Name: Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); ½ cup flour (regular or gluten free); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Avocado oil spray or olive oil (for spraying or drizzling); ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option); 1 tbsp honey (optional); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference); Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 78 reviews

If you are craving a spicy, tangy, and irresistibly crispy treat, you have to try this Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe. It combines succulent large shrimp coated in a lightly seasoned, crispy flour crust, baked to perfection, and then drenched in a vibrant, homemade buffalo sauce that hits every note of heat, garlic, and smoky sweetness. Easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavors, this dish is perfect for a casual dinner, game day snack, or a party appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, baking instead of frying keeps it lighter without sacrificing any of the crave-worthy crunch and zing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four bowls on a white marbled surface. The top bowl is clear glass filled with raw shrimp with gray and white shells, arranged in a loose pile. Below it, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour. To the right of the flour bowl, a small wooden bowl holds evenly split black pepper and white salt. At the bottom, a clear glass bowl contains three spices: light beige powder, bright red powder, and a slightly darker beige powder, each in separate sections, laid flat. The whole setup is neat and on a clean white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully selected ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the aromatic spices in the coating to the spicy and slightly sweet buffalo sauce that brings everything together with a delightful kick.

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or thawed large shrimp for the juiciest, most tender bites.

½ cup flour (regular or gluten free): This serves as the crispy coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic depth to the crust and sauce.
½ tsp paprika: Provides a mild, sweet smokiness to enhance the shrimp’s flavor.

Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Avocado oil spray (or olive oil): Helps crisp the coating while keeping the shrimp juicy.
¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): The heart of the buffalo sauce, delivering that perfect heat and tang.

2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option): Creates richness and smoothness in the buffalo sauce.
1 tbsp honey (optional): Balances the spice with a delicate touch of sweetness.
½ tsp garlic powder (for the sauce): Amplifies the savory profile of the buffalo sauce.

½ tsp onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Contributes a deep smoky note that’s signature to great buffalo sauce.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper: Adjust this for your preferred spice level—just enough to make it exciting.

How to Make Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

The image shows a rustic white pot with a worn brown rim and a wooden handle, sitting on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there are several layers of ingredients: a bright red tomato sauce layer covering half of the bottom, a frothy white liquid layer filling the rest of the pot, and on top of the sauce and liquid, there are light brown and dark brown powdered spices scattered unevenly. The colors and textures contrast well, with the smooth sauce, foamy liquid, and powdery spices all visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Coating

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple coating will give your shrimp a crisp, flavorful crust once baked.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick perfectly. Dip each shrimp into your seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is well coated but not overloaded, and shake off any excess. Place the shrimp in a single layer on your baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Lightly spray the coated shrimp with avocado oil or drizzle a touch of olive oil on top to encourage browning and crunch. Place them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure a golden crisp all over. The shrimp should be opaque and slightly firm when done.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the shrimp bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add hot sauce, honey (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until everything is combined and heated through—the aroma will already make your mouth water.

Step 5: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce

Once the shrimp are crispy and cooked through, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the shrimp and toss until every piece is luxuriously coated with that irresistible buffalo flavor.

How to Serve Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add fresh contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few celery sticks on the side can brighten the dish and complement the spicy heat.

Side Dishes

This Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe shines alongside creamy ranch or blue cheese dip, crunchy coleslaw, or simply a bed of steamed rice or mixed greens. These sides help balance the spice and provide textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in mini lettuce cups or as a tasty topping on baked potatoes or warm French bread. You can also turn them into sliders, pairing them with cool slaws and pickles for a party-pleasing handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They will keep well for up to 2 days without losing too much flavor or texture, making for a delicious quick snack or lunch.

Freezing

To freeze, spread the cooked and tossed shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes to keep the shrimp crispy. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. If you like, toss quickly again in a little leftover buffalo sauce to freshen the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from crisping properly in the oven.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is moderate and perfectly balanced with some smoky sweetness from the honey. You can always adjust the cayenne pepper or hot sauce amount to make it milder or hotter according to your taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The shrimp will still get that desirable crispy texture and absorb the buffalo flavors beautifully.

What can I use instead of butter in the buffalo sauce?

If you prefer a lighter version or are avoiding dairy, olive oil is a great substitute that blends well with the spices and hot sauce without losing any flavor.

Is it okay to bake instead of fry the shrimp?

Definitely! Baking makes this Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe easier and healthier while still achieving a wonderfully crispy crust. The oven’s high heat crisps the shrimp beautifully without the mess of frying.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something flavorful, fun, and fuss-free. Its crunchy coating combined with a lively buffalo sauce makes it truly addictive and perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy it is to impress with shrimp packed full of bold, comforting flavors. Get ready to enjoy every spicy, tender bite!

Baked Buffalo Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need