If you’ve got a soft spot for foods that hit all the notes — sweet, spicy, crunchy, savory — then this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe will be your new obsession. Picture golden, crispy shrimp fresh from the fryer, drizzled with a warm honey and hot sauce glaze that’s equal parts sticky, spicy, and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that works as a zippy appetizer, a standout main, or even a fun snack when friends drop by. Trust me, once you taste these, regular shrimp will never quite measure up!

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a unique purpose, working together to create Hot Honey Fried Shrimp that is bold in flavor and perfect in texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Choose high-quality shrimp as the star protein; their natural sweetness is key here.
Buttermilk (1 cup): This marinating magic tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick for extra crunch.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Makes the base of that irresistibly crispy crust.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Lightens the flour coating so you get that dreamy crunch with every bite.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of smoky depth and a pop of color.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle heat that works in harmony with the hot honey.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle savoriness into the coating (because garlic makes everything better).
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and lift all the flavors.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly golden shrimp.
Honey (1/2 cup): The sweet base for the signature hot honey drizzle.
Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): Choose your favorite; it brings the fire and tang to the hot honey glaze.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the sauce with richness and a silky finish.
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving): For a fresh squeeze of brightness just before serving.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes (or up to 30 if you have the patience). This step is simple but so worth it — the buttermilk not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the coating cling for that ultra-crispy finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the shrimp marinate, stir together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This mix is where the flavor magic happens, creating a seasoned crust that fries up perfectly every time.

Step 3: Dredge the Shrimp

Shake off any excess buttermilk from the shrimp, then dredge each one in the flour mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. For extra-crispy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, consider dipping them back in the buttermilk and again in the flour mix — double-dipping is highly encouraged!

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat a deep skillet or fryer with enough vegetable oil to submerge the shrimp, bringing it to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and irresistibly crispy. Set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain — the hardest part will be resisting the urge to sneak a taste!

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the honey and hot sauce until everything’s smooth, glossy, and warm. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce to your preferred spice level. This glaze is what sets Hot Honey Fried Shrimp apart — sweet, spicy, and totally addictive.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Arrange the crispy shrimp on a serving platter and generously drizzle with the hot honey glaze. Add a few lemon wedges on the side for a pop of citrus if you’d like. Serve them immediately so every bite is piping hot and perfectly crunchy.

How to Serve Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh parsley or scallions adds color and a fresh note on top of your platter. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can take your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp to another level of crave-worthiness. And if you’re a lemon fan, don’t forget the wedges — one quick squeeze brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

These shrimp pair perfectly with a simple slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or buttery cornbread to help soak up every drop of that delicious hot honey. If you want to make a meal of it, serve your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp alongside crisp salad greens or even creamy grits for a true Southern-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp on skewers for fun party bites, stuff them into tacos with crunchy cabbage, or pile them onto slider buns for a playful take on a classic sandwich. They’re also fantastic on top of grain bowls or tossed with noodles for a weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your cooked shrimp cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’ve already drizzled on the hot honey, don’t worry — they still reheat beautifully, though they’re best enjoyed within the first day for maximum crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the fried (and cooled) shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. For best results, wait to glaze with the hot honey until after reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest texture, reheat the shrimp in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot, about 5–8 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust won’t stay quite as crisp. Once heated through, drizzle with fresh hot honey to revive that just-made flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating in the buttermilk. Avoid using precooked shrimp as they won’t get that signature crispy coating.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

This is where you can make the Hot Honey Fried Shrimp uniquely yours. Classic Southern hot sauces like Crystal or Frank’s give a milder heat, while something like sriracha or Cholula will bring more intensity. Taste as you go, and dial it up or down!

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! While traditional frying offers the crunchiest result, an air fryer will still crisp up your shrimp nicely. Spray them with a little oil and cook at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Is there a dairy-free option for the buttermilk marinade?

You can use plant-based milk (like almond or soy) soured with a little vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk’s tang, so everyone can enjoy Hot Honey Fried Shrimp regardless of dietary needs.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The heat level is customizable! Add more or less hot sauce according to your preference — you control the spice, so your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp can be as mild or fiery as you like.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special thrill that comes from biting into something this good: crackling-hot shrimp, a luxurious honey glaze with just enough kick, and flavors that light up the whole table. I hope you get as much joy from making — and devouring — Hot Honey Fried Shrimp as I do. Go ahead, gather your friends and family, and let this recipe become a new favorite tradition!

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These hot honey fried shrimp are a delicious combination of crispy fried shrimp drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main course!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon butter

Optional Garnish:

Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk and marinate for 20–30 minutes.
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dredge shrimp in flour mixture, then fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Melt butter and whisk honey and hot sauce in a saucepan until smooth and warm.
Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle hot honey over fried shrimp before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.