Copycat Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp Recipe

Craving Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp? Now you can skip the drive-thru and make this crispy, golden, and flavor-packed favorite right at home! With perfectly seasoned, crunchy shrimp, this Copycat Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp Recipe delivers all the bold flavors you love. Get ready to bring a taste of Popeyes to your own kitchen!

Bring the bold, crispy flavors of Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp to your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe!

These bite-sized shrimp are perfectly seasoned, coated in a crunchy, golden breading, and fried to perfection—just like the fast-food favorite.

Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they pair perfectly with a creamy dipping sauce for that authentic Popeyes experience. Skip the drive-thru and enjoy homemade popcorn shrimp that’s just as delicious, if not better!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Perfection – Light, golden, and irresistibly crunchy shrimp.
• Bold Flavor – Perfectly seasoned just like Popeyes’ signature taste.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick cooking time.
• Budget-Friendly – Enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp at a fraction of the cost.
• Crowd-Pleaser – A hit for parties, game nights, and family meals.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels or pair with your favorite sauces.
• No Drive-Thru Needed – Enjoy Popeyes-style shrimp anytime at home!

If you love Copycat Popeyes Recipes try my recipe for Air Fryer Popeyes Chicken Sandwich (Copycat), Air Fryer Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe, or Copycat Popeye’s Seafood Po’Boy Recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Raw Shrimp – Peeled, deveined, tails removed
• Flour – Light coating for crispiness
• Panko: Or used seasoned breadcrumbs, for an added crunch.
• Onion Powder – Adds savory depth
• Garlic Powder – Rich, garlicky flavor
• Sea Salt – Enhances overall taste
• Black Pepper – Bold, classic seasoning
• White Pepper – Subtle heat and depth
• Cayenne Pepper – Spicy kick for flavor
• Paprika – Smoky, slightly sweet touch
• Oregano – Earthy, aromatic seasoning
• Thyme – Herbaceous and fragrant
• Eggs – Helps coating stick

How To Make Copycat Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp Recipe

Step One: Rinse and pat dry the peeled, deveined shrimp, and remove the tails.

Step Two: In a bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.

Step Three: In one bowl, mix flour with half of the seasoning blend. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. In the last bowl, add your panko or breadcrumbs.

Step Four: Dredge the shrimp in the flour, ensuring it’s fully covered, then shake off the excess. Dip the flour-coated shrimp into the beaten egg, allowing the excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. For an extra crispy texture, you can double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumbs steps. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.

Step Five: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. Set air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F and set cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like spicy mayo or tartar sauce.

Copycat Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp Recipe Recipe Tips

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs – For extra crunch and a lighter texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Double Coat for Crispiness – For an even crispier coating, dip the shrimp in the egg and breadcrumbs twice. This extra layer will give you that perfect crunchy bite.
• Season the Flour – Don’t forget to season the flour mixture with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne) to enhance the shrimp’s flavor.
• Pat Dry the Shrimp – Before coating, ensure the shrimp are dry to help the breading stick better. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Adjust Spices – Customize the seasoning mix based on your spice preference. Add more cayenne for extra heat or more paprika for smokiness.
• Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side when frying or 8-10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through.

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover Copycat Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to maintain crispness.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the battered shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen or leftover shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side.

What To Serve With Popeye Popcorn Shrimp Recipe

When serving Copycat Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp, consider pairing it with classic sides like crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for the perfect crunch. A refreshing coleslaw adds a creamy, tangy contrast, while garlic bread or rice pilaf complements the dish with savory flavor.

For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a side salad or some fried green beans. Corn on the cob is also a great choice, adding a touch of sweetness and buttery goodness. These sides not only balance the shrimp’s bold flavor but also make for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

Popeye Popcorn Shrimp Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating to ensure the batter sticks properly.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative. Be sure to spray them lightly with oil for crispiness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

How can I make the shrimp spicier? Add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the batter for a spicier kick. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.

Can I make the shrimp ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and coat them in the batter ahead of time. Store the battered shrimp in the fridge for a few hours before frying or air frying.

What dipping sauces go well with popcorn shrimp? Popcorn shrimp pairs well with classic dipping sauces like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard.

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