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Popcorn shrimp Calories
Crispy battered and fried shrimp snack
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 serving (medium) of Popcorn shrimp (85 g) has 221 calories. That works out to 260 calories per 100 g. It contains 19.6 g of carbs, 10.2 g of protein, 11 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Its 23.8 µg of Selenium covers 43% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 60 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Popcorn shrimp Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 85 g
221
KCAL / 85G
Carbs
19.6g
· 7% DV
Protein
10.2g
· 20% DV
Fat
11g
· 14% DV
Fiber
1g
· 4% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 36% · Protein 19% · Fat 45%
Popcorn shrimp nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (85 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 221 kcal | |
| Total fat | 11 g | 14% |
| Saturated fat | 1.95 g | 10% |
| Trans fat | 0.07 g | |
| Sodium | 544 mg | 24% |
| Total carbohydrate | 19.6 g | 7% |
| Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Protein | 10.2 g | 20% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Serving of Popcorn shrimp?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 85 g | 221 kcal |
| 10 piece (mini) | 50 g | 130 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 60 g | 156 kcal |
| 15 piece (medium) | 75 g | 195 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 260 kcal |
| 20 piece (large) | 100 g | 260 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 110 g | 286 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 120 g | 312 kcal |
| 1 pack (jumbo) | 200 g | 520 kcal |
Calculated from 260 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Popcorn shrimp
What is popcorn shrimp?
Popcorn shrimp is a bite-size dish made from small shrimp coated in seasoned breading and fried until crisp. It is commonly served as an appetizer or snack with a dipping sauce.
Does popcorn shrimp contain real shrimp?
Yes, popcorn shrimp is usually made with actual small shrimp, not a shrimp-flavored substitute. The shrimp is covered in breading before frying, so the crunchy coating makes up a noticeable part of each bite.
How do you cook frozen popcorn shrimp in an air fryer?
Cook frozen popcorn shrimp in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Arrange the pieces in one layer and confirm they are hot throughout; timing varies with the product and appliance.
Why is it called popcorn shrimp?
It is called popcorn shrimp because the pieces are small, bite-sized, and easy to eat by the handful, much like popcorn. The name describes the snack-style size, not an ingredient; popcorn is not normally part of the recipe.
How is popcorn shrimp different from regular fried shrimp?
Popcorn shrimp uses small shrimp cut or selected for bite-size pieces, while regular fried shrimp is often made with larger, whole shrimp. Both can be breaded and fried, but popcorn shrimp is designed to be eaten in a few bites.
Can you make popcorn shrimp without deep-frying it?
Yes, you can bake popcorn shrimp or cook it in an air fryer instead of deep-frying. Lightly coat the breaded shrimp with oil and cook in a single layer, turning or shaking it once so the coating browns evenly.
What sauce goes best with popcorn shrimp?
Tartar sauce and cocktail sauce are classic dips for popcorn shrimp. Remoulade, spicy mayonnaise, or lemon-garlic sauce also work well, especially when you want a sharper or spicier contrast to the crisp coating.
How do you keep popcorn shrimp from getting soggy?
Keep popcorn shrimp crisp by serving it soon after cooking and resting fried pieces on a wire rack rather than stacking them. Trapped steam softens the breading, so serve dipping sauce on the side instead of pouring it over the shrimp.
Can you reheat leftover popcorn shrimp?
Yes, reheat leftover popcorn shrimp in an oven or air fryer until hot throughout; these methods help restore some crispness. A microwave heats it quickly but usually makes the breading soft. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container.
Can you make popcorn shrimp with fresh shrimp at home?
Yes, peel and devein small fresh shrimp, pat them dry, then coat and fry them in batches. Drying the shrimp helps the breading stick, and small, evenly sized pieces cook at a similar rate.
Popcorn shrimp Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.6µg · 25% DV
Vitamin K
10.2µg · 9% DV
Biotin
2.13µg · 7% DV
B3
1.02mg · 6% DV
Minerals
Selenium
24µg · 44% DV
Sodium
544mg · 24% DV
Iodine
26µg · 17% DV
Phosphorus
94mg · 13% DV
Potassium ⭐
145mg · 4% DV
Popcorn shrimp Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Popcorn shrimp
To burn the 221 calories in 1 serving (medium) (85 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Popcorn shrimp?
Popcorn shrimp is an American-style dish of small shrimp coated in a seasoned batter or breading and fried until crisp. The bite-sized pieces are named for their resemblance to popcorn and are commonly served as a snack, starter or casual seafood meal in the United States; they also appear on menus elsewhere as a familiar fried appetiser.
Expect a crunchy coating around tender shrimp, usually with a dipping sauce and sometimes lemon. It is more of a fried treat than a lean seafood serving, though shrimp still contributes protein; the dish provides 260 calories per 100 g. For a lighter plate, pair a modest portion with a fresh salad, or choose an oven- or air-fried version.
How Nutritious Is Popcorn shrimp?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Popcorn shrimp Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Popcorn shrimp Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Popcorn shrimp Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Popcorn shrimp Fat Profile
SATURATED
1.95g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.48g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.13g
Omega 6:3 ratio 4.9:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (4.9:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.