Name: Easy Shrimp Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces uncooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed); 1 egg; 3-4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves (very finely diced); 1 tablespoon diced chives (or 1 scallion, very finely diced); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil (for cooking); sour cream or your favorite dip (such as aioli, fry sauce, or tartar sauce)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever craved something crispy, savory, and packed with juicy seafood flavor, these Easy Shrimp Fritters are your new best friend. Imagine golden patties with tender morsels of shrimp, gooey bits of cheese, and plenty of fresh herbs—all ready in less time than it takes to decide what’s for dinner. Whether you serve them as an appetizer for friends or a quick weeknight dinner, this Easy Shrimp Fritters recipe guarantees delicious bites with minimal fuss and major flavor payoff.

Easy Shrimp Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Shrimp Fritters is in their simplicity: every ingredient is chosen to create the ideal balance of flavor, moisture, and crispiness. Let’s walk through each one—it’s the little details that make these fritters unforgettable.

Shrimp (12 ounces, any size): Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease—chopping them small distributes flavor and ensures every fritter is packed with seafood goodness.
Egg (1): This is your binding agent, keeping the fritters together and giving them lovely structure.
All-purpose flour (3-4 tablespoons): Just enough to give the fritters body, but not so much that they get doughy—you want tender bites.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup): Melts into gooey pockets, adding creaminess and that irresistible cheese pull.
Grated Parmesan (2 tablespoons): Brings salty, umami-rich depth to the mix.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Provides moisture and a subtle tang that amplifies the seafood flavor.
Fresh parsley leaves (1 tablespoon, finely diced): Brightens up the fritters with freshness and color.
Diced chives or scallion (1 tablespoon, very finely diced): Lends a gentle oniony bite without overpowering.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory notes and complements the shrimp.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste): Essential for enhancing every other flavor—taste as you go!
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste): Adds a hint of heat and complexity to every bite.
Avocado oil or olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): For frying up a golden, crisp crust—choose your favorite!
Sour cream or favorite dip (for serving): Don’t skip this! Creamy dips like aioli or tartar sauce take Easy Shrimp Fritters to the next level.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Fritters

Step 1: Chop the Shrimp

Start with the star of the show: the shrimp. Grab your favorite knife and chop the peeled, deveined shrimp into small, 1/4-inch pieces. Don’t worry about being too precise—rustic is the name of the game! These little bits ensure you get pops of shrimp in every bite and that the fritters hold together when cooked.

Step 2: Mix and Chill the Fritter Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, toss in your chopped shrimp with flour, cheese, herbs, and all those magical seasonings. Cracking the egg in not only binds everything together but makes the fritters delightfully moist. Don’t forget the mayo—it’s a secret weapon for keeping the texture rich and the flavor dialed up. Give it all a good stir, cover, and let your mixture hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill helps the mixture firm up, making shaping and frying a breeze.

Step 3: Preheat and Shape

Heat a large skillet over medium-low and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. This low, patient heat ensures a crisp exterior without burning. Grab a scoop (about 2-4 tablespoons) of the chilled shrimp mixture and gently drop it onto the hot pan, pressing down softly to form a patty. You’ll love how these start to sizzle and their aroma fills your kitchen!

Step 4: Flip and Finish

Let the fritters cook undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes, until the bottom is golden and you see the shrimp turning pink halfway up. Flip each fritter carefully and give it a gentle press to help it set and crisp up. Cook another 3–4 minutes, until both sides are lacy and deeply golden, and the centers are cooked through. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you finish the batch.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Give the fritters a moment to cool—just a few minutes!—so they firm up and become easy to pick up. Pile them on a plate, offer plenty of your favorite sauces or a classic dollop of sour cream, and watch them disappear. Now you’ve officially conquered the art of Easy Shrimp Fritters!

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Fritters

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top not only adds a pop of color, but it brightens the overall flavor. For an extra bit of flair, zest a little lemon right before serving—it brings zing and freshness that pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side for anyone who likes a burst of tang.

Side Dishes

Easy Shrimp Fritters love good company! Pair them with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette, some oven-roasted potatoes, or even a bright corn salsa. They’re also happy sitting alongside a bowl of seasoned rice or some simple sautéed greens. These pairings keep the meal light and let the fritters shine.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Easy Shrimp Fritters as bite-sized sliders for a fun party snack—just tuck them into mini buns with a swipe of aioli. Or stack them on a platter with toothpicks and a flight of dips for the ultimate appetizer platter. If you’re going all out, build a vibrant shrimp fritter bowl with grains, greens, and crunchy veggies for a main dish that feels fresh and inspired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Shrimp Fritters store beautifully in the refrigerator. Place any remaining fritters in an airtight container, layering them with parchment if you need to stack them. They’ll stay moist, flavorful, and ready for a quick snack or lunch for up to two days.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the fully cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out any air before sealing. Stored this way, Easy Shrimp Fritters stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to bring Easy Shrimp Fritters back to life is in a skillet over low heat with just a touch of oil. This keeps them crispy outside and tender inside. You can also reheat them in a 350°F oven on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is quick, but you’ll lose the crunch, so the skillet or oven is worth the extra minute!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Shrimp Fritters?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before chopping. Extra moisture could make the mixture too loose, so drying is key for the perfect fritter texture.

What other herbs could I use?

Feel free to get creative—dill, cilantro, or even a touch of tarragon pair beautifully with shrimp. Mix and match based on your tastes or what’s fresh in your fridge.

How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?

Chilling the mixture before frying really helps, as does making sure everything is finely chopped and well-mixed. If you need extra insurance, add a teaspoon more flour to tighten the batter. Handle gently when flipping!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The results are every bit as delicious and satisfying.

Are Easy Shrimp Fritters good for meal prep?

They’re a fantastic option! Make a batch ahead of time, store them chilled or frozen, and reheat as needed. Pack them for lunches or quick dinners—they hold up great and taste even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

If you love a dish that’s crispy, crowd-pleasing, and quick to assemble, Easy Shrimp Fritters deserve a spot in your kitchen rotation. Give them a try and see how fast they disappear—the only hard part is saving some for yourself!

Easy Shrimp Fritters Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 26 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Shrimp Fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with delicious shrimp flavor. They make a perfect appetizer or light meal, and they come together quickly with simple ingredients.

Instructions

Chop the Shrimp: Chop the shrimp into very small pieces, aiming for about ¼-inch size.
Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped shrimp with the remaining ingredients (flour to black pepper). Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Cook Shrimp Fritters: Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat. Form small patties from the shrimp mixture and cook them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Serve: Allow the fritters to cool slightly before serving with your preferred dip.

Notes

You can customize the seasoning of these fritters by adding spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.
Make sure the shrimp mixture is well-chilled before cooking to help the fritters hold their shape better.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American