Name: Hot Honey Fried Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-on; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup 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; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup hot honey; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is one of my favorite seafood recipes whenever I want something crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. I love how the crunchy fried shrimp pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, creating a delicious balance in every bite. Whether I serve it as an appetizer, party snack, or main course, this recipe always feels like a special treat.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-on

1 cup buttermilk

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

Vegetable oil, for frying

½ cup hot honey

Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

I place the shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. I toss everything together and let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes.

In another bowl, I combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

I remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip away before coating each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.

I arrange the coated shrimp on a baking sheet while the oil heats.

I heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

I fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until they become golden brown and crispy.

I transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined tray to drain any excess oil.

I drizzle the hot honey over the shrimp and gently toss them until evenly coated.

I garnish everything with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with extra hot honey on the side if I want even more flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: Approximately 904 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes add a little smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a deeper smoky flavor.

When I want even more heat, I mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the hot honey before drizzling it over the shrimp.

I enjoy serving the shrimp in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and a creamy sauce for delicious shrimp tacos.

For extra crunch, I replace part of the flour with cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs.

I occasionally garnish the finished shrimp with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for additional flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When I want to reheat them, I use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes to help restore the crispy coating.

I avoid using the microwave whenever possible because it softens the crispy breading.

If I know I'll have leftovers, I prefer storing the fried shrimp and hot honey separately, then combining them just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

I can absolutely use frozen shrimp as long as I thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes. I simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a mild hot honey for a gentler flavor.

What can I serve with Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

I like serving it with French fries, coleslaw, rice, roasted vegetables, biscuits, or a fresh green salad.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

I look for shrimp that are golden on the outside and opaque inside. Since shrimp cook quickly, 2–3 minutes is usually enough.

Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?

Yes. I can bread the shrimp a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until I'm ready to fry. For the best texture, I wait to drizzle on the hot honey until just before serving.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is a recipe I keep coming back to because it combines crispy fried seafood with the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. I love how easy it is to prepare while still delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether I make it for family dinners, game day, or special occasions, this dish always disappears quickly and leaves everyone asking for another batch.

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Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp features crispy golden shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze for an irresistible combination of flavors. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or satisfying main course.

Instructions

Place the shrimp in a medium bowl, pour the buttermilk over them, toss to coat, and marinate for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
Arrange the coated shrimp on a baking sheet while heating the oil.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
Drizzle the hot honey over the shrimp and gently toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra hot honey if desired.