These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are the ultimate combination of crispy, golden fried shrimp and sweet, spicy heat. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in seasoned flour, each shrimp is deep-fried to perfection and then drizzled with homemade hot honey. Ideal as an appetizer, party platter, or even the star of your dinner plate, this recipe delivers bold flavor and a crave-worthy crunch in every bite.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-on

• 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 (store-bought or homemade)

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Add shrimp to a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

3. One at a time, remove shrimp from the marinade, let excess drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour until fully coated. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet.

4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pot over medium heat to 350°F.

5. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.

6. Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a lined baking sheet.

7. Drizzle with hot honey and garnish with parsley. Serve hot with extra honey on the side if desired.

Nutrients (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 904 kcal

• Protein: ~28g

• Fat: ~52g

• Saturated Fat: ~9g

• Carbohydrates: ~70g

• Sugar: ~18g

• Sodium: ~600mg

• Cholesterol: ~190mg

A Perfect Marriage of Texture and Flavor

The success of this dish lies in its textural and flavor contrast. Each shrimp is marinated in tangy buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat and gives it a subtle tang while helping the seasoned flour coating adhere evenly. The flour blend includes a thoughtful balance of spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper—that creates a warm, savory profile with just a whisper of heat. Once fried, the coating becomes perfectly crisp and golden, offering a satisfying crunch that holds up well to the hot honey drizzle.

The final flourish—the hot honey—elevates the dish from familiar to unforgettable. Its sticky, glossy finish seeps into the ridges of the fried coating, infusing every bite with a bold kick of sweet heat. The honey’s natural sweetness mellows the spice and adds an addictive glaze that enhances both taste and presentation. When served fresh and hot, with a sprinkle of parsley for color and herbaceous lift, this shrimp dish becomes an irresistible centerpiece.

Why Hot Honey Is the Ultimate Finishing Touch

Hot honey has become one of the most beloved condiments in recent years, and for good reason. It brings the best of two flavor worlds—spicy and sweet—into a single drizzle. The sweetness from the honey makes the dish accessible to those who might shy away from too much heat, while the heat from the chili creates a lingering, warming finish that builds with each bite.

In this dish, the hot honey doesn’t overpower. Instead, it rounds out the experience by complementing the shrimp’s natural sweetness and the savory flavors of the seasoned crust. Whether store-bought or homemade, this sauce is easy to adjust for your heat tolerance—more chili flakes or hot sauce for spice lovers, less for a milder bite. For extra flair, some versions add a hint of vinegar or citrus to bring brightness and complexity.

Occasions and Pairings

One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its versatility. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

• As an appetizer, serve the shrimp with a tangy dipping sauce or even more hot honey on the side.

• For a brunch main, pair them with buttermilk waffles or cheddar grits and top with a sunny-side-up egg.

• For dinner, serve over a bed of coleslaw, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes with a wedge of lemon.

• In tacos, load them into warm tortillas with cabbage, avocado, and a lime crema for a spicy-sweet seafood taco.

Because of their bold flavor, these shrimp also pair well with cooling sides—think cucumber salad, creamy slaw, or corn on the cob. A crisp white wine, a citrusy pale ale, or even a watermelon margarita can round out the meal with refreshing contrast.

Cooking Tips for the Best Fried Shrimp

Achieving the ideal crispness starts with proper oil temperature. If the oil is too cold, the coating will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If too hot, the outside will brown before the shrimp are cooked through. A steady 350°F is the sweet spot for even frying.

Don’t overcrowd the pan, which causes the oil temperature to drop. Fry in small batches for consistent results. After frying, draining the shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet (instead of paper towels) helps preserve the crisp exterior.

When dredging shrimp in flour, press gently to help the coating adhere and form those delightful craggy bits that get extra crispy when fried. And for even more flavor, you can add a pinch of brown sugar or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade before frying.

Homemade Hot Honey Variation

While store-bought versions of hot honey are convenient, making your own is incredibly simple and allows for customization. Simply simmer honey with red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. For depth, some recipes include a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika. Cool slightly before drizzling over the shrimp for the best flavor and consistency.

Why Shrimp Lovers Will Adore This Dish

Shrimp is already a beloved protein for its sweet, delicate flavor and quick cooking time. In this recipe, the frying process locks in the juiciness of the shrimp while adding a layer of irresistible crunch. The mildness of the shrimp acts as a perfect canvas for bolder flavors like hot honey. If you love classic dishes like chicken and waffles, spicy popcorn shrimp, or Nashville hot chicken, this recipe will feel like an instant favorite—offering the same soul-satisfying crunch with a seafood twist.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, leftovers can be revived in the oven or air fryer. To make it more weeknight-friendly, you can prepare the seasoned flour and marinate the shrimp ahead of time. Leftover shrimp can also be repurposed in:

• Shrimp po’boy sandwiches with remoulade and pickles

• Rice bowls with greens, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette

• Tacos with spicy slaw and lime crema

• Salads with a honey-lime dressing

Conclusion

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp is everything we crave in a single dish—crispy, juicy, spicy, and just a little sweet. It’s a recipe that brings fun and flair to your table without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. From its satisfying crunch to the warming drizzle of hot honey, every element works in harmony to create a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable.

This dish offers the kind of memorable bite that lingers long after the plate is cleared, whether served at a party, for a special dinner, or just as a treat to yourself on a busy weeknight. As a bonus, it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences and can easily be adapted to your taste. One thing is certain—once you try these hot honey fried shrimp, they’ll be on your repeat recipe list in no time.