seafood seasoning that adds great flavor, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
seasonings– garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper that’s optional, but can be added for a little heat.
milk
sour cream– don’t worry if you’re not a fan of sour cream. You won’t taste it as a separate ingredient. It simply adds moisture and helps create a tender fritter.
vegetable oil
egg – this acts as a binder to hold it together. If you have time, allow it to come to room temperature.
canned tiny shrimp– you can use 12 ounces canned tiny shrimp or about 8 ounces finely chopped cooked shrimp. Finely chop cooked shrimp and use it in place of the canned shrimp.
green onions– chives can be substituted for green onions.

All-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, egg, shrimp, and green onions.

How To Make Shrimp Fritters

Preheat oil

Pour about 4 inches of oil into a Dutch oven, a large pot, or better yet, a deep fryer. Bring the temperature up to 325°F. It will be super important that you do not allow the oil to get too hot or they will burn on the outside before the inside is done.

Prepare the fritter batter

While the oil is heating, make the fritter batter. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, old bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.

A bowl with flour, baking powder, old bay, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.

Mix together ‘wet’ ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, oil, and egg.

A bowl with milk, sour cream, oil, and egg.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir to combine until there are no dry patches.

Wet mixture and dry ingredients being mixed together.

Add shrimp and green onion to batter

Finally, stir in the shrimp and green onion.

Green onion and shrimp being added to a batter.

Fry the fritters

Once the oil is at its temperature, carefully drop Tablespoon-sized portions of the batter into the hot oil. I like to use a 1-Tablespoon-sized cookie scoop. Work in small batches, 5-6 fritters at a time. Fry, stirring occasionally, so they evenly brown for 3-4 minutes.

A cookie scoop getting a scoop of Shrimp Fritters to fry and a deep fryer basket with fried Shrimp Fritters.

Drain excess oil

Place on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and then immediately transfer them to a wire rack over a sheet tray (this will keep them crispy on the outside.)