Get ready to add a new recipe to your arsenal with this delicious and easy-to-make air fryer buffalo shrimp recipe.
This recipe takes classic shrimp to the next level with a crispy coating and a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce.
The best part is, it’s made in the air fryer, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried shrimp. Plus, this recipe is easy to customize, so you can make it as spicy or mild as you like.
In this post, I will give you step-by-step instructions on how to make this mouthwatering dish, along with some tips to make it even more flavorful. So, get your air fryer ready, and let’s get cooking!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a plate full of perfectly cooked shrimp covered in tangy buffalo sauce.
This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick and easy meal.
Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer is a real game-changer when it comes to achieving a crispy coating on food.
This recipe uses the air fryer to create perfectly crispy shrimp with a juicy and flavorful center.
Easy Clean-Up: The air fryer makes clean-up a breeze. No need to worry about a messy kitchen or oil splatters. Simply wipe down the air fryer basket and you’re done (when it’s cooled down of course).
👨🍳 Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients
For this buffalo shrimp air fryer recipe you will need:
- 1 pound (450g) Raw Shrimp (large, tail off)
- 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
For The Sauce
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Buffalo Hot Sauce
🍤 Buffalo Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe
Easily make this delicious air fried buffalo shrimp! Follow these steps:
Step 1
Mix the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
Step 2
Cover the shrimp in the mixture.
Step 3
Place the shrimp in the fridge for 20 minutes so the coating sticks well.
Step 4
To make the sauce, place the buffalo sauce and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals until the butter melts.
Step 5
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the shrimp inside (in a single layer to make sure they cook evenly). Air fry at 400F for 2-3 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Step 6
Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and cover them with the sauce. Serve hot, and enjoy! This air fryer buffalo shrimp recipe is so tasty!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked this buffalo shrimp air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these great recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Frozen Empanadas
- Air Fryer Chicken Piccata
- Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
- Air Fryer Doughnut Holes
💡 Tips
1. Use Different Types Of Hot Sauce
Buffalo hot sauce is dedfienrly the classic choice for this buffalo shrimp air fryer recipe, but you can switch things up by using different types of hot sauce.
You can also try using sriracha for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, or Frank’s RedHot (my favorite sauce!) for a classic buffalo taste with a bit more kick.
For a smokier flavor, you can use chipotle hot sauce, or for a fruity twist, you can use habanero hot sauce.
2. Serve With A Dipping Sauce
The shrimp are already covered in buffalo sauce, but serving them with a dipping sauce can really add an extra layer of flavor.
You can whip up a quick blue cheese dip by combining blue cheese, sour cream, and some lemon juice.
Or, you can make a spicy mayo by mixing together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.
You can also keep it simple and serve the shrimp with some lemon wedges (I like this combination a lot).
3. Add Some Vegetables
You can add some vegetables to your air fryer basket along with the shrimp to make the dish more nutritious and flavorful.
Some good options include sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
Toss them with a bit of oil and seasoning, and air fry them for a few minutes before adding the shrimp.
4. Don’t Overcrowd The Air Fryer Basket
It’s important not to overcrowd the basket when making air fryer buffalo shrimp.
Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking, and the shrimp may not turn out crispy and golden brown.
To ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy, it’s essential to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
If you need to cook more shrimp than can fit in a single layer, you can cook them in batches. This will take a bit more time, but it’s worth it to get perfectly cooked and crispy shrimp every time.
5. Use Medium Or Large Shrimp For Best Results
When making air fried buffalo shrimp, it’s important to choose the right size of shrimp.
Using medium or large shrimp is recommended for this recipe, as smaller shrimp may become overcooked and dry out quickly in the air fryer.
Medium or large shrimp are more tender and juicy, and they hold up well to the heat of the air fryer without drying out or becoming tough.
Another benefit of using medium or large shrimp is that they have more surface area for the coating and sauce to stick to, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
✔️ Variations
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Swap the buffalo sauce for a lemon-garlic butter sauce.
Melt butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest in a microwave-safe bowl. Toss the cooked shrimp in this sauce and enjoy the bright and tangy flavors.
BBQ Shrimp: If you’re a fan of BBQ sauce, try swapping the buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce perfectly complements the savory and crispy shrimp.
Honey Mustard Shrimp: Another flavorful variation is to coat the shrimp in a mixture of honey and dijon mustard before air frying.
This creates a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp: For a spicy twist, mix together Cajun seasoning with the flour mixture before coating the shrimp.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: If you’re a fan of garlic and cheese, try swapping the buffalo sauce for a garlic parmesan sauce.
To make it, melt butter, minced garlic, and grated parmesan cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, then toss the cooked shrimp in this mixture for a decadent and savory treat.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Garlic powder: You can use fresh garlic if you prefer. Just mince or finely chop a few cloves and mix them with the flour mixture.
Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute. Smoked paprika adds a distinct smoky flavor, so if you want to replicate that, you could add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the flour mixture instead.
Buffalo hot sauce: You can make your own buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco) with melted butter or oil.
Shrimp: You can also use scallops or calamari if you prefer.
👪 FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before coating them in the flour mixture. Also, pat them dry after thawing.
Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use a different type of flour if you prefer. However, all-purpose flour works best for this recipe as it creates a crispy coating.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place the shrimp in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated. But, in my opinion, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste and texture.
Can I make this recipe in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a traditional oven by baking the shrimp at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy. But obvisouly, the air fryer method is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of hot sauce for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of hot sauce for this recipe, depending on your taste preferences. Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or chipotle hot sauce are all great options.
You can even mix and match different hot sauces for a unique flavor.
Can I freeze the cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
To reheat, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer until crispy and heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may not be as crispy.
I hope you liked my air fryer buffalo shrimp recipe. This dish is so tasty and perfect for a quick meal. The air fryer cooks the shrimp perfectly, and they come out crispy on the outside with a juicy center.
The buffalo sauce adds just enough kick to make this dish stand out from other fried shrimp recipes. The sauce is easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite seasonings or spices.
If you have any questions about this buffalo shrimp air fryer recipe, feel free to comment below or reach out directly. I’m always happy to help! Don’t forget to check out other air fryer recipes on my blog. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp
- 1 pound Raw Shrimp (450g) (large, tail off)
- 3/4 cup All Purpose Flour
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Buffalo Hot Sauce
- Mix the flour, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
- Cover the shrimp with the mixture.
- Place the shrimp in the fridge for 20 minutes so the coating sticks well.
- To make the sauce, place the buffalo sauce and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals until the butter melts.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the shrimp inside (in a single layer to make sure they cook evenly). Air fry at 400F for 2-3 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove the shrimp from the air fryer and cover them with the sauce. Serve hot, and enjoy!
