Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, and crispy goodness that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp are marinated in creamy buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with hot honey for a flavor explosion that’s both addictive and easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
This recipe brings together everything you want in a perfect bite — crunch, heat, and a touch of sweetness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, impressive enough for parties, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
You’ll love it because:
- It’s crispy on the outside and tender inside
- The hot honey glaze adds a bold, balanced flavor
- Uses simple ingredients you already have
- Takes under 30 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for appetizers, tacos, or rice bowls
Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-on
- 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)
Seasoned Flour Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying; enough to cover shrimp halfway)
Sauce
- ½ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onion slices
Ingredient Notes (Healthy Swaps & Tips)
- Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes.
- Oil options: Canola or peanut oil are great alternatives for frying.
- Heat level: Adjust spice by using more or less cayenne or by mixing honey with mild hot sauce.
- No deep fryer? Use a large skillet or Dutch oven with 1½ inches of oil.
- Gluten-free: Substitute flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend for a lighter crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Marinate the Shrimp
Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This helps tenderize the shrimp and makes the coating stick perfectly.
Step 2 – Prepare the Seasoned Flour
In another bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. This blend gives the shrimp their bold flavor and golden color.
Step 3 – Dredge the Shrimp
Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off excess. Coat each shrimp fully in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly so it adheres well.
Step 4 – Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a heavy skillet or deep pan to about 1½ inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer if possible — correct temperature ensures a crispy crust without sogginess.
Step 5 – Fry the Shrimp
Fry shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
Step 6 – Toss with Hot Honey
Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel–lined plate to drain briefly. Then drizzle or toss them in warm hot honey for a perfect glossy coating.
Step 7 – Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with parsley or green onions and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep the oil hot – Temperature control is key to crispiness.
- Work in small batches – This prevents soggy shrimp.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk – It makes the coating stick and adds flavor.
- Warm the honey – Drizzling warm honey helps it coat evenly.
- Serve immediately – Best texture when eaten fresh out of the fryer.
- Add lemon zest – A touch of citrus brightens the flavor beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Garlic-Lime Honey Shrimp: Add lime zest and garlic to the honey.
- Maple Sriracha Shrimp: Mix maple syrup and sriracha for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Cajun Hot Honey Shrimp: Replace cayenne with Cajun seasoning.
- Asian-Inspired Honey Shrimp: Toss with sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili flakes.
- Lemon-Pepper Honey Shrimp: Add cracked pepper and lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a platter with coleslaw and lemon wedges.
- Add to warm flour tortillas with lettuce and creamy sauce for shrimp tacos.
- Pair with jasmine rice or garlic noodles for a hearty meal.
- Great as a party appetizer or game-day finger food.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Place in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving—it softens the coating.
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked coated shrimp on a tray, then store in bags for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen for convenience.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
FAQ About Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mildly spicy — the heat depends on your hot honey brand or how much cayenne you use. You can easily adjust by using mild honey or mixing with regular honey.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes! Bake coated shrimp on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still crisp.
What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil are ideal. They don’t overpower the shrimp’s flavor and yield an even crisp.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just make sure they’re fully thawed, drained, and patted dry before marinating. Extra moisture can prevent the coating from sticking.
What can I serve with hot honey shrimp?
It pairs beautifully with coleslaw, fries, rice, or cornbread. The sweet and spicy flavor complements creamy or tangy sides.
Final Thoughts
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is one of those recipes that’s simple yet feels restaurant-quality. The contrast of crispy coating, juicy shrimp, and sticky hot honey glaze makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you serve it for dinner, a family gathering, or a fun weekend treat, this dish will always impress — and disappear fast!
Print
Hot Honey Fried Shrimp – Easy Crispy Sweet & Spicy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy fried shrimp tossed in hot honey for a sweet-spicy meal or appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
½ cup hot honey
Parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
2. Whisk flour and seasonings together.
3. Dredge shrimp in seasoned flour.
4. Heat oil to 350°F.
5. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. Drizzle or toss in hot honey and garnish.
Notes
Use gluten-free flour if desired. Adjust cayenne for heat level. Serve immediately for best crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
