How many calories are in 6 deep fried shrimp?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Six medium-sized, breaded, and deep-fried shrimp generally contain between 150 and 180 calories, depending on the batter and amount of oil absorbed. This article explores how many calories are in 6 deep fried shrimp and how cooking methods dramatically alter the final nutritional outcome.

Quick Summary

A serving of six deep fried shrimp typically contains between 150-180 calories, with variation influenced by the preparation. The frying process and batter add substantial fat and carbohydrates, making them far more calorie-dense than their plain, cooked counterparts.

Key Points

Calorie Count: Six deep fried shrimp typically contain between 150 and 180 calories, with the precise number varying based on shrimp size and cooking method.
Source of Calories: The majority of calories in deep fried shrimp come from the oil absorbed during the frying process and the carbohydrate-heavy breading, not from the shrimp meat itself.
Low-Calorie Alternative: When not fried, shrimp is a lean, high-protein, and low-calorie food, with a 3-ounce serving having around 85 calories.
Healthier Preparation: Opting for cooking methods like air frying or oven-baking with panko breadcrumbs can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content while maintaining a crispy texture.
Nutrient-Rich: Plain shrimp is a good source of protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and other important nutrients, which are often overshadowed by the high fat and calorie content of deep frying.
Cholesterol Considerations: Current nutritional science suggests that dietary cholesterol from foods like shrimp has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol compared to saturated and trans fats, which are prevalent in deep fried foods.
Restaurant vs. Homemade: The nutritional profile of restaurant-prepared fried shrimp can differ greatly from homemade versions, as commercial recipes may use more batter and oil.

The Calorie Breakdown of Deep Fried Shrimp

When you bite into a deep fried shrimp, you are consuming more than just the seafood itself. The majority of the extra calories come from the breading and the oil used for frying, not the shrimp. A raw, medium-sized shrimp contains a very low number of calories—around 7-10 per piece. However, once it's coated in batter or breadcrumbs and submerged in hot oil, its calorie count can jump significantly. For instance, a six-piece serving from a casual dining restaurant or prepared at home can range from 150 to over 200 calories. A nutritional breakdown for 6 fried shrimp (180 calories) might look something like 24g of protein, 6g of fat, and 6g of carbohydrates.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count

The precise number of calories in a serving of deep fried shrimp is not a fixed number and can be influenced by several variables:

Shrimp Size: The size of the shrimp plays a role in the final calorie count. Larger, jumbo shrimp will naturally have more calories per piece than smaller, popcorn shrimp.
Breading Type: A thicker, flour-heavy batter will absorb more oil and add more carbohydrates, increasing the calorie total. A lighter breading, such as panko, can result in a crispier texture with less oil absorption.
Type of Oil: The kind of oil used for frying can affect the health profile. While deep frying adds calories regardless, some oils are considered healthier choices than others. Avocado oil, for example, has a high smoke point and can be a better option than oils with higher saturated fat content.
Frying Technique: The temperature of the oil and the amount of time the shrimp are cooked are important. Frying at the correct temperature (between 325°F-400°F) can help reduce the amount of oil absorbed.

Fried vs. Healthy Alternatives: A Comparison

To put the calories of deep fried shrimp into perspective, let's compare it to healthier, non-fried preparation methods. This table highlights the significant nutritional differences.


Attribute	Deep Fried Shrimp (6 pieces)	Grilled/Baked Shrimp (6 pieces)
Estimated Calories	150-180 calories	~85 calories (3 oz serving)
Protein	~24g	~20g (3 oz serving)
Fat	~6g (higher with restaurant versions)	~0g (can be slightly higher with oil)
Carbohydrates	~6g (from batter)	~0g

How to Make Deep Fried Shrimp Healthier

For those who love the crispy texture but want a healthier meal, there are several ways to enjoy delicious shrimp without the added calories and fat. Consider these options:

Use an Air Fryer: An air fryer circulates hot air to cook food and achieves a crunchy, fried-like exterior without using large amounts of oil. This is a great way to mimic the texture of deep frying with minimal fat.
Bake with Panko: For a crispy oven-baked alternative, coat your shrimp with panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and absorb less oil than traditional breading. A light spray of cooking oil before baking helps achieve a golden-brown finish.
Choose a Better Oil: If deep frying is a must, opt for oils with a high smoke point and a more favorable fat profile, such as avocado oil.
Blot Excess Oil: After frying, place the shrimp on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil before serving. This small step can make a big difference.
Consider a Lighter Coating: Instead of a heavy batter, use a lighter dusting of flour or a seasoned egg wash to help the panko adhere, which will reduce the overall carb and calorie count.

Conclusion

While delicious, deep fried shrimp is a calorie-dense food because of the added fats from the cooking process and the carbohydrates in the batter. A typical serving of six pieces can easily add 150 to 180 calories to your meal. For those mindful of their calorie intake, healthier cooking methods like air frying, baking with panko, or grilling offer satisfying, lower-calorie alternatives. Understanding where the calories come from—the preparation, not the shrimp itself—is key to making more informed and health-conscious dietary choices. Shrimp, in its natural state, is a lean and nutrient-rich protein source, and there are many ways to enjoy its flavor and benefits without the caloric burden of deep frying.

More Health-Conscious Options

For those interested in exploring healthier ways to prepare shrimp, consider these alternatives:

Sautéing: Lightly sauté shrimp with a small amount of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Grilling: Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for a smoky flavor without heavy breading.
Steaming: Steam shrimp with lemon and herbs for a clean, simple, and low-calorie protein option.
Incorporating Plain Shrimp into Meals: Add plain, cooked shrimp to salads, pasta dishes, or stir-fries for a lean protein boost.

By being aware of the nutritional impact of deep frying, you can still enjoy shrimp as a treat while making healthier choices for most of your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Six medium-sized, breaded, and deep fried shrimp typically contain around 150-180 calories, depending on the size of the shrimp, the type of breading, and the amount of oil used.

Compared to plain, steamed, or grilled shrimp, deep fried shrimp is less healthy due to the added fat and calories from the batter and frying oil. Plain shrimp is a better source of lean protein.

The difference is significant. A 3-ounce serving of grilled shrimp has about 85 calories, while the same amount of breaded and fried shrimp can easily exceed 200 calories.

You can use an air fryer instead of deep frying, bake the shrimp with a light coating of panko breadcrumbs, use a healthier oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil, or blot excess oil after cooking.

Current research indicates that dietary cholesterol from foods like shrimp has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. Saturated and trans fats, which are present in fried foods, have a much greater impact on cholesterol.

Deep frying adds calories because the batter or breading absorbs the cooking oil. This oil adds significant amounts of fat and calories to the otherwise lean shrimp.

Excellent low-calorie alternatives include grilling, baking, steaming, or poaching shrimp. These methods preserve the flavor of the shrimp without adding extra fat and calories.