Which Fried Seafood Options Are Available at Pappadeaux?

I’ve always believed fried seafood tells you a lot about a restaurant’s kitchen. It’s not just about crispy batter — it’s about keeping the meat tender, flavorful, and never greasy. So, when I visited Pappadeaux, I made sure to try a mix of their fried seafood items. Each plate was served hot, with golden crusts and generous portions. What stood out most was how different each fried item felt in texture and seasoning, even though many were served with the same sides. Most of them came with crispy French fries and a small container of dipping sauce, unless noted otherwise.

If you’re someone who enjoys that satisfying crunch or you’re craving comfort food with seafood flavor, this part of the menu is worth exploring. Below, I’ve shared my own experience and what you can expect from each fried seafood option — two items at a time.

Fried Shrimp

The Fried Shrimp was the first thing I tried from the fried section because it’s one of the most common items — but also one of the easiest to mess up. Thankfully, Pappadeaux did not disappoint. I ordered the medium size, which came with a generous portion of golden-brown shrimp, lightly breaded and perfectly crisp on the outside. The shrimp were firm, juicy, and didn’t feel greasy at all.

Each shrimp had a light coating that didn’t overpower the natural flavor. It had that satisfying crunch when I bit into it but stayed tender inside. I dipped a few into the tartar sauce they brought on the side, and it balanced nicely with a little acidity and creaminess. The plate also came with French fries that were fresh and seasoned, not soggy or underdone.

If you’re new to Pappadeaux or just want something familiar and tasty, this is a solid choice. It’s not overly salty or spicy — just well-balanced.

Price: Small $23.95, Medium $29.95
Allergens: Shellfish, gluten
Served With: French fries

Fried Oysters

Fried oysters can be hit or miss depending on how they’re handled, and I’ve had both over the years. At Pappadeaux, the Fried Oysters were definitely a hit. I went with the medium portion to see if the kitchen could get that tricky texture right — and they did.

The oysters came out hot and coated in a crispy layer that held together without crumbling apart. Inside, they were soft and juicy with that unmistakable briny flavor oysters should have. The contrast between the crunchy shell and tender inside made them stand out from other fried dishes.

They also brought cocktail sauce and lemon wedges on the side. I liked how the acidity from the lemon cut through the fried coating and made each bite feel lighter. They weren’t overly greasy, which I appreciated.

Prices: Medium $25.95, Large $29.95
Allergens: Shellfish, gluten
Served With: French fries (standard, unless specified otherwise)

Stuffed Shrimp

The Stuffed Shrimp caught my eye because it’s not something you see everywhere. Each shrimp was butterflied and packed with a crab-based stuffing that was lightly seasoned and baked, then lightly fried for a bit of crisp texture. The result was a flavorful bite with a creamy center and just enough crunch on the outside.

The size was fair for the price — I got about four pieces, and they were decently large. What made it more enjoyable was the contrast between the sweetness of the shrimp and the savory stuffing inside. I could taste hints of herbs in the mix, likely parsley and green onion, which added freshness without being too strong.

There was a light drizzle of lemon butter sauce, and that added a nice richness without making it soggy. It’s definitely a more indulgent option, and I’d suggest it for anyone who wants seafood with extra flavor layers.

Price: $23.95
Allergens: Shellfish, dairy, possibly gluten
Served With: French fries (unless customized)

Crawfish Dinner

I tried the Crawfish Dinner mainly out of curiosity — it’s not often you see fried crawfish featured so prominently. I ordered the medium, and it came out piping hot. The pieces were small, lightly breaded, and fried until golden, with just enough crispiness on the outside.

What I liked most was that they kept the breading light, so the crawfish flavor still came through. It wasn’t rubbery or overdone, which can happen when these are over-fried. Each bite had that gentle sweetness crawfish is known for, balanced by the salty crust.

It came with French fries and a side of cocktail sauce, though I found the crawfish tasty enough to eat as-is. A squeeze of lemon added some brightness too. This is great if you want a fried item that isn’t as common as shrimp or catfish.

Prices: Medium $22.95, Large $31.95
Allergens: Shellfish, gluten
Served With: French fries

Stuffed Shrimp

The Stuffed Shrimp caught my attention because it felt like a step up from basic fried seafood. Each shrimp was butterflied and filled with a soft, crab-based stuffing that had a savory, slightly creamy texture. The outside was golden and just lightly crisp, giving a good balance to the smooth filling inside.

I was served four pieces, and each was generously sized. The flavor leaned toward mild and buttery, with hints of garlic and herbs in the stuffing. It didn’t feel heavy or greasy, which I appreciated. A touch of lemon butter sauce brought extra flavor without overpowering the shrimp.

It comes with fries, but you could pair it with a salad to lighten the overall plate. This felt more refined compared to regular fried shrimp, and I think it’s a solid pick if you want something with a bit more flavor complexity.

Price: $23.95
Allergens: Shellfish, dairy, possibly gluten
Served With: French fries

Crawfish Dinner

I ordered the Crawfish Dinner because I hadn’t seen fried crawfish on many menus. The portion was generous — especially for a medium size — and every piece came out hot and crisp. The breading was just enough to give a crunch without masking the flavor of the crawfish itself.

Each bite had a light sweetness and a chewy texture that stayed firm, not mushy. There was no grease pooling under the food, which usually tells me the kitchen knows how to fry well. It came with cocktail sauce, but honestly, the flavor stood well on its own with just a bit of lemon.

This one stood out because it offers a different fried seafood experience. If you’ve already had shrimp and catfish, the Crawfish Dinner brings something a little more adventurous to the table.

Prices: Medium $22.95, Large $31.95
Allergens: Shellfish, gluten
Served With: French fries

Shrimp & Cajun Chicken Tenderloins

This plate is ideal if you’re looking for variety. It includes both fried shrimp and Cajun-style chicken tenderloins, making it a good pick for someone who wants both seafood and chicken in one meal. I went for the medium size, and it felt plenty for a single person — even enough to share if you’re ordering other sides.

The shrimp were crunchy with a slightly sweet flavor, while the chicken tenderloins had a mild Cajun seasoning. The seasoning wasn’t too spicy, but it gave the chicken a smoky, peppery flavor that went well with the crispy crust.

It came with cocktail and ranch sauces on the side, and I liked switching between the two. The shrimp had that clean ocean taste, and the chicken was juicy, not dry. Everything was fried evenly with no oily residue.

Prices: Medium $22.95, Large $29.95
Allergens: Shellfish, possibly gluten
Served With: French fries

Cajun Chicken Tenderloins

I ordered this separately on another visit because I wanted to try a non-seafood fried option. The chicken tenderloins were thick, hand-breaded, and well-seasoned. The Cajun spice was noticeable but not overpowering — more of a smoky and peppery kick than a hot burn.

The medium portion included several large pieces and came with a side of ranch, which balanced the heat well. The outside had a firm crunch, and the inside stayed juicy all the way through. It didn’t taste overly salty, and the breading didn’t peel off, which often happens with fried chicken when it’s not done right.

This is one of those comfort foods you can count on. Whether you’re not in the mood for seafood or just want something simple and filling, this is a solid pick.

Prices: Medium $14.95, Large $21.95
Allergens: Possibly gluten
Served With: French fries
Personal Note: I tried the medium, and it was enough for two.

Catfish Fillets

I ordered the catfish fillets because I wanted to try something more traditional. The plate came with large pieces — you can choose either 3 or 4 fillets. I went with 4 because I was sharing. Each fillet had a crispy, golden crust that wasn’t too thick, so the fish inside stayed soft and flaky.

The catfish had a clean, mild flavor, with no fishy aftertaste. The breading was seasoned just enough to enhance the fish without overpowering it. I dipped a few bites in tartar sauce and others in ketchup, and both worked well. It also came with a generous portion of fries, making it feel like a full meal.

This dish is a reliable option if you’re into southern-style fried fish. The texture and flavor hit just right, especially when the fish is this fresh.

Prices: 3 fillets $22.95, 4 fillets $27.95
Allergens: Fish, gluten
Served With: French fries

Shrimp & Catfish Fillets

This combo was my go-to on another visit when I wanted both shrimp and fish in one plate. The shrimp were just as crispy and well-fried as in the solo shrimp dish, and the catfish fillets had that same flaky interior with a light crunch on the outside.

I liked how the plate gave a contrast between the firmer shrimp and the more delicate catfish. It’s a good mix if you don’t want to commit to just one kind of seafood. It also makes sharing easy if you’re splitting dishes at the table.

The fries on the side were hot and crispy, and the plate included cocktail and tartar sauces for dipping.

Price: $31.95
Allergens: Fish, shellfish, gluten
Served With: French fries
Optional Add-On: Add Soft Shell Crab for $10.95 if you want to turn it into a deluxe plate.

Optional Add-On: Soft Shell Crab

While not listed as a separate entrée, Pappadeaux offers Soft Shell Crab as an optional add-on to any fried seafood plate. I decided to try it with the Shrimp & Catfish Fillets, and it really rounded out the meal.

The crab was lightly battered and deep-fried whole — legs and all — giving it a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, flavorful interior. It wasn’t overly greasy, and the shell was thin enough to bite through easily without feeling tough. I noticed it paired really well with the tartar sauce provided, and it added a slightly sweet seafood flavor that was different from the shrimp or fish.

If you’ve never had soft shell crab before, it might sound unusual, but it’s worth a try — especially if you already enjoy crab in other forms. It elevated the plate from just fried basics to something more special.

Add-On Price: $10.95
Allergens: Shellfish, gluten (from the batter)
Best With: Any of the fried seafood combos, especially Shrimp & Catfish Fillets
What I Noticed: It stayed crisp all the way through, even after cooling slightly, and had a rich flavor without being heavy.

Final Thoughts on Pappadeaux’s Fried Seafood

After trying several of Pappadeaux’s fried seafood options, I found that they offer more than just crispy coating and standard sides. Each dish had its own character — whether it was the light crunch of the Fried Shrimp, the hearty mix of the Shrimp & Cajun Chicken Tenderloins, or the classic Southern flavor of the Catfish Fillets. The portions were generous, and I never felt like any plate lacked balance.

The quality of frying stood out the most. None of the items were greasy or overcooked, which is common at many places that serve fried food. The batters held up even after a few minutes of cooling, and the proteins inside stayed tender. I appreciated how the same French fries paired well with every item, and the optional Soft Shell Crab felt like a thoughtful bonus.

If you’re visiting for the first time and unsure what to order, the Shrimp & Catfish Fillets combo is a safe bet — it gives you two textures and flavors without overwhelming the plate. But if you’re in the mood for something richer, the Stuffed Shrimp or Crawfish Dinner will give you a satisfying experience.

Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a full meal, Pappadeaux’s fried seafood section delivers what it promises — crisp, flavorful food served hot and in good portions.