Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp Recipe
Try this crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp recipe for a quick, delicious appetizer or main dish. Made with simple ingredients, it's spicy, versatile, and perfect for any day of the week!
Why You Will Love This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp Recipe!
It’s so simple! I don’t know about you, but I always have shrimp in my freezer. I also always have seasonings & flour in my pantry. So it is minimal effort!
Versatile! This is great served as an appetizer, inside fish tacos, on top of salads, or even as a main dish with fries!
Spicy! It can be as spicy as you like it. Use mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce to coat the shrimp!
Tips for Thawing and Cooking Your Shrimp
You can quickly thaw your frozen shrimp by submerging them in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes.
Make sure you pat your shrimp dry before tossing them in the marinade. This will allow them to cook evenly and allow the seasoning to stick to them.
You can let these sit coated in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking. Although don't worry if you don’t have time to do that, it will still be perfectly delicious.
Cooking time may vary based on the size of the shrimp. For larger shrimp, it will take 12 minutes. For smaller shrimp, it may be around 8 minutes.
If you’re making this for kiddos, omit the red pepper flakes from the shrimp.
Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients
Shrimp: look for large or jumbo raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined but have the tails ON. Shrimp can be fresh or frozen. I love using Argentinian shrimp!
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: You can use regular all-purpose flour as well.
Avocado oil: I love spraying the basket and shrimp with the spray. However, you could also use olive oil or any other oil!
Buffalo sauce: use your favorite store-bought sauce. It can be mild, medium, or hot sauce! Whatever you prefer!
Tips To Make Spicy Fried Shrimp
Use frozen or fresh shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before using it.
Use shrimp with the tail on for easier pickup.
Pat the shrimp dry before dredging in the seasoned flour mixture.
Adjust the spicy flavor by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to taste.
Save time and use a store-bought buffalo sauce instead of making homemade buffalo sauce.
Shake off excess flour mixture before pan frying.
Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they will be tough. Shrimp are done when they have curled slightly and are opaque in appearance.
Serve the spicy shrimp with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp Ingredients
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo sauce
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp
Defrost shrimp and pat dry. I like to defrost the shrimp by putting them into a colander and running some cold water over it. It will defrost the shrimp within 10 minutes. Place the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate and pat them to dry off all the excess liquid.
In a medium bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix to combine.
Add the dried shrimp into the bowl of flour and seasonings, and coat all pieces.
Place the shrimp in the fridge for 10 minutes to allow the coating to stick to the shrimp.
Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Place shrimp in an even, single layer inside the air fryer basket. Spray the top with avocado oil spray.
Air fry the shrimp at 400F for 12 minutes until the shrimp is pink. Internal temperature should reach 145F.
Heat your favorite buffalo sauce on the stove. Once the shrimp are out, add them into a bowl and drizzle your favorite buffalo sauce on top.
Serve with your favorite blue cheese sauce alongside carrot sticks and celery sticks.
Storage
Place the leftover shrimp in an airtight container to store leftovers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure that you completely cool them before storing them.
FAQ
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Argentinian shrimp is a type of wild-caught shrimp that is known for its slightly sweet and tender taste. It is typically larger than normal shrimp, making it a hearty and satisfying option for seafood lovers. Argentinian shrimp is also packed with flavor, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes.
One of the reasons why I love cooking with Argentinian shrimp is its versatility. You can serve it in tacos, on salads, over rice, or even with pasta like in this recipe. It adds a delicious and savory element to any meal.
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Shrimp is a popular seafood dish enjoyed worldwide, but it must be cooked to the correct internal temperature for safe consumption. The ideal internal temperature for cooked shrimp is 145°F (63°C). You should use a food thermometer to determine if your shrimp are adequately cooked. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the shrimp, careful not to touch the bone. If the temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), your shrimp is cooked and can be safely consumed. Be sure to use visual indicators such as color, texture, and smell to ensure that the shrimp is fully cooked before eating it.
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First, look at the color of the shrimp. Raw shrimp are translucent or grayish, but they turn pink and opaque when properly cooked. Air-fried shrimp usually takes about 12 minutes at 400F to cook.
You can also check the internal temperature of the shrimp using a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145F to ensure the shrimp are cooked and safe to eat.
It's important to note that cooking time may vary based on the size of the shrimp. Larger shrimp will take longer to cook, while smaller shrimp may cook in around 6 minutes. So, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the shrimp and adjust the cooking time if needed.
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Reheat the air-fried Argentinian shrimp by popping them into the air fryer at 400°F for 1 minute. This will help them regain their crispy texture. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also pop them into the microwave for 60 seconds. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overheating and drying them out.
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To cook shrimp in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400 degrees F. Cook the shrimp for about 12 minutes or until they turn pink and reach an internal temperature of 145F. This will ensure that the shrimp are fully cooked and deliciously tender.
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To cook shrimp in your air fryer, I recommend cooking them at 400F for 12 minutes. This cooking time is suitable for medium-sized shrimp. If you have larger shrimp, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the shrimp, which should reach 145F, to ensure they're fully cooked.
This easy Buffalo Shrimp in the air fryer is the perfect appetizer if you're looking for a simple recipe for a weekend gatherings or game nights. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and spicy buffalo sauce, these crispy shrimp are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're looking for an appetizer, a topping for salads or tacos, or a main dish with fries, this great recipe is a must-try.
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