Keto Breaded Shrimp – Easy and Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer

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Keto Breaded Shrimp - Easy and Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer

Are you craving that perfect crunch of breaded shrimp but trying to stick to your keto lifestyle? Look no further! This Keto Breaded Shrimp recipe delivers all the crispy satisfaction you’re longing for without the carbs. After a long day at work, there’s nothing more satisfying than biting into these golden-brown morsels—the crackle of the coating giving way to tender, succulent shrimp underneath. The aroma alone, with hints of garlic, paprika, and herbs, will have everyone gathering in your kitchen before dinner is even served.

Unlike traditional Breaded shrimp that can pack in unnecessary carbs, this Keto Breaded Shrimp recipe uses a clever pork rind and Parmesan coating that crisps up beautifully while keeping the dish low-carb. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering or simply treating yourself to a special weeknight dinner, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to for satisfying those seafood cravings the keto way.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Breaded Shrimp

Ingredients for recipe

  • 6 oz. pork rinds, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for tangier flavor)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Dash of hot sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese
  • Looking for a different flavor profile? Add 1 tsp of Old Bay seasoning to the coating mixture
  • If you prefer gluten-free keto breaded shrimp options, this recipe is naturally gluten-free
  • No pork rinds? You can use a mix of almond flour and crushed pecans instead (though the texture will be slightly different)

How to Make Keto Breaded Shrimp – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one empty for the shrimp, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breading mixture.

Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture

In a food processor, pulse pork rinds until they reach a fine breadcrumb consistency. Transfer to a shallow bowl and mix with grated Parmesan, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for helping the coating stick properly and creating crispy Keto Breaded Shrimp coating. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bread the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess egg drip off, then roll in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating all around the shrimp. Place the breaded shrimp on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

For Oven-Baked Keto Breaded Shrimp without breadcrumbs: Lightly spritz the breaded shrimp with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (shrimp should be pink and opaque).

For Air Fryer Keto Breaded Shrimp: Place a single layer of breaded shrimp in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spritz lightly with cooking spray. Cook at 380°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time.

Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce

While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer the Keto Breaded Shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

Keto Breaded Shrimp - Easy and Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer
Keto Breaded Shrimp – Easy and Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer

Pro Tips for Making the Best Keto Breaded Shrimp

  • Secret to extra crunch: For the crispiest crunchy Keto Breaded Shrimp coating, make sure your pork rinds are crushed very finely—almost like flour.
  • Temperature matters: Bring shrimp to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for more even results.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Whether baking or air frying, leave space between each shrimp to allow proper air circulation.
  • Double coating technique: For an extra thick crust, repeat the egg and breading steps for a double-coated finish.
  • Make ahead tip: You can bread the shrimp up to 3 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. This makes these easy homemade Keto Breaded Shrimp perfect for entertaining.
  • Spice it up: For spicy Keto Breaded Shrimp for appetizers, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture.

Best Ways to Serve Keto Breaded Shrimp

These versatile Keto Breaded Shrimp work beautifully in numerous settings:

  1. As an appetizer: Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges and dipping sauce for an elegant starter.
  2. Main dish presentation: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
  3. Keto taco alternative: Use the shrimp as a filling for lettuce wraps with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
  4. Party food: Make these part of your crispy Keto Breaded Shrimp meal prep for gatherings by keeping them warm in a low oven (200°F).

For the perfect keto-friendly breaded shrimp sauce pairing, try:

  • Garlic aioli
  • Avocado lime dip
  • Spicy mayo
  • Sugar-free cocktail sauce made with natural keto-friendly sweeteners

Nutritional Information for recipe

Per Serving (4 oz, approximately 5-6 shrimp):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Net Carbs: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Total Carbs: 2g

This low carb breaded shrimp for keto diet recipe is perfect for maintaining ketosis while enjoying traditionally high-carb favorites.

Storage & Leftovers

These recipe are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions:

  • For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes
  • Alternatively, place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5-6 minutes until heated through
  • Avoid microwaving as this will make the coating soggy

Freezing Option: For crispy Keto Breaded Shrimp meal prep, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once solid. Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat from frozen in a 400°F oven or air fryer until heated through, about 8-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is recipe made of?

recipe is typically made using low-carb alternatives to traditional breadcrumbs. This recipe uses crushed pork rinds (which are zero carb) mixed with Parmesan cheese and spices to create a crispy coating that mimics the texture and flavor of traditional breadcrumbs while keeping carbs minimal.

How do you make keto breaded shrimp crispy?

The secret to crispy recipe is thoroughly drying the shrimp before breading, using very finely crushed pork rinds, and cooking at a high temperature. Applying a light coating of cooking spray before baking or air frying also helps achieve that golden-brown crispiness. For extra crunch, you can double-coat the shrimp by repeating the egg and breading steps.

Can you use frozen shrimp for recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for recipe, but they must be completely thawed and patted dry before breading. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from adhering properly and result in a soggy exterior. To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, place them in a colander under cold running water for 5-7 minutes.

What dipping sauces go well with recipe?

The best recipe include mayonnaise-based options like garlic aioli or spicy mayo, avocado-based dips, and sugar-free cocktail sauce. For a simple option, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice and herbs, or sour cream with a touch of hot sauce and fresh herbs.

Conclusion

These recipe deliver everything you love about traditional breaded shrimp without the carbs. The crispy, flavorful coating paired with tender, succulent shrimp makes this dish a winner for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you choose to bake them, air fry them, or prepare them as easy homemade recipe for meal prep, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your keto cooking repertoire.

The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward preparation means you can enjoy this restaurant-quality appetizer anytime a craving strikes. Plus, with the various serving suggestions and sauce pairings, you can enjoy theserecipein a different way each time you make them.

Have you tried making recipe before? What’s your favorite dipping sauce to pair with them? Leave a comment below and share your experience with this delicious keto-friendly dish!

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Keto Breaded Shrimp - Easy and Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer

Keto Breaded Shrimp – Easy and Delicious Low-Carb Appetizer


  • Author: Isabella Baute
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy a crispy, keto-friendly version of breaded shrimp using a pork rind and Parmesan coating. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish makes for a perfect low-carb appetizer or quick weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz. pork rinds, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for tangier flavor)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Dash of hot sauce
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one empty for the shrimp, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breading mixture.
  2. In a food processor, pulse pork rinds until they reach a fine breadcrumb consistency. Transfer to a shallow bowl and mix with grated Parmesan, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess egg drip off, then roll in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating all around the shrimp. Place the breaded shrimp on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
  5. For Oven-Baked: Lightly spritz the breaded shrimp with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. For Air Fryer: Place a single layer of breaded shrimp in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Spritz lightly with cooking spray. Cook at 380°F for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  6. While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  7. Transfer the Keto Breaded Shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.
  • If you don’t have pork rinds, use a mix of almond flour and crushed pecans; the texture will be slightly different.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes for best results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Keto

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 oz
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 180

Keywords: keto breaded shrimp, low carb shrimp, crispy keto shrimp, breaded shrimp recipe, keto appetizer

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