Buffalo Shrimp: Easy & Healthy Air Fryer Recipe

This buffalo shrimp recipe is easy, healthy, and crazy fast to make. You only need 2 ingredients and 15 minutes to make this incredible meal. This is a great recipe for busy adults, working parents, or just anyone who wants a healthy dinner, but doesn’t want to cook.

Buffalo sauce isn’t just for chicken wings any more, just wait till you try these healthy buffalo shrimp! If you can’t tell by now, I LOVE spicy foods. Buffalo chicken dip, buffalo chicken quesadillas, and now these easy buffalo shrimp are quickly creeping their way to the top of the favorites list.

In just 15 minutes, you can have delicious, perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a creamy buffalo sauce. This is a great recipe for busy weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or you can even serve them as an appetizer. No matter when, how, or where you eat them, you’re sure to love this easy, healthy recipe!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Quick and easy
• Has a 5 minute cooking time
• Makes preparing weeknight dinners a breeze
• You only need 2 ingredients
• Super healthy and also can be dairy free

INGREDIENTS FOR BUFFALO SHRIMP

• Shrimp: I like the 21/25 count size large shrimp, and I usually buy them frozen and just defrost what I want to cook in the fridge overnight
• Buffalo sauce: My absolute FAVORITE is Primal Kitchen’s Buffalo Sauce. However, you can use your favorite or make your own buffalo sauce.

HOW TO MAKE BUFFALO SHRIMP IN THE AIR FRYER

1. If your shrimp has shells on it, be sure to remove them. You also want to remove the tails and de-vein them if needed.
2. Next, in a medium bowl, combine peeled, raw shrimp with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a rubber spatula to gently toss them around
3. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer of the basket of your air fryer and cook at 400 degrees f for 5-6 minutes until the shrimp turn pink
4. Use a flat spatula or tongs to pull the cooked shrimp out of the basket and place into a clean, large bowl. Toss with buffalo sauce and enjoy!

WHAT DO I DO IF I DON’T HAVE AN AIR FRYER?

No air fryer, no problem! You can easily make these on the stove. Here’s how:

1. Prepare shrimp by peeling, de-veining, and taking the tails off
2. Next, heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. While your pan is heating up, toss the shrimp in a medium bowl with salt and pepper
3. Once the oil is hot, place shrimp in a single layer in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. They’ll be pink when cooked.
4. Use a flat spatula to remove the shrimp and place them into a clean bowl, toss with spicy buffalo sauce, and enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE QUICK AND EASY BUFFALO SAUCE

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make it from scratch, here’s a super simple recipe!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Hot sauce
• Butter
• Tomato Paste
• Honey
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper

Find the full recipe here

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These air fryer buffalo shrimp make a perfect appetizer when paired with a side of carrot sticks and celery sticks. But if you want to make them more of a meal, I suggest pairing the shrimp with a carb and some healthy veggies. Here’s a few ideas:

• Crispy baby potatoes
• Oil free Cajun potatoes
• Carrot fries
• Air fryer frozen broccoli
• Air fryer green beans
• Cucumber salad

RECOMMENDED SAUCES:

While the buffalo shrimp are already pretty saucy, who doesn’t like a little extra flavor?! Here’s some sauces that would pair well with these:

• Avocado ranch
• Blue cheese dressing
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic parmesan
• Cilantro lime dip

CRISPY BUFFALO SHRIMP

If you’d like your buffalo shrimp to be crispy, you can totally use my gluten free fried shrimp! It’s an easy recipe that’s made in the air fryer so there’s no scary deep frying. It’s quick, easy, and super crispy. Plus, the crunchy panko breadcrumbs coating holds onto even more spicy sauce!

STORAGE AND REHEATING

To store leftovers, allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Since the shrimp are smothered with a spicy buffalo sauce, they’re easier to reheat in a pan on the stove than in the air fryer, but I actually don’t recommend reheating them because the shrimp can get overcooked so easily. I suggest eating them cold, or cutting them up and adding them to a salad for extra protein. However, if you would rather them be hot, reheat in a non-stick skillet with a lid over low heat. Allow to cook for 4-5 minutes (or longer if needed) and enjoy.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST BUFFALO SHRIMP

• Read the entire recipe first
• Be sure the shrimp are fully cleaned of shells, tails, and the waste line
• Both frozen and fresh shrimp will work
• I prefer a creamy buffalo sauce so it sticks to the shrimp
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors
• Use as a filling for spicy shrimp tacos

FAQs

1. What size shrimp should I use? I like the 21/25 count size shrimp because they’re large enough to get a good bite as well as holding a decent amount of sauce.
2. What other kinds of buffalo sauce can I use? You can use Frank’s, Sweet Baby Ray’s, or Buffalo Wild Wings bottled sauces.
3. Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! This is an easy recipe you can scale up or down. Simply cook as many shrimp as you want and toss with the amount of sauce you want. It’s very customizable. The only thing is, if you double the recipe, you’ll have to air fry in two batches.

Did you make my 10 minute buffalo shrimp? If you did, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, you can also follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make these of any other of my easy, healthy recipes.

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