Crispy Beer Battered Shrimp Recipe (Light, Crunchy & Flavorful)

Enjoy the ultimate crispy Beer Battered Shrimp—juicy shrimp coated in a light, airy beer batter seasoned perfectly and fried until golden. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a fan-favorite appetizer or seafood dinner paired with fries, slaw, or tartar sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for extra light crunch)
• 1–2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or salt & pepper)
• Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder for extra flavor
• 1 cup cold light beer (lager, pilsner)
• Oil with high smoke point (canola, vegetable, peanut) for frying

Directions

1. Prep shrimp: Pat shrimp completely dry. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, or dash of Old Bay.
2. Make batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, Old Bay, and spices. Slowly add cold beer while whisking until just combined—a slightly thick pancake-like consistency. Let rest 15–30 minutes for better bubbles.
3. Heat oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175–180°C), about 2 inches deep. Use a thermometer if available.
4. Fry in batches: Dip each shrimp into batter and let excess drip off. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd pan to maintain oil
5. Drain: Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil immediately upon removing shrimp.
6. Serve: Sprinkle lightly with salt or extra Old Bay. Serve hot with dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, malt vinegar, or lemon wedges.