Buffalo Shrimp are a spicy and crispy treat, perfect for game nights, appetizers, or even as a main course. Coated in a crunchy breading and tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, these shrimp are a crowd-pleaser that can be made quickly either by deep frying or in an air fryer. Whether served with ranch or blue cheese dressing, they’re a must-try for any seafood lover.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 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

• 1 lb raw, deveined, peeled shrimp

• ½ cup Frank’s buffalo sauce

• Vegetable oil or shortening (for frying, at least 4 cups)

• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Directions

1. Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp in a sieve and drain well. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Shake or stir to mix well.

2. Coat the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bag in batches. Seal and shake to coat the shrimp evenly. Set the coated shrimp on a wire rack.

3. Chill the Shrimp: Place the coated shrimp in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to allow the breading to set.

4. Heat the Oil: Fill a large Dutch oven or pot with 3-4 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 375°F over medium heat.

5. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully drop the shrimp into the hot oil in batches, frying until golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes). Toss them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once fried, place the shrimp on paper towels to drain excess oil.

6. Toss in Sauce: In a medium bowl, toss the cooked shrimp with the buffalo sauce. Stir gently to avoid removing the crispy breading.

7. Serve: Serve the buffalo shrimp with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also serve them in tacos, wraps, or on a salad.

Nutrients

• Calories: 256 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 1g

• Saturated Fat: 0.1g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g

• Sodium: 935mg

• Potassium: 771mg

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 374 IU

• Vitamin C: 6mg

• Calcium: 60mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Key to a Perfect Coating

The crispy breading is what makes Buffalo Shrimp so irresistible. To achieve that perfect crunch, the shrimp are coated in a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a blend of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. The cornstarch is essential for that extra crunch, while the garlic and paprika bring a savory flavor with a hint of smokiness. The Cajun seasoning gives the shrimp a little kick, adding depth to the overall taste profile.

Once the shrimp are coated in the breading, chilling them for 20-30 minutes ensures that the breading sticks well during frying. This simple step is crucial for maintaining that crispy texture and prevents the coating from falling off when the shrimp are cooked.

Cooking Methods: Deep Frying vs. Air Frying

Buffalo Shrimp can be made using two different cooking methods: deep frying or air frying. Both methods produce delicious, crispy shrimp, but they have slight differences in texture and healthfulness.

Deep Frying: The traditional method of deep frying allows the shrimp to be submerged in hot oil, cooking them quickly while achieving a golden, crispy exterior. This method creates a rich, satisfying crunch, making the shrimp extra indulgent. The oil helps seal in moisture, ensuring the shrimp remain juicy inside. Deep frying also gives the shrimp a more uniform texture and a richer flavor.

Air Frying: For a healthier version of Buffalo Shrimp, the air fryer is an excellent choice. Air frying uses hot air to cook the shrimp, creating a crisp exterior without the need for large amounts of oil. While the texture may not be quite as crunchy as deep frying, the air fryer still produces great results with less fat, making it an ideal option for those who want a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor.

Whether you choose to deep fry or air fry your shrimp depends on your preference for texture and cooking method. Both options are simple and result in deliciously crispy Buffalo Shrimp.

The Buffalo Sauce: The Star of the Dish

No Buffalo Shrimp is complete without a generous toss in zesty buffalo sauce. The iconic flavor of buffalo sauce, made with Frank’s hot sauce, is tangy, spicy, and rich. After the shrimp are fried to a crispy golden-brown, they are tossed in the buffalo sauce, giving them that signature fiery kick.

When tossing the shrimp in the buffalo sauce, it’s important to stir gently to maintain the crispy breading. The buffalo sauce should coat the shrimp evenly, adding just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the flavor. If you prefer a milder version, you can always adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or add a bit of butter to soften the heat.

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Shrimp

Buffalo Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. For a classic approach, serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The creamy, cool dressing helps balance the heat of the buffalo sauce and adds a rich, comforting flavor that complements the crispy shrimp.

These shrimp also work great in tacos, wraps, or on top of a salad. If you want to make a meal out of it, serve them alongside coleslaw, French fries, or roasted vegetables. The flavors of the buffalo shrimp pair well with the crunch of the vegetables or the creaminess of mashed potatoes. You can also serve them as a finger food at parties, making them a great addition to any appetizer spread.

Nutritional Information of Buffalo Shrimp

While Buffalo Shrimp are delicious, they are also a relatively light dish when it comes to calories. With only 256 calories per serving, they make for a great snack or meal without being too heavy. Each serving contains 58 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the breading, while protein content is relatively low at 4 grams per serving.

The shrimp are low in fat, with just 1 gram of fat per serving, and contain only trace amounts of saturated fat. This makes them a relatively healthy option when compared to other fried foods. The dish is also a good source of sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are important for maintaining healthy body functions. However, because of the seasoning and buffalo sauce, it’s important to be mindful of the sodium content, which stands at 935 milligrams per serving.

For those following a low-carb diet, you can adjust the breading ingredients to make it more keto-friendly by using almond flour instead of regular flour or reducing the amount of cornstarch.

Conclusion

Buffalo Shrimp is a perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and flavorful shrimp that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. Whether deep-fried or air-fried, these shrimp are quick and easy to make, making them an ideal dish for busy nights, game days, or casual gatherings. The seasoned breading and tangy buffalo sauce create an irresistible flavor combination that’s sure to please anyone who loves bold, spicy dishes.

With the option to serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or incorporate them into tacos, wraps, or salads, Buffalo Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be customized to fit any occasion. If you’re a fan of seafood and crave a bit of heat, this recipe is a must-try!