Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 to 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine chopped shrimp, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well mixed.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls. Place them on a tray.
- Prepare three coating bowls: flour in the first, whisked eggs with milk in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
- Roll each shrimp ball in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the bites in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice to make the dipping sauce.
- Serve the bites hot with the bayou dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chill the shrimp mixture for 10 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
- Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy coating.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes for a lighter option.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to control spice level.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 bites
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg