Buffalo Shrimp is the perfect mix of crispy, spicy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making a quick appetizer or a fun party snack, this recipe comes together fast and packs serious flavor. It’s everything you love about buffalo wings just lighter and shrimp-sized. In this article, I’ll share my story, how to get that perfect crispy bite, and easy tips to bake or fry it. You’ll also find great serving ideas and answers to common questions about this tasty dish.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cooking Buffalo Shrimp the Right Way
What to Know Before You Fry
Before you get cooking, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry just buy frozen shrimp that are already cleaned. Trust me, it’s a time-saver.
Since Buffalo Shrimp are best served hot and crispy, plan to fry them just before serving. This dish doesn’t hold well if made in advance. Once your oil is hot, the shrimp will only need about 2–3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they change from translucent grey to a firm white and pink.
If you’re aiming for crispy buffalo shrimp, hold back on drowning them in sauce. Lightly brush the shrimp with buffalo sauce and serve the rest on the side for dipping. This keeps the coating crisp and still delivers that signature spicy kick.
Tips for Success (and Easy Swaps)
To make this a gluten-free buffalo shrimp recipe, just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. It works just as well and still gives that golden crunch.
One more serving tip: if you’re making these as a finger food, leave the tails on. They’re easier to grab at parties. But if you’re serving your buffalo shrimp appetizer over rice or greens, go ahead and remove the tails before coating and cooking.
These simple steps help guarantee the shrimp cook perfectly and the coating stays crunchy and flavorful—especially when served alongside dishes like Chicken Crust Protein Pizza or Cottage Cheese Ice Cream for dessert
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Ingredients Needed
Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
2 large eggs, beaten
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional: 1 tsp honey (to tame the heat)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Chopped parsley or green onion (for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Buffalo Shrimp – Step by Step
Prep the shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. If using tails, leave them on for easy grabbing.
Mix your flour coating. In a shallow bowl, stir together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set up a dipping station. Crack the eggs into a second bowl and beat them well.
Dredge the shrimp. Dip each shrimp in the egg, then coat in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess.
Heat the oil. In a large skillet, add about ½ inch of oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering.
Fry the shrimp. Cook in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Drain & rest. Transfer shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Make buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and optional honey.
Brush & serve. Lightly brush shrimp with sauce or serve it on the side to keep them crispy.
Garnish and dip. Sprinkle chopped herbs over the shrimp and serve with ranch or blue cheese on the side.
7 Secrets to Making the Crispiest Buffalo Shrimp Ever
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A spicy, crispy buffalo shrimp appetizer that’s quick to make and full of bold flavor. Serve it hot with dipping sauce and enjoy every crunchy bite.
Ingredients
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
2 large eggs, beaten
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional: 1 tsp honey (to tame the heat)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Chopped parsley or green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make sure shrimp are peeled and deveined. Leave tails on if serving as an appetizer.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl to create a dipping station.
4. Dip each shrimp into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
5. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
6. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
7. Transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
8. In a small bowl, stir hot sauce, melted butter, and optional honey to make buffalo sauce.
9. Lightly brush sauce over shrimp or serve it on the side for dipping.
10. Garnish with parsley or green onion and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
For gluten-free option, use a store-bought gluten-free flour blend.
To keep shrimp crispy, avoid soaking in sauce—serve sauce on the side.
Shrimp are done when they turn opaque white with pink edges.
These are best eaten immediately after frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Buffalo Shrimp made of?
Buffalo shrimp is made from peeled and deveined shrimp, lightly coated in flour and seasonings, then fried until crispy. After cooking, it’s tossed or brushed with a simple buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and melted butter. Some variations include garlic powder or honey for added flavor balance.
Can I bake Buffalo Shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry buffalo shrimp for a lighter option. Arrange the coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The result is still crispy with less oil.
What do you serve with Buffalo Shrimp?
Buffalo shrimp pairs perfectly with cool sides like celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, or a simple garden salad. For a full meal, try serving it over rice, in tacos, or alongside party-friendly dishes like Chicken Crust Protein Pizza or Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Is Buffalo Shrimp spicy?
Yes, it’s typically spicy due to the hot sauce. However, you can easily tone it down by choosing a mild buffalo sauce or adding a bit of honey or brown sugar to the mix. Don’t forget to serve with a creamy dip to balance the heat.
Conclusion
Buffalo Shrimp is one of those recipes that never disappoints crispy, spicy, and fast to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a fun weeknight dinner, or just craving something with a little heat, this dish brings bold flavor with simple steps. With tips to bake, fry, or air-fry, and easy swaps like gluten-free flour, it’s a flexible favorite anyone can master.
The key? Use good shrimp, fry until golden, and go light on the sauce to keep that crunch alive. Serve it fresh, dip it in something creamy, and enjoy every bite. Now you’ve got a go-to recipe that always delivers.
Let’s get cooking.
