Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving that magical combo of crispy, succulent shrimp with a sweet-and-spicy kick, Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is about to become your next obsession. Each bite boasts a shatteringly crunchy shell, still-juicy shrimp, and a glossy drizzle of warm honey with a little fire—making it a total crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or game day snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet-Heat Perfection: Hot honey brings a magical balance that takes crispy shrimp to a whole new level.
  • Fast & Easy: These shrimp come together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or spontaneous gatherings.
  • Big Crunch, Juicy Center: Seasoned flour gives you a beautifully golden crust while keeping the shrimp plump and tender inside.
  • Totally Customizable: Adjust the heat, swap out proteins, or go gluten-free—Hot Honey Fried Shrimp plays by your rules!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday, affordable ingredients can create something so irresistible! Each addition—whether it’s the creamy tang of buttermilk or the fiery finish of hot honey—plays a role in making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp sing with bold flavor and texture.

  • Large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on: The fresher, the better; keeping the tails makes for a great presentation and easy dipping.
  • Buttermilk: Not just for Southern biscuits! It tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere for maximum crunch.
  • All-purpose flour: The heart of that crave-worthy crust—simple, light, and ideal for fry perfection.
  • Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and beautiful color.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder: These aromatics build a nuanced, savory backbone for the breading.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper: Seasoning essentials that make every flavor pop.
  • Cayenne pepper: For just the right hint of heat in the crust (but you control the fire level!).
  • Vegetable oil: Neutral in flavor and ideal for creating airy, crisp-fried shrimp.
  • Hot honey: The star! Use store-bought or make your own—either way, it delivers sweet heat that clings to every shrimp.
  • Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh green brightens up the plate and enhances every bite.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Part of the joy of Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is how easily you can riff on the classic recipe. Whether you’re craving extra heat, catering to gluten-free friends, or swapping out proteins, there’s no wrong way to get creative!

  • Swap the Heat: Kick things up a notch with a few dashes of hot sauce in your buttermilk marinade, or go milder by using regular honey with just a pinch of chili flakes.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for coating—the rest of the process stays exactly the same.
  • Try Another Protein: This method works beautifully with chicken tenders, calamari rings, or even tofu for a fun vegetarian twist.
  • Add Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon before serving brings a zippy brightness that pairs perfectly with the honey heat.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing your peeled, deveined shrimp in a bowl with cool, creamy buttermilk. This gentle soak tenderizes the shrimp and gets them tasty from the inside out, plus it guarantees that every bit of seasoned flour will stick beautifully. Give the shrimp at least 15 minutes to marinate while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour

While the shrimp are soaking, whisk together your flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a separate bowl. This all-in-one mix brings a punch of flavor and a lovely golden hue, so don’t skimp!

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Take the shrimp out of the buttermilk one at a time, let the excess drip off, and roll each one in the seasoned flour until completely coated. Lay them on a baking sheet as you go so they’re ready to fry in batches and the coating has a chance to set.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, deep pot and preheat over medium heat. Using a thermometer, aim for 350°F; the right temperature guarantees ultra crispy shrimp that cook fast, without getting greasy.

Step 5: Fry Up That Shrimp

Working in batches, gently tap excess flour off the shrimp and fry them in the hot oil, turning occasionally, until they’re gorgeously golden and crisp—just 2–3 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd for best results, and let the oil heat back up between rounds if needed.

Step 6: Drizzle and Garnish

As soon as your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp come out of the oil, let them drain briefly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then drizzle generously with hot honey while they’re still piping hot. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

  • Oil Matters: Use a neutral, high-heat oil like vegetable or peanut, and be sure to keep it at a steady 350°F for crispy—not greasy—shrimp.
  • Double Dip for Crunch: For extra crunch, try a quick double-dip—coat the shrimp in flour, dunk again briefly in buttermilk, then roll in flour once more before frying.
  • Let Them Rest: After coating, give the shrimp a minute or two to rest on a baking sheet. This sets the flour and leads to a sturdier crunch after frying.
  • Drizzle While Hot: Add your hot honey as soon as the shrimp leave the oil—the heat helps the honey seep into every craggy bit of crust.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley (or even cilantro) brightens the plate with freshness and color, but you could also add very thinly sliced scallions or an extra dusting of paprika for flair. Lemon wedges are a classic touch and fantastic for squeezing over your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp just before digging in.

Side Dishes

These crispy bites love a backdrop of cool, creamy slaw or a classic potato salad. Try them on a bed of fluffy white rice, pile them onto grits for a playful Southern twist, or roll them into tortillas for quick, spicy shrimp tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Think party platter! Arrange the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp on a big tray with little skewers for easy snacking. Stack them on small sliders with a swipe of mayo and pickle chips, or use them as a surprising (and totally delicious) salad topper for a lunch that turns heads and wins hearts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and that’s a big if!) you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh and crispy.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooked (undrizzled) shrimp in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. This helps them keep their shape and minimizes sticking. Reheat straight from frozen for best texture—just don’t add the honey until the end.

Reheating

For the crispiest leftovers, use an oven or air fryer set to 375°F; heat shrimp for 5-7 minutes or until sizzling and hot. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Add a fresh drizzle of hot honey after reheating to revive that spicy-sweet shine.

FAQs

  1. Can I use pre-cooked or frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

    Fresh or raw thawed shrimp works best for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp because it cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade, giving you juicy results. Pre-cooked shrimp tend to get rubbery during frying, while frozen shrimp should be completely thawed and thoroughly patted dry before marinating.

  2. Is there a shortcut for homemade hot honey?

    Absolutely! Simply stir together your favorite honey with a bit of hot sauce, cayenne, or red pepper flakes. Warm gently to infuse the spice, taste, and adjust. Store-bought hot honey works perfectly if you’re short on time.

  3. What oil is best for frying shrimp?

    Neutral oils with high smoke points—like vegetable, peanut, or canola—are best for frying Hot Honey Fried Shrimp. They let the spices shine and ensure even cooking without burning or flavor interference.

  4. How spicy is Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

    The heat level is totally up to you! Using just cayenne and standard hot honey brings a gentle warmth, but you can bump up the spice with extra cayenne, hotter honey, or even a pinch of chili powder for serious fire.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp may just be your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp—fiery, sweet, and deliciously crisp in every bite. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back for “just one more shrimp”… again and again! Give it a try, and share the love with your favorite people. Happy cooking!

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Frying
  • Method: Stovetop

Description

These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are a delicious combination of crispy fried shrimp coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

    Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined, tail-on
  • Buttermilk Marinade:

  • 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
  • Seasoned Flour:

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil
  • Hot Honey Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (170 g) hot honey (homemade or store-bought)
  • Garnish:

  • Parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, coat shrimp with buttermilk and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Prepare Seasoned Flour: Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl.
  3. Dredge Shrimp: Dredge marinated shrimp in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
  4. Fry Shrimp: Fry coated shrimp in hot oil at 350°F until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drizzle with Hot Honey: Remove shrimp from oil, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving

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