If you love the combination of crispy, golden-fried seafood with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, then this Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is for you. Each bite is coated in a crunchy batter, then drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze that brings the perfect kick. Whether you’re making it for a quick appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or a special gathering, this dish will be an instant crowd-pleaser.

I’ve always been a fan of shrimp recipes, but this one stands out as a personal favorite. The contrast between the crispy coating and the sticky, spicy honey sauce creates an irresistible flavor explosion. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Crispy & Crunchy: The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter that stays crunchy even after being drizzled with the glaze.
Sweet & Spicy Balance: The hot honey glaze delivers the perfect blend of sweetness with a little heat, making it addictively delicious.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick frying, this dish comes together in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even in tacos for a fun twist.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best results, I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp. They hold up well to frying and give you that satisfying bite with a crispy coating. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them in batter. Keeping them dry helps the batter stick better and ensures a crispier fry.

You can leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation or remove them if you prefer easier eating. If you’re short on time, pre-peeled and deveined shrimp will save you some prep work.

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some great substitutions to tailor this recipe to your taste:

Shrimp Alternatives: Not a shrimp fan? Try chicken tenders, calamari, or even tofu for a similar crispy bite with the hot honey glaze.
Flour Options: Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use cornstarch, rice flour, or a gluten-free flour blend for an extra crispy texture.
Oil Choices: I recommend frying in vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, but you can also air-fry or bake them for a lighter version.
Spice Level Adjustments: If you prefer less heat, use regular honey instead of hot honey, or add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes for extra spice.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Skip the buttermilk and use a mix of dairy-free milk with a splash of vinegar to achieve a similar effect.

These variations allow you to customize the dish while keeping the delicious sweet and spicy flavors intact!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in making the shrimp crispy, flavorful, and perfectly coated in the sticky hot honey glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp – Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, provide the perfect juicy bite inside the crispy coating.
All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the coating, helping create a crunchy, golden crust.
Cornstarch – Adds extra crispiness to the batter, making the shrimp light and crunchy.
Eggs – Acts as a binding agent, helping the breading stick to the shrimp.
Buttermilk – Tenderizes the shrimp slightly and helps the breading adhere better.
Seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) – Enhances the overall flavor of the crispy coating.
Panko breadcrumbs – Provides an extra crunchy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Oil for frying – Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil to fry the shrimp until golden brown.
Hot honey – The star of the sauce, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
Butter – Helps create a smooth, glossy glaze when mixed with hot honey.
Soy sauce – Adds a touch of umami and depth to the glaze.
Chili flakes (optional) – For an extra kick of heat, if you like it extra spicy.
Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish) – Adds a pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and ensures a crispier coating. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before starting.

Step 2: Make the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls:

One with flour, cornstarch, and seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
One with beaten eggs and buttermilk.
One with panko breadcrumbs for the final coating.

Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top, it’s good to go.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter, then stir in hot honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for a minute until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Coat the Shrimp

Transfer the crispy shrimp to a large bowl and drizzle the hot honey glaze over the top. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How Long to Cook Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Shrimp cook very quickly, and frying them at the right temperature ensures a crispy texture without becoming overcooked. Here’s a general guide:

Frying: 2-3 minutes per side at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Air Frying: 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through.
Baking: 15-18 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping once for even crispiness.

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque, firm, and golden brown with a crispy outer layer. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye!

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Use large or jumbo shrimp – They hold up better to frying and stay juicy inside.
Pat the shrimp dry – Removing excess moisture helps the batter stick and ensures a crispier fry.
Double coat for extra crunch – After the first coating, dip in egg and breadcrumbs again for a thicker, crispier crust.
Maintain oil temperature – Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to prevent greasy or soggy shrimp.
Fry in batches – Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking.
Drain on a wire rack – Instead of paper towels, use a wire rack to keep shrimp crispy.
Toss in the glaze just before serving – This keeps the shrimp from getting soggy too soon.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have the crispiest, most flavorful Hot Honey Fried Shrimp every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Hot Honey Fried Shrimp:

Skipping the drying step – Excess moisture prevents the batter from sticking and leads to soggy shrimp.
Not seasoning the flour – A bland batter means bland shrimp, so don’t forget the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Frying at the wrong temperature – Too hot, and the coating burns before the shrimp cook; too low, and they turn out greasy. Keep it at 350°F (175°C).
Overcrowding the pan – This lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy shrimp. Fry in small batches.
Tossing in sauce too early – Letting the shrimp sit in the glaze for too long will make them lose their crunch. Drizzle just before serving.
Using the wrong honey – If you don’t have hot honey, make your own by mixing regular honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Overcooking the shrimp – Shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side to stay juicy and tender.
Skipping the garnish – Green onions and sesame seeds add flavor and crunch—don’t leave them out!

What to Serve With Hot Honey Fried Shrimp?

This crispy, spicy-sweet dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are eight delicious options to round out your meal:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

A simple, fluffy bed of rice balances the bold flavors of the hot honey glaze.

2. Garlic Butter Noodles

Toss some noodles in garlic butter for a savory, comforting side that complements the crispy shrimp.

3. Coleslaw

A refreshing, crunchy slaw helps cut through the richness of the fried shrimp.

4. Corn on the Cob

Sweet, juicy corn pairs perfectly with the spicy honey glaze.

5. Roasted Vegetables

A mix of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots adds a healthy touch to your meal.

6. Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy, slightly sweet fries enhance the flavor contrast with the shrimp.

7. Pickled Cucumbers

The acidity from quick-pickled cucumbers balances the sweetness of the honey glaze.

8. Taco Shells & Slaw

Turn your shrimp into Hot Honey Shrimp Tacos by serving them in soft tortillas with slaw and avocado.

Pair your Hot Honey Fried Shrimp with one (or more!) of these sides for a complete and satisfying meal!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover Hot Honey Fried Shrimp, here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping them as crispy as possible:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp (before adding the glaze) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

To keep the shrimp crispy when reheating:

Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes for the crispiest results.
Stovetop: Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Microwave (not recommended): This will make the shrimp soggy, so use it only if needed.

For the best texture, store the shrimp separately from the glaze and toss them together right before serving.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving batch):

Calories: ~450
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~4g
Sugar: ~12g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~800mg

These values will vary depending on portion sizes and ingredient substitutions. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try air-frying or baking the shrimp instead of deep-frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe without frying?

Yes! You can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp won’t be as crispy as frying, but they’ll still be delicious!

2. What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?

You can make your own by mixing regular honey with ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading and frying to prevent sogginess.

4. How do I prevent my shrimp from getting greasy?

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, drain them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.

5. Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?

You can coat the shrimp in batter and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before frying. For the best results, fry them fresh and toss in the glaze right before serving.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs. Also, swap soy sauce for tamari in the glaze.

7. How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to medium heat level. If you want it spicier, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze. For a milder version, use regular honey.

8. Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Yes! This recipe works great with chicken tenders, calamari, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just follow the same breading and frying steps.

Conclusion

This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors all in one bite. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even in tacos, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends—they’ll thank you for it!