Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Crispy, golden shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze—this dish is pure flavor perfection! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main dish, or stuffing them into tacos, these Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are guaranteed to impress. Crunchy, juicy, sweet, and spicy, all in one bite!

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Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

✔ Crispy & Crunchy – Light and airy breading for the ultimate crunch.
✔ Sweet & Spicy Balance – Hot honey glaze adds a delicious kick without overpowering.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them over rice, in tacos, or with a side of fries.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

To make these irresistible fried shrimp, you’ll need:

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk – Helps the coating stick and adds tenderness.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch – For extra crispiness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Optional, for extra heat.
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce – Choose your favorite!
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adjust for heat level.
• 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and helps coat the shrimp.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For coating the shrimp.
• Deep pan or fryer – For frying to crispy perfection.
• Tongs or slotted spoon – For easy handling.
• Paper towels – To drain excess oil.
• Small saucepan – To prepare the hot honey glaze.

How to Make Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, add shrimp and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
2. Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
3. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
4. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter.
2. Stir until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

1. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fried shrimp or toss them in a bowl to coat evenly.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice with a side of sautéed veggies.
• In tacos with slaw and a drizzle of extra honey.
• With fries and a cool ranch dipping sauce.
• As an appetizer with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Tips for the Best Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

✔ Use cornstarch – It makes the shrimp extra crispy!
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches for even cooking.
✔ Adjust the spice – More red pepper flakes = more heat!
✔ Serve immediately – The shrimp are best hot and crispy!

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating.

Q2: Can I make this in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: Can I use a different type of honey?
A: Absolutely! Try spicy honey or infused honey for unique flavors.

Conclusion: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Crispy!

These Hot Honey Fried Shrimp are the perfect blend of crunch, sweetness, and heat! Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your delicious creations.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

Enjoy every crispy, sticky, and spicy bite!

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