Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect balance of crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. With a crunchy coating and a sticky, flavorful finish, this dish is both addictive and incredibly satisfying.
I first made this when I was craving something crispy with a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness. The contrast of crunchy shrimp with the warm, drizzly hot honey made it an instant favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet bold the flavors are—each bite is crispy, spicy, and perfectly sweet.
What’s great about Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is how versatile it is. Serve it as an appetizer, pile it over rice, or use it in tacos for a flavorful twist. Whether you like a little heat or a lot, this dish is easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Game day gatherings
- Seafood lovers
- Spicy food enthusiasts
- Party appetizers
- Quick and delicious weeknight meals
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp will be your new go-to dish:
- Crispy Perfection: The shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy batter that delivers the ultimate crisp.
- Sweet and Spicy Balance: The hot honey drizzle provides the perfect contrast of heat and sweetness.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Juicy and Tender: The shrimp stay plump and juicy inside their crispy coating.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at parties, game nights, or family dinners.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy crispy, flavorful shrimp without the takeout bill.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Pairs with Everything: Serve over rice, in tacos, or with a side of fries.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you probably already have.
- Air Fryer Option: Skip the deep frying and still enjoy crispy, flavorful shrimp.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon butter (optional, for richness)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick.
- Cornstarch: Ensures an ultra-crispy texture.
- Hot Honey: The star of the dish, delivering the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add shrimp and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
Coat and Fry:
- Dredge Shrimp: Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Shrimp: Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
- Heat Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter (if using). Stir until warm and smooth.
Serve:
- Drizzle and Enjoy: Drizzle hot honey over the crispy shrimp. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to enjoy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:
- With Ranch or Blue Cheese: The creamy dip cools down the heat.
- In Tacos: Stuff into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado.
- Over Rice: Serve with jasmine or coconut rice for a balanced meal.
- With Fries: A seafood twist on classic fish and chips.
- As a Salad Topper: Add to a crisp salad for extra crunch.
- In a Po’ Boy: Serve on a toasted baguette with remoulade sauce.
- On a Waffle: Try a shrimp-and-waffles combo for a Southern-inspired dish.
- With Mac and Cheese: A spicy, crispy contrast to creamy pasta.
- In a Wrap: Roll into a tortilla with lettuce and spicy mayo.
- As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Opt for fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch – For an ultra-crispy coating, dip the shrimp in the batter twice before frying.
- Chill Before Frying – Let the battered shrimp rest in the fridge for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
- Fry in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain an even temperature and crispiness.
- Check Oil Temperature – Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly golden and crispy shrimp.
- Use a Wire Rack – Drain fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Balance the Heat – Adjust the honey-to-hot sauce ratio to match your spice preference.
- Toss While Hot – Coat the shrimp in the hot honey glaze immediately after frying for maximum absorption.
- Serve with a Cooling Dip – A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing can balance the heat beautifully.
- Pair with the Perfect Sides – Serve over rice, in tacos, or with a crisp slaw for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
- Coconut Crunch – Add shredded coconut to the breading for a tropical twist with extra crunch.
- Buffalo Kick – Toss the fried shrimp in a buffalo-hot honey mix for a tangy, spicy punch.
- Garlic Parmesan – Coat shrimp with garlic butter after frying, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Asian Fusion – Add a dash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes to the hot honey for depth.
- Southern Cajun – Mix Cajun seasoning into the flour and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
- Sweet & Smoky – Infuse the hot honey with smoked paprika and chipotle for a deep, smoky flavor.
- Nashville Heat – Brush fried shrimp with a spicy cayenne-infused oil before drizzling with hot honey.
- Lemon-Pepper Glaze – Stir lemon zest and black pepper into the honey for a bright, zesty bite.
- Maple Bourbon Glaze – Swap honey for maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for richness.
- Sriracha Lime – Mix sriracha into the hot honey and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Special Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Duty Pot – For frying the shrimp to crispy perfection.
- Candy or Deep-Fry Thermometer – Ensures the oil stays at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C).
- Wire Rack & Baking Sheet – Helps drain excess oil and keeps shrimp crispy.
- Tongs or Spider Strainer – Safely removes shrimp from hot oil.
- Mixing Bowls (Various Sizes) – For dredging, battering, and tossing shrimp in hot honey sauce.
- Whisk – Helps mix the batter smoothly and evenly.
- Pastry Brush – For evenly coating the fried shrimp with hot honey.
- Heatproof Gloves – Protects hands from hot oil splashes.
- Slotted Spoon – For skimming out small bits from the oil to prevent burning.
- Squeeze Bottle or Small Saucepan – For warming and drizzling the hot honey sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this ahead of time?
These shrimp are best served fresh, but you can prep the batter and glaze in advance. - Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before marinating. - What’s the best oil for frying?
Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil work best for frying. - How do I make this less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne and use mild honey instead. - Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes or use an air fryer. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - How do I reheat for crispiness?
Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. - What sides go well with this dish?
Coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables are great pairings. - Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Follow the same method with bite-sized chicken pieces. - Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Swap flour for almond flour and cornstarch for crushed pork rinds.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the perfect combination of crispy, golden-fried shrimp and a sticky, sweet-spicy hot honey glaze! Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of heat and sweetness, making this dish irresistibly addictive. Whether served as an appetizer, taco filling, or main dish, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Customize it by adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, swapping in coconut flakes for a tropical twist, or drizzling with a squeeze of fresh lime for a zesty balance. Serve with ranch or a creamy slaw for the ultimate flavor combo!
I can’t wait to see how your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!