Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp

Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp — Are you looking for a delicious yet healthy meal that can be on the table in 20 minutes or less? Well, then, look no further than this air fryer buffalo shrimp!

This dish is full of flavor from the spicy buffalo sauce and zesty ranch dressing, but it’s also relatively healthy as all the ingredients are cooked in an air fryer. With its quick turnaround time and manageable ingredient list, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or lunch; your family will love it!

Why You Will Love Buffalo Shrimp Air Fryer

There are so many reasons why people love cooking buffalos shrimp in the air fryer, 

• Crispy Texture: Using an air fryer helps achieve a crispy texture without excessive oil. The hot circulating air in the air fryer helps to evenly cook and crisp the shrimp, resulting in a satisfying crunch.
• Healthier Option: Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier cooking method. Using an air fryer can reduce the amount of saturated fats and calories typically associated with deep-fried foods.
• Quick and Convenient: Air fryers are known for their speed and convenience. They preheat quickly and cook food faster than traditional ovens. This makes them a great option for busy individuals who want a delicious and flavorful meal in a short amount of time.
• Versatility: Air fryers are versatile appliances that can be used for various recipes. Buffalo shrimp is just one example of the many dishes you can prepare in an air fryer. You can experiment with different spices, coatings, and sauces to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Flavorful and Spicy: Buffalo shrimp is often associated with a tangy and spicy flavor profile. Combining the crispy shrimp and the spicy Buffalo sauce creates a delicious contrast many people enjoy. The air fryer helps to lock in the flavors and evenly coat the shrimp with the sauce.

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Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy seafood? If so, air fryer buffalo shrimp is the perfect recipe for dinner. This healthy and flavorful dish combines the classic flavor of buffalo sauce with succulent, fresh shrimp. Get ready to please your taste buds and create a tasty and nutritious meal!

Read on to learn the handful of simple ingredients you’ll need for this easy air fryer recipe.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list is below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutrition facts. 

• Jumbo Shrimp, Large Shrimp, or Medium Shrimp
• Flour: Use All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour. Use almond, rice, or coconut flour for a low-carb option.
• Eggs: Use large, room-temperature eggs
• Breadcrumb Panko: Or use ground pork rind
• Seasonings and Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Black Pepper
• Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
• Butter
• Honey
• Cooking Spray
• Serving: Sour Cream, Blue Cheese Dressing, Carrot Sticks, or Celery Sticks

How To Cook Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer to make in your air fryer? Look no further than this easy-to-make Buffalo Shrimp recipe! It takes just minutes to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and will tingle your taste buds with the spicy combo of Buffalo sauce and crunchy fried shrimp.

This flavorful dish is the perfect way to kick-start any evening meal or snack. Plus, you get the added bonus of fewer calories and less fat compared to traditional deep frying methods making it a great option if you’re watching what you eat. Get ready because we’ll dive into this delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp recipe!

Step One:  Prepare The Shrimp

Thaw one pound of jumbo easy-peel raw shrimp (if frozen). Once the shrimp is thawed, discard the peels and tails. If the shrimp is already raw, remove the peels and tails and discard them. Place the shrimp between two layers of paper towels and pat dry to remove any excess moisture. 

​Step Two: Prepare The Dredging Stations

Begin the process of dredging the shrimp: In one bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, add the eggs. Whisk the eggs with a fork or small whisk. Add the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in the third bowl. Stir until combined.

Step Three: Coat The Shrimp

Dip the shrimp (one at a time) first in the flour, ensuring it is completely coated. Next, dip the shrimp in the whisked eggs. Lastly, dip the shrimp in the Panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is entirely coated. Place the shrimp on a large plate or baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

​Step Four: Air Fry The Buffalo Shrimp

Spray both sides of the breaded shrimp with a safe cooking spray for air fryers, such as a non-aerosol high-heat oil such as avocado, grape seed, or peanut oil.  Place as many shrimp as will fit in the air fryer basket without overcrowding in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each of the shrimp. Cook the shrimp at 370 degrees Fahrenheit with a cooking time of  4 minutes on the first side, then flip and set cook time for another 4 minutes on the other side.

Step Five: Prepare The Delicious Homemade Buffalo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, add the butter, and over medium heat, melt the butter, slowly adding the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and honey stir until completely combined. Turn the heat off but leave the sauce on the stove. If the butter starts to solidify, turn the heat on low until it melts again.

Step Six: Serving

Place the cooked shrimp in a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over the top. Carefully toss the shrimp in the sauce until coated. Serve the buffalo shrimp immediately.

Pro Tips For Air Fryer Easy Buffalo Shrimp

​Here are some pro tips for making easy Buffalo shrimp in an air fryer:

• Use Large Shrimp: Opt for large-sized shrimp, such as jumbo or extra-large, as they will have a meatier texture and hold up better during cooking.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the shrimp will ensure they cook more evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.
• Pat the Shrimp Dry: Before seasoning and coating the shrimp, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help the coating adhere better and create a crisper texture.
• Season the Shrimp: Before coating them, season them with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or seasonings you prefer; some great options are cayenne pepper or cajun seasoning.  This will add flavor to the shrimp itself, enhancing the overall taste.
• Coat the Shrimp: Dip each seasoned shrimp into a bowl of flour or a mixture of flour and cornstarch to coat them lightly. This will help create a crispy exterior. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, consider using Panko breadcrumbs as part of the coating. Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and yield a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
• Spray or Brush with Oil: Lightly spray or brush the coated shrimp with oil. This will help them crisp up and achieve a golden-brown color in the air fryer.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. This will help maintain the desired crispy texture.
• Flip/Shake halfway through. About halfway through the cooking time, flip the shrimp or gently shake the basket to ensure even browning on all sides.
• Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the shrimp to a bowl and toss them with your preferred Buffalo sauce once the shrimp are cooked and crispy. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and other seasonings to taste.
• Serve Immediately: Buffalo shrimp are best enjoyed when served immediately after tossing them in the sauce. The longer they sit, the more the crispy coating may soften.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for Buffalo Shrimp?

Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F for Buffalo shrimp for 2-3 minutes. This high heat helps achieve a crispy exterior while ensuring the shrimp cook through.

How long do I cook Buffalo shrimp in an air fryer?

Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the specific air fryer model. As a general guideline, cook large shrimp (jumbo or extra-large) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. However, checking the shrimp for doneness and adjusting the cooking time accordingly is recommended. Use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the shrimp; when the meat thermometer reads 145 degrees F, you can safely remove the shrimp from the air fryer basket. 

Can I use frozen shrimp for Buffalo shrimp in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s recommended to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing the shrimp allows for even cooking and better adherence to the coating and sauce.

What type of sauce can I use for Buffalo shrimp?

Traditional Buffalo sauce combines hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot) and melted butter. However, you can customize the sauce by adding additional ingredients like garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

How do I make the Buffalo shrimp less spicy?  

If you prefer milder heat, you can adjust the spiciness of the Buffalo shrimp by using a milder hot sauce or reducing the amount of hot sauce used in the sauce mixture. You can also add a bit of honey or brown sugar to balance out the heat.

Can I use a different coating for the shrimp?

Yes, you can experiment with different coatings. Besides flour or a mixture of flour and cornstarch, you can try using breadcrumbs (regular or panko), crushed cornflakes, or even a mixture of spices and crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.

Can I make Buffalo shrimp without using any flour or coating?

While a coating helps create a crispy texture, you can still achieve a similar flavor by tossing the cooked shrimp in Buffalo sauce directly, without any coating. However, note that the shrimp will have a different texture than the traditional crispy Buffalo shrimp.

Can I reheat Buffalo shrimp in an air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat Buffalo shrimp in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the leftover shrimp in a single layer, and reheat for about 4-5 minutes until heated. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

How to serve buffalo shrimp

• Appetizer: Buffalo shrimp makes a perfect appetizer. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks or skewers for easy grabbing. You can also add a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo flavor combination.
• Salad: Create a Buffalo shrimp salad by adding the cooked and sauced shrimp to a bed of mixed greens or your favorite salad base. You can include toppings like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, crumbled blue cheese, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Sandwich/Wrap: Transform your Buffalo shrimp into a delicious sandwich or wrap. Use a soft roll, baguette, or corn tortilla, and layer the shrimp with lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, and a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing. It makes for a flavorful handheld meal. 
• Tacos: Make Buffalo shrimp tacos by placing a few shrimp in a warmed tortilla. Top them with shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of ranch or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole./
• Rice or Pasta: Serve Buffalo shrimp over cooked rice or pasta for a heartier meal. Toss the shrimp with the sauce and serve it on a bed of fluffy rice or mix it into your favorite pasta dish. Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra color and texture.
• Sliders: Mini Buffalo shrimp sliders are perfect for parties or gatherings. Place a few sauced shrimp on small slider buns or dinner rolls. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a touch of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Skewer them with toothpicks for easy handling.

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