Get ready to meet your new party favorite: Buffalo Shrimp! This dish marries the addictive tangy heat of classic Buffalo sauce with plump, juicy shrimp that are breaded and fried until golden and crispy. Whether you’re prepping for a game day spread, a casual family gathering, or just want something bold and zesty, Buffalo Shrimp delivers crowd-pleasing flavor without fuss. The crunchy exterior, a gentle kick of spice, and just the right amount of buttery richness—it’s practically impossible to eat just one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long list to create vibrant, flavor-packed Buffalo Shrimp. The secret lies in using simple ingredients in creative ways—each one plays a specific role in delivering crunch, succulence, and plenty of zing to this irresistible appetizer.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp make for juicy bites and cook up quickly.
All-Purpose Flour: Lays the foundation for breading, helping the coating stick and crisp beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory backbone that complements both the shrimp and the spicy sauce.
Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky note and a pop of color to the breading.
Salt: Enhances all the bright, briny flavors in each bite.
Black Pepper: Delivers mild heat and rounds out the flavor profile.
Eggs: Work like glue to help the panko adhere, ensuring that crisply satisfying texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an ultra-crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after saucing.
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying because it has a neutral flavor and can handle the heat.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: The star of the show—zippy, tangy, spicy, and full of character.
Unsalted Butter: Whisked into the sauce for that craveable, velvety finish.
Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: Optional, but highly recommended for a burst of color and herby brightness.

How to Make Buffalo Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this simple step ensures they fry up crisp and helps the breading stick. Whether you leave the tails on for dramatic presentation or remove them for easy eating, make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Set out three shallow bowls: one with a mixture of flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; another with your beaten eggs; and the third with that magical panko. Each layer has a purpose: the flour locks in moisture, the egg binds, and the panko brings the crunch.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press it into the panko, making sure you get an even, generous coating. Watch as your anticipation grows with the build-up of those beautifully breaded pieces!

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour an inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat to 350°F. Don’t rush this part—the right temperature is key for that golden crunch. Fry the shrimp in batches, about two to three minutes per side, until they’re deeply golden and irresistibly crisp. Resist the temptation to overcrowd the pan so each piece turns out perfectly fried.

Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

While still warm, combine your Buffalo wing sauce with melted butter. Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until thoroughly coated—this is where the magic happens! That iconic tangy heat sinks into every nook and cranny of the crispy breading. Serve right away, garnished with parsley or green onions if you’d like.

How to Serve Buffalo Shrimp

Garnishes

For a fresh, colorful finish, scatter chopped fresh parsley or green onions over your Buffalo Shrimp. These simple garnishes add a pop of green and a subtle hint of brightness that plays beautifully against the rich, spicy sauce.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Shrimp is classic with celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing—think of it as a wink to traditional wings. For heartier accompaniments, pile them on a platter alongside fries or potato wedges for a casual, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading the Buffalo Shrimp onto skewers for a playful appetizer, tucking a few into tacos or lettuce wraps for a satisfying meal, or serving them over a crisp salad to turn them into a bold entrée. However you bring them to the table, they’re sure to steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Buffalo Shrimp (rare, but it happens!), let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the sauce and shrimp separately if you plan to reheat for best results.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the breaded (but un-sauced) shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. This way, you can fry or bake them straight from the freezer and sauce right before serving.

Reheating

To get back that crispiness, reheat Buffalo Shrimp in a 400°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crunchy—avoid the microwave, which tends to zap away the signature texture. Toss in fresh Buffalo sauce after reheating for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Buffalo Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely, pat them very dry, and follow the recipe as usual. They’ll come out just as delicious and crispy.

What’s the difference between Buffalo Shrimp and regular fried shrimp?

The zesty Buffalo sauce! While both are crunchy and juicy, Buffalo Shrimp is tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce that brings a burst of excitement to every bite, making it a true crowd-pleaser for spice lovers.

Can I make Buffalo Shrimp without frying?

Yes, you can bake or air fry the breaded shrimp at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still deliver fantastic flavor and crunch with less oil.

Is there a milder version if I don’t like too much heat?

If you prefer less spice, look for a mild Buffalo wing sauce or mix your favorite hot sauce with extra melted butter to tone down the heat. You can also serve extra dressing on the side to balance the flavors.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions. The method stays the same, and you won’t sacrifice any crunch or flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a share-worthy appetizer that packs bold flavor and playful crunch, Buffalo Shrimp is a must-try. Each bite brings excitement and familiarity all at once. Whip up a batch, and you just might discover your new go-to for parties, gatherings, or cozy nights in!

Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Buffalo Shrimp are a spicy and crispy appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Crunchy fried shrimp are coated in a tangy buffalo sauce for a flavorful kick. Serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic touch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
vegetable oil for frying

For the Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup buffalo wing sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Bread Shrimp: Dip shrimp in flour, then egg, then coat in panko.
Fry Shrimp: Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Toss in Sauce: Combine buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss fried shrimp in sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Notes

For a healthier option, bake or air fry the shrimp instead of frying.
Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic accompaniment.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American