Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 350°F.
Dry the shrimp with paper towels.
In a large plastic bag, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add shrimp to the bag and shake to coat.
In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs with water.
In another shallow bowl, place breadcrumbs.
Dip shrimp in egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Place breaded shrimp on a parchment-lined tray.
Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Drain fried shrimp on paper towels, then transfer to a wire rack.
Repeat with remaining shrimp.
If desired, serve with parsley, lemon wedges, and cocktail sauce.
Notes
To store leftover Panko Fried Shrimp:
Cooling: Allow the cooked shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Refrigeration: Place the leftover shrimp in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Arrange them in a single layer to prevent sticking together.
Labeling: If desired, label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure that the refrigerator temperature is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to maintain food safety.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
Enjoyment: Serve the reheated shrimp with your favorite dipping sauces or incorporate them into salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes for a delicious meal.
To air-fry Panko Fried Shrimp:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the shrimp as instructed in the recipe, coating them with flour, egg wash, and Panko breadcrumbs.
Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Depending on the size of your air fryer and the quantity of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, transfer the air-fried shrimp to a plate and serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
To oven bake Panko Fried Shrimp:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Prepare the shrimp as directed in the recipe, coating them with flour, egg wash, and Panko breadcrumbs.
Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray or drizzle them with a small amount of oil to help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Keep an eye on the shrimp towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from overcooking and becoming dry.
Once the shrimp are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
Serve the baked Panko Fried Shrimp immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli.