Make the perfect appetizer with this Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp, easy to make gluten-free too!
Are you a seafood lover who really loves bold flavors? If so, you’re in for a treat! Say goodbye to the traditional deep-frying method and hello to a healthier, quicker alternative – the air fryer. This Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp delivers on flavor and crunch, it’s a mix of spicy and savory.
The best part of this shrimp is that it’s easy to make gluten-free if that’s a need too!
What type of shrimp should you use?
This shrimp recipe uses frozen, cooked shrimp. We prefer to use medium shrimp, but any size will work. Jumbo shrimp or large shrimp work well too.
We like to use tail-on shrimp that is deveined.
Before making the recipe, place the frozen shrimp into a strainer and run cold water over it to quickly defrost the shrimp. It can be patted dry with paper towels.
Once this is done, proceed with the recipe.
How do you make gluten-free buffalo shrimp?
Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. This is the only swap needed to make this gluten-free but as always check all ingredients before serving.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp Recipe:
This easy recipe uses simple ingredients likely to be found right in your pantry.
Once the shrimp is defrosted, use a small bowl and add the melted butter and buffalo sauce, whisking it well to combine.
In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In these images, I used Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs. Cajun Seasoning is a great optional add-in or Red Pepper Flakes for a more spicy shrimp.
Each shrimp will be dipped into the buffalo sauce mixture and coated with the breadcrumb mixture. Place each shrimp in the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each one for the air to circulate.
The basket can be coated with grapeseed oil spray, aluminum foil can be used, or parchment paper. If aluminum foil or parchment paper is used, be sure the shrimp is placed on it before turning the air fryer on.
Each batch of spicy shrimp will be cooked for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. If this is your first time making shrimp in the air fryer always watch the cook time closely as all air fryers heat differently.
This recipe typically needs to be done in batches and the air fryer will then be heated, so there may be less cooking time with each batch. Continue to cook the remaining shrimp until all the shrimp is cooked.
What can you serve Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp with?
Pair the Buffalo Shrimp with Celery Sticks and Ranch Dressing for dipping.
It can also be paired with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings or Air Fryer Buffalo Wings too.
How do you store leftover shrimp?
This crispy shrimp can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. When you are ready to reheat, it should be done in the air fryer at 330 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
It can also be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes using a microwave-safe plate; however, to keep it crispy the Air Fryer is the best option.
As we gear up for the big game, this game day recipe is going to be a hit! Spicy Buffalo Shrimp that’s easily made in the Air Fryer…does it get any better?!
Enjoy this great recipe!
Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp
Ingredients
- 12 oz Bag of Medium, Cooked and Deveined Shrimp Tail-On
- 4 Tbsp Butter Melted
- 1/2 Cup Buffalo Sauce
- 1 Cup Gluten-Free or Regular Bread Crumbs
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Pepper
- Grapeseed Oil Spray
Instructions
- If needed, place the shrimp in a strainer and run cold water over it to defrost before proceeding.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and buffalo sauce.
- Add in the shrimp and coat well.
- In another bowl combine the bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place each shrimp in the bread crumb mixture to coat. It's easiest to hold onto the tail and coat the shrimp.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with grapeseed oil spray.
- Place the shrimp in the air fryer basket, this will need to be done in 2 or 3 batches.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes at 350°F until the shrimp is golden brown and cooked through, looking crispy. If you prefer, you can add another coat of grapeseed oil spray to the top to give it a more crisp look and texture. It's best to check in on it throughout cooking time.
- Once done, carefully remove and cook the additional batch.
- Serve with sides of your choice like celery and ranch dressing.
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