Crispy Shrimp Fritto Misto: Delicious Italian Fry

Name: Crispy Shrimp Fritto Misto: Delicious Italian Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz raw medium shrimp, thawed and drained; 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips; 2–3 cups neutral oil for deep frying (e.g., canola, vegetable); Spicy Ranch Sauce:; 1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing; 1 Tbsp cherry pepper spread; 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 3 Tbsp Olive Garden salad dressing; Dry Breading:; 2 Tbsp cornstarch; 2 Tbsp ground cornmeal; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 Tbsp seasoned salt; 1/2 Tbsp garlic salt; 1 tsp lemon pepper; 2 tsp paprika; 1 Tbsp dried parsley; Wet Batter:; 1/2 cup of the dry breading mixture; 1/2 cup cold water

by Manar Jota

July 24, 2025

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Shrimp Fritto Misto has a way of transporting me straight to a sun-drenched Italian piazza, even when I’m just in my own kitchen. I remember the first time I tasted it—a glorious mix of perfectly crisp, lightly battered seafood and vegetables, each bite bursting with flavor. This Italian fried shrimp dish is truly something special, and I’ve found that making this crispy fried shrimp appetizer at home is surprisingly simple. The aroma of the frying shrimp and peppers fills my house, making everyone gather eagerly. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Fritto Misto

Get ready to fall in love with this amazing appetizer! Here’s why this Shrimp Fritto Misto is a winner:

Incredible Taste: Experience the perfect blend of tender, succulent shrimp and crisp bell peppers with a delicate, airy batter.
Quick Prep Time: You can have this delicious dish on the table in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Surprisingly Healthy: Made with lean protein and vegetables, this dish is a lighter take on fried seafood.
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a restaurant-quality appetizer without the high cost, making it perfect for entertaining.
Family Favorite: This easy shrimp fritto misto is sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
Versatile Appetizer: It’s the ideal starter for any meal or a fantastic standalone snack.
Simple to Make: This easy shrimp fritto misto simplifies the process, so you don’t need to be a pro chef.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it up with a vibrant dipping sauce for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Ingredients for Shrimp Fritto Misto

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Italian fried seafood classic. Getting the Fritto Misto ingredients shrimp just right is key for that perfect crunch!

16 oz raw medium shrimp, thawed and drained – make sure they’re dry for the best crispiness
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips – adds a touch of sweetness and color
2–3 cups neutral oil for deep frying (like canola or vegetable) – enough for a good depth of oil
For the Spicy Ranch Sauce:

1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing
1 Tbsp cherry pepper spread – for a nice kick
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp Olive Garden salad dressing – adds a unique tang

For the Dry Breading:

2 Tbsp cornstarch – this is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture
2 Tbsp ground cornmeal – adds a lovely subtle crunch
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 Tbsp seasoned salt
1/2 Tbsp garlic salt
1 tsp lemon pepper
2 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp dried parsley

For the Wet Batter:

1/2 cup of the dry breading mixture
1/2 cup cold water – very cold water helps create a lighter batter

How to Make Shrimp Fritto Misto

Let’s dive into making this incredible Shrimp Fritto Misto! It’s a straightforward process that yields fantastic results. I find that breaking it down into a few key steps makes how to make shrimp fritto misto feel totally manageable, even for beginners. We’ll start by getting our dipping sauce and dry breading ready, then whip up the light batter, and finally, the fun part – frying!

Preparing the Spicy Ranch Sauce

First things first, let’s make that irresistible sauce. Simply whisk together 1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing, 1 Tbsp cherry pepper spread, 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, and 3 Tbsp Olive Garden salad dressing in a small bowl. Pop it in the fridge to let those flavors meld while we prepare the rest of the dish.

Crafting the Perfect Breading and Batter

Now for the coating that makes our Shrimp Fritto Misto so wonderfully crispy! In a medium bowl, combine 2 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 Tbsp ground cornmeal, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 Tbsp seasoned salt, 1/2 Tbsp garlic salt, 1 tsp lemon pepper, 2 tsp paprika, and 1 Tbsp dried parsley. Whisk it all together until well combined – this is your dry breading. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mix for the wet batter. To make the batter, mix that reserved 1/2 cup of dry breading with 1/2 cup cold water until it’s smooth. This combination makes for the best batter for fried shrimp, creating that signature light and crispy coating.

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The Art of Frying Shrimp and Peppers

It’s time to fry! Heat about 2–3 cups of neutral oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step in how to fry mixed seafood perfectly. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, dip each shrimp and bell pepper strip into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the remaining dry breading. Carefully place the breaded items into the hot oil. Fry the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes, until they are a beautiful golden brown and floating. The bell pepper strips only need about 1 minute to become crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. This method ensures you get that perfect lightly battered fried shrimp.

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Fritto Misto

Want to elevate your Shrimp Fritto Misto game? These little tricks from my kitchen will ensure you get that perfect, crispy Italian seafood fry every single time.

Make sure your shrimp and bell peppers are thoroughly drained and patted dry before you even think about battering them. This is the absolute key to a truly crispy coating.
Don’t overcrowd your pot when frying! This is a common mistake that lowers the oil temperature and leads to greasy, soggy results instead of that beautiful, airy crunch.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry breading mixture.

What’s the secret to perfect Shrimp Fritto Misto?

The real secret to a perfect Shrimp Fritto Misto is all about the prep. Ensuring your seafood and vegetables are completely dry before battering is non-negotiable. This allows the batter to adhere properly and fry up to a glorious, crispy Italian seafood fry. For more delicious recipes, check out our recipes.

Can I make Shrimp Fritto Misto ahead of time?

You can prep all the components—the sauce, the dry breading, and even batter the shrimp and peppers—a few hours ahead. Store the battered items in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined baking sheet, uncovered, until you’re ready to fry. This keeps the coating from getting soggy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Shrimp Fritto Misto?

The biggest pitfall is overcrowding the fryer, which cools the oil and makes everything greasy. Always fry in small batches. Another mistake is not drying your ingredients properly; this leads to a heavy, soggy coating instead of that delightful crispness. For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our Indian Butter Chicken recipe.

Crispy Shrimp Fritto Misto: Delicious Italian Fry - Shrimp Fritto Misto - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Fritto Misto

This delicious Shrimp Fritto Misto is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. For a classic Italian experience, serve it piping hot right after frying, accompanied by its creamy spicy ranch sauce or a bright marinara. It’s also fantastic as part of a larger antipasto platter, alongside other Italian delights. If you’re looking for a complete meal, this seafood fry recipe Italian pairs wonderfully with a fresh, simple green salad or some lemon wedges for a squeeze of brightness. You might also like our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.

Nutrition Facts for Shrimp Fritto Misto

Let’s take a look at the nutritional breakdown for this delicious Shrimp Fritto Misto. Understanding the numbers can help you fit this delightful appetizer into your eating plan.

Calories: 158 kcal
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Fritto Misto

Even though this Shrimp Fritto Misto is best enjoyed fresh, you might have some delicious leftovers or want to prep ahead. Once cooled completely, store any remaining fried shrimp and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place the cooled items on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave! Instead, spread the Shrimp Fritto Misto on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. This method is key to reviving that perfect crunch. For another great recipe, try our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Fritto Misto

What is fritto misto di gamberi?

Fritto misto di gamberi is an Italian term for “mixed fried shrimp.” It’s a classic dish featuring lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, often including shrimp, calamari, and sometimes small fish, along with vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This Shrimp Fritto Misto recipe is my take on this beloved Italian appetizer. For more information on Italian cuisine, you can explore resources on Italian food and wine.

Can I use other types of seafood in my Shrimp Fritto Misto?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on shrimp and bell peppers, a traditional Fritto Misto di Gamberi recipe often includes other seafood. Feel free to add calamari rings, small whole fish like smelt, or even scallops to your mix for an even more authentic Italian seafood experience. You might also enjoy our Coconut Chicken Meatballs.

What is the best oil for frying Shrimp Fritto Misto?

For the best results with your Shrimp Fritto Misto, use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils can handle the high temperatures needed for deep frying without burning, ensuring a clean flavor and that essential crispy texture for your seafood fry.

How do I ensure my Shrimp Fritto Misto is crispy and not greasy?

The key to a crispy, non-greasy Shrimp Fritto Misto lies in a few things: ensuring your ingredients are dry before battering, not overcrowding the fryer (fry in batches!), and maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Properly draining the fried items on paper towels also helps absorb excess oil, keeping your Italian fried shrimp mixed delightfully crisp.

Variations of Shrimp Fritto Misto You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic Shrimp Fritto Misto, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to adapt this delightful Italian appetizer. For those watching their gluten intake, you can easily create a gluten-free version by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free. Another fun variation is to try an air fryer method for a lower-fat option, though you’ll need to adjust cooking times and ensure good air circulation. For a more substantial appetizer, consider adding other seafood like calamari rings or even mussels to create a true Shrimp and calamari fritto misto. You could also experiment with different vegetables, like thinly sliced zucchini or asparagus, for added color and flavor. If you’re looking for other seafood options, our Hamburger Mushroom Bake might be of interest.