Fried Buffalo Shrimp

So, replacing buffalo wings with buffalo shrimp? An unlikely swap but who knew it’d work so well?! When I think of shrimp, I think of garlic butter shrimp or fried bang bang shrimp – but this easy buffalo shrimp? It’s my new obsession. 

This spicy buffalo shrimp recipe is ridiculously easy to make and that crispy, golden brown exterior coated buttery, spicy Buffalo sauce just clings to every crunchy bite. It’s basically the perfect game day snack or quick dinner when you’re craving something with bold flavors. 

The key to getting that restaurant-style crispiness at home is a simple and easy. Let the shrimp soak in eggs and buttermilk, then double dredge in flour. Fry them up in hot oil for just a couple of minutes, and you’ll have the perfect shrimp that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making Buffalo shrimp on repeat—whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or you just need a little spice in your life. Such a treat for the taste buds 🙂

Serve with carrot sticks or celery sticks (because, you know, balance), blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing if that’s your thing). Watch them disappear in minutes! 

And if you love a spicy buffalo sauce recipe, make my buffalo chicken dip next!

(full list of ingredients and recipe listed in the recipe card below)

• Use jumbo shrimp or extra large shrimp that’s been deveined and shelled, tail-on. This makes for quicker prep time.
• Soaking shrimp in buttermilk and eggs for 30 minutes. This tenderizes them, enhances their flavor, helps the breading stick for a crispier coating. It also helps to neutralize any fishy smell. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own buttermilk from scratch with just milk and lemon.
• All purpose flour and cornstarch are used in the breading to coat the shrimp. We’re also using garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. 
• Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is ideal for making the buffalo sauce. We’re gonna add in some butter and honey to balance out all of the heat, too. 
• Vegetable oil is used to fry the shrimp. You can use any neutral high smoke point oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed, canola oil, or peanut oil. 

Variations

•  Air Fryer Alternative Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray shrimp lightly with oil and place into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For added heat, use cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes for a more spicy sauce.
• If you have a deep fryer, you can use that instead of a large pot. 
• Turn these into buffalo shrimp tacos by serving with some tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.

How to make Buffalo Shrimp 

Step 1: Combine buttermilk, eggs, and cajun seasoning in a large bowl. Whisk together and add the shrimp. Allow the shrimp to sit in the mixture for 30 minutes. 

Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine all purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, baking soda, corn starch, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, gently tapping off any excess flour. Place onto a wire rack and repeat with remaining shrimp. Then dredge each shrimp again – this will give them a crispy coating that’s perfectly golden brown every time! Place the coated shrimp onto a wire rack while the oil is heating. This gives the dredge time to stick to the shrimp. 

Step 4: Add oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, make the homemade buffalo sauce. Combine honey, butter, and hot sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, about 3-5 minutes, bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Remove from the heat and add lemon juice.

Step 5: Once the oil has reached 350 degrees F, add about 3-5 shrimp at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. (for smaller shrimp, cook for 2-3 minutes) Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place onto a paper towel lined plate. 

Pro Tips for the BEST Buffalo Shrimp

• Toss the shrimp in the sauce just before serving! This prevents sogginess.
• Use neutral oil like canola or peanut oil. Use a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the oil. This is key for the best results! Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C)—this ensures a crispy coating without being greasy. Can you say crispy perfection?! 
• Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and cook for 2–3 minutes max for extra large shrimp and 3-4 minutes for jumbo shrimp, until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve Immediately – Buffalo shrimp is best served fresh!
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw in cold water for 15-30 minutes prior to cooking. If using fresh shrimp, be sure to use within 24 hours for peak freshness.