Buffalo Shrimp

Buffalo shrimp are crispy, spicy, and easy to make in just minutes with simple ingredients. Serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese for the perfect appetizer or snack.

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Make buffalo shrimp at home with this easy, crispy, and spicy appetizer recipe. Each bite brings crunchy breading and bold buffalo sauce. These shrimp make the perfect party snack, game day food, or weeknight treat. Serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and watch them disappear fast.

This buffalo shrimp recipe is easy to make and walks you through every step. We included step-by-step photos and simple directions. You’ll also find pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

You can make buffalo shrimp in just minutes with simple ingredients and bold, spicy flavor in every bite. The crispy coating and hot sauce combo turns shrimp into the perfect party appetizer or game day snack.

These fried buffalo shrimp always steal the show at potlucks, tailgates, or casual dinners. Skip takeout and make this easy shrimp recipe at home instead.

What you'll need to make this buffalo shrimp recipe:

• 1 pound of raw, peeled, deveined shrimp
• ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup of cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning
• ½ cup of Frank’s buffalo sauce
• Vegetable oil or shortening for frying (at least 4 cups)
• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping, optional

Switch up your shrimp recipe by trying new ingredients and tasty add-ins! These easy changes help make the recipe your own. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Hot Sauce: Swap Frank’s Redhot for another buffalo-style hot sauce to adjust the spice level or flavor.
• Add Garlic Powder: Mix garlic powder into the breading for extra savory flavor that works great with buffalo sauce.
• Substitute Ranch: Use blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a stronger, tangy dip that pairs perfectly with spicy shrimp.
• Add Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a little herby flavor.
• Substitute Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for extra crunch and a lighter coating.

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and photos to make the best buffalo fried shrimp at home. Don’t skip the tips and tricks listed below—they make it even easier. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Be sure that the raw shrimp are thawed completely. Rinse in a sieve and allow draining.

SECOND STEP: Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning in a large Ziploc bag. Stir to combine the flour mixture thoroughly.

THIRD STEP: Working in batches, add a handful of the shrimp to the bag, seal, and shake to coat the shrimp in the seasoning mixture.

Remove the shrimp from the bag and set it on a wire rack. Place the rack on top of a sheet pan to catch any excess flour. 

FOURTH STEP: After coating all the shrimp in the first coating, set the shrimp in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to help the coating adhere to the shrimp.

FIFTH STEP: Coat the shrimp with a second layer of flour/seasoning.

SIXTH STEP: Meanwhile, fill a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot with three to four inches of oil. Heat until the oil reaches 375°F. This will take 10 to 15 minutes.

SEVENTH STEP: Carefully drop several coated shrimp at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about two to three minutes.

Toss the shrimp around in the oil a couple of times to ensure even cooking. Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F for best results.

The shrimp will cook through in about five minutes.

As long as the oil temperature is maintained correctly, the shrimp will be cooked by the time the breading is a deep golden brown.

EIGHTH STEP: Place cooked shrimp on a few layers of paper towels to soak up excess oil.

NINTH STEP: Carefully toss the shrimp with the buffalo sauce and serve immediately with a side of blue cheese dressing or ranch.

You can serve buffalo shrimp in lots of fun and tasty ways. It works great for parties, weeknight dinners, or summer cookouts.

• Perfect for game day or parties: These spicy shrimp bring the heat and crunch everyone loves during game day or party time. Serve with tater tot nachos or buffalo chicken dip.
• Great for summer and outdoor meals: Hot sauce and crispy shrimp scream summer! Pair them with grilled corn on the cob or loaded baked potato skins for a fun meal.
• Fun weeknight dinner idea: Turn buffalo shrimp into dinner by serving shrimp tacos or wraps. Add creamy mac and cheese or crispy onion rings.

Buffalo shrimp is a big hit with readers, and it's easy to see why. It’s quick, fun, and full of bold flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re throwing a party or need a fast dinner, this shrimp recipe always comes through.

• Easy to Make: Quick prep and simple steps mean anyone can cook this without stress.
• Big Flavor, No Fuss: The crispy coating and buffalo sauce pack a punch without tons of work.
• Perfect for Parties: These shrimp bring energy and heat to any gathering, big or small.
• Fun Weeknight Change: They’re a great way to shake up your usual dinner routine.
• Reader-Approved: Our readers keep coming back to this one again and again.

We love buffalo shrimp, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it too!

Can I use frozen shrimp for buffalo shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying.

Do I need to peel and devein the shrimp?
Yes, peel and devein the shrimp for this recipe. This helps the breading stick and improves texture.

What kind of oil works best for frying buffalo shrimp?
Use vegetable oil or canola oil. Both heat quickly and give the shrimp a crispy, golden crust.

How do I keep the breading from falling off the shrimp?
To keep breading on, pat the shrimp dry and press the coating on firmly before frying.

Can I make buffalo shrimp in an air fryer instead of frying?
Yes, you can make it in an air fryer. Cook at 400°F for about eight minutes, flipping halfway through.

How spicy is this buffalo shrimp recipe?
This recipe brings medium heat. Use a milder hot sauce or add more butter to tone it down.

Should I marinate the shrimp before breading them?
No, you don’t need to marinate shrimp before breading. The buffalo sauce adds enough flavor after cooking.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Use medium or large shrimp for. They cook evenly and hold the coating better during frying.

Do I need to use buttermilk in the breading process?
No, you don’t need buttermilk. The recipe uses eggs and hot sauce to help the coating stick.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy after frying?
Place fried shrimp on a wire rack to stay crispy. Avoid stacking them right after cooking.

Can I serve buffalo shrimp as a main dish?
Yes, serve over rice or in tacos for a fun, spicy dinner that comes together fast.

Should I serve buffalo shrimp hot or cold?
Always serve buffalo shrimp hot. The crispy coating and warm sauce taste best right after cooking.

Can kids eat buffalo shrimp, or is it too spicy?
Buffalo shrimp usually has a kick, but you can use mild sauce if you’re serving kids.

What dipping sauces go best with buffalo shrimp?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings pair well and help balance the heat.

How should I serve buffalo shrimp for game day?
Serve buffalo shrimp on a tray with napkins and dips nearby so guests can grab and go during the game.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your buffalo shrimp the right way. You’ll keep them crispy, flavorful, and safe to eat. Stick to these simple steps so you can enjoy leftovers without losing that fresh-cooked texture.

What’s the best way to store leftover buffalo shrimp?
Place leftover buffalo shrimp in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. Eat within one to two days for best texture.

Can I make buffalo shrimp ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp ahead, but wait to fry and sauce them until just before serving to keep them crispy.

Can I freeze buffalo shrimp after cooking?
No, don’t freeze buffalo shrimp. The coating turns soggy and loses its crunch after thawing.

How should I reheat leftover buffalo shrimp?
Reheat buffalo shrimp in a skillet or air fryer at medium heat until warm and crisp, about five minutes.

Can I use the microwave to reheat buffalo shrimp?
Avoid using the microwave as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the coating soggy.

Buffalo Shrimp

Buffalo shrimp are crispy, spicy, and easy to make in just minutes with simple ingredients. Serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese for the perfect appetizer or snack.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Chill Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 3 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Appetizer | Dip | Healthy, Dinner, Hot Appertizers

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 202 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound raw shrimp (deveined and peeled)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cajun or creole seasoning
• ½ cup Frank’s buffalo sauce
• vegetable oil or shortening for frying (at least 4 cups)
• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for optional dipping)

DIRECTIONS

 

• Be sure that the shrimp are thawed completely. Rinse in a sieve and allow to drain.
• Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning in a large Ziploc bag. Stir to combine thoroughly.
• Working in batches, add a handful of the shrimp to the bag, seal, and shake to coat the shrimp in the seasoning mixture. Remove the shrimp from the bag and set it on a wire rack (place rack on top of a sheet pan to catch any excess flour).
• After coating all of the shrimp in the first coating, set the shrimp in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to help the coating adhere to the shrimp.
• Coat the shrimp with a second layer of the flour/seasoning.
• Meanwhile, fill a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot with 3 to 4 inches of oil. Heat until the oil reaches 375°F (this will take 10 to 15 minutes).
• Carefully drop several coated shrimp at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy (about 2 to 3 minutes). Toss the shrimp around in the oil a couple of times to ensure even cooking. Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F for best results. The shrimp will cook through in about 5 minutes. I’ve found that as long as the oil temperature is maintained correctly, the shrimp will be cooked by the time the breading is a deep golden brown.
• Place cooked shrimp on a few layers of paper towel to soak up excess oil.
• Carefully toss the shrimp with the buffalo sauce and serve immediately with blue cheese dressing (or ranch.)

Notes

• If you have access to a deep fryer, they work really well for this recipe because the oil temperature is held even, and you don’t have to toss the oil every time.
• Use a candy or deep fryer thermometer to check and monitor the temperature of the oil. The oil will lose some heat as the cold shrimp are added, so adjust the burner as needed to keep the oil hot.
• The shrimp are the crispiest right as they come out of the fryer. You can toss individual batches with the buffalo sauce and serve as they come out of the oil. Adjust the amount of sauce for individual taste. If your shrimp sit out, the breading will start to soften, which makes it harder to toss them with the sauce. You can also dip the cooked shrimp in the sauce instead of coating them.

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1564mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 699IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg

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