Crispy, spicy buffalo shrimp coated in a buttery hot sauce—perfect for game day or a quick dinner. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally irresistible!
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.
In a separate bowl, combine all purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, baking soda, corn starch, kosher salt, and black pepper. 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.
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.
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.
Notes
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.