Keto Low-Carb Parmesan Breaded Pan Fried Shrimp is a quick, healthy, and gluten-free recipe that uses blanched almond flour and a few simple ingredients to produce golden, crunchy shrimp. These work well on salads, in low-carb tacos, or served with a sugar-free cocktail sauce.
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This recipe was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for clarity and accuracy.
FOR THE COMPLETE INGREDIENT LIST AND STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS, SEE THE RECIPE CARD BELOW. IMPORTANT TIPS AND CONTEXT ARE PROVIDED IN THIS POST.
The Keto Essential Cookbook is often promoted alongside keto recipes and can be a helpful companion for meal planning; check availability where you normally purchase cookbooks.
I love shrimp in every form: breaded and fried, cocktail-style, pan-seared, or grilled. These crunchy pan-fried keto shrimp are especially good with a homemade sugar-free cocktail sauce.
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How Much Shrimp Can I Eat on a Keto Diet?
Shrimp contains virtually no carbohydrates but is high in protein. If you follow a strict ketogenic approach, monitor your daily macros so protein intake doesn’t push you out of ketosis. Shrimp can still be enjoyed regularly as part of a balanced keto meal plan.
What Type of Shrimp to Use
Shrimp comes pre-cooked, raw, fresh, or frozen, and with tails on or off. I recommend buying raw shrimp — it cooks quickly and tastes fresher than pre-cooked frozen shrimp. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined when possible; the dark vein along the back is the digestive tract and is best removed. Use larger shrimp or jumbo prawns for the best texture and easier frying.
How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp
To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, place them in a large bowl of cold water. They usually thaw within a few minutes and are ready to peel and devein if needed. Drain well before breading so the coating sticks.
Can You Have Fried Shrimp on Keto?
Yes — traditional breadings like panko, breadcrumbs, or tempura are high in carbs, but you can make a crispy, low-carb version by using almond flour and grated Parmesan. You can omit Parmesan if desired, or add shredded coconut for a coconut-shrimp variation.
How to Make Keto Breaded Fried Shrimp
- Mix the almond flour and finely grated Parmesan (plus seasoning) in a wide bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then dip each shrimp in the egg and dredge in the almond flour mix so they’re evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a blend of oil and butter.
- Fry the shrimp in a single layer until a golden crust forms on the bottom, about 3–4 minutes depending on size. Flip and cook the other side for another couple minutes. Remove and let rest briefly before serving.
How Many Carbs
One serving of these pan-fried shrimp contains about 3 grams net carbs, making them suitable for most low-carb and ketogenic diets when portions and accompaniments are considered.
What Pairs Well With the Shrimp
Fried shrimp pairs with many low-carb sides. Try sautéed zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli or green beans, or a crisp side salad with a creamy keto ranch dressing. They’re also great as a protein-packed topping for salads or tucked into lettuce wraps.
More Keto Shrimp Recipes
Explore other keto-friendly shrimp dishes such as creamy garlic shrimp Alfredo over zucchini noodles, Cajun shrimp pasta made with low-carb noodles, seafood lasagna adaptations, or a classic keto shrimp scampi.
Keto Low-Carb Parmesan Breaded Pan Fried Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾–1 cup blanched almond flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay), to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Combine the almond flour, Parmesan, seafood seasoning, and salt and pepper in a wide bowl large enough to dredge the shrimp.
- Place the beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each shrimp in the egg, then coat thoroughly in the almond flour mixture. Keep a damp towel nearby to wipe your hands as needed so the coating adheres.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted and the pan is hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
- Let the shrimp cook undisturbed until a golden crust forms on the bottom, about 3–4 minutes depending on shrimp size. Flip carefully to avoid losing the breading and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and let them rest briefly before serving with your preferred low-carb sauce.
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Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used. For precise values, calculate using the actual ingredients in your kitchen.