Crispy Perfection: The Ultimate Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a light lunch, or looking for a quick dinner solution, these savory bites are guaranteed to impress. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp embraced by crispy bacon in a matter of minutes. Get ready for a dish that’s easy to make, hard to resist, and disappears almost as fast as you can cook it!

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

As a huge fan of effortless cooking and my air fryer, I can confidently say that this Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe has quickly become a top favorite. It perfectly blends convenience with gourmet taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

• Incredibly Easy: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to bring this dish to life. No complicated steps or fancy techniques required!
• Super Fast: From prep to plate, these delectable shrimp are ready in under 15 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Highly Versatile: Whether you prefer a subtle seasoning or a bold flavor, these bacon wrapped shrimp taste fantastic. You can customize them with your favorite spices, and they’ll disappear just as fast, no matter your chosen flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish transitions seamlessly from a sophisticated appetizer for gatherings to a satisfying light meal or a quick snack.
• Air Fryer Benefits: Using an air fryer ensures that the bacon gets beautifully crispy while the shrimp remains tender and juicy, all with less oil than traditional frying methods. It’s a healthier way to indulge in this classic flavor combination.

If you’re as enthusiastic about air fryer shrimp and seafood recipes as I am, be sure to explore more of my air fryer seafood creations and other fantastic air fryer shrimp recipes for more culinary inspiration!

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how few ingredients are needed to create such a flavorful dish. The magic truly lies in the combination of these simple components and the air fryer’s cooking power.

• Shrimp: For this recipe, I recommend using large (21/25 count) or jumbo (16/20 count) shrimp. Fresh or frozen (thawed and peeled) work equally well. Ensure they are deveined. Leaving the tails on is optional but adds a nice presentation.
• Bacon: Thinly sliced bacon is your best friend here. It wraps more easily around the shrimp and cooks up extra crispy. Thick-cut bacon can be used but may require slightly longer cooking times and might be harder to secure.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning adds a fantastic savory, slightly spicy, and herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements both the shrimp and bacon. If you don’t have Old Bay, you can substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne.
• Olive Oil or Nonstick Cooking Spray: A little bit of oil helps prevent sticking and contributes to the overall crispiness, especially for the bacon.

Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Making bacon wrapped shrimp in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for consistently delicious results every time.

STEP 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by peeling your shrimp. While you can leave the tails on for presentation, feel free to remove them if preferred. Once peeled, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet or a clean surface.

STEP 2: Season the Shrimp
Lightly sprinkle the peeled shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning. A small amount goes a long way to infuse flavor into the shrimp. If using other seasonings, apply them now.

STEP 3: Wrap the Bacon
Take your bacon slices and cut each into thirds. Carefully wrap one piece of bacon around each shrimp. The trick to keeping the bacon secure during cooking is to tuck the end of the bacon slice underneath the shrimp. This minimizes the chances of it unraveling in the air fryer. If you prefer, you can also use a toothpick to secure the bacon, just remember to remove it before serving.

STEP 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly coat the basket of your air fryer with a little olive oil or a nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial for preventing the bacon and shrimp from sticking and ensures easy removal.

STEP 5: Arrange Shrimp in Air Fryer
Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space between each piece for the hot air to circulate freely. This promotes even cooking and crispy bacon. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

STEP 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) and cook for 9-10 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your shrimp and bacon. The shrimp should turn opaque and pink, and the bacon should be beautifully crispy. No need to preheat or flip for this recipe!

STEP 7: Serve Immediately
Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer basket. Serve them hot and enjoy! They are best when fresh and crispy.

I typically prepare this recipe in my Cosori Air Fryer. Keep in mind that cooking time can vary by 1-2 minutes depending on your specific air fryer model and its wattage. Always check for doneness to ensure the best results.

Delicious Variations and Flavor Enhancements

While classic bacon wrapped shrimp are fantastic on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and serving styles to suit your palate!

• Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika on the shrimp before wrapping. A dash of hot sauce brushed on the bacon before air frying also works wonders.
• Sweet & Savory: Brush the bacon-wrapped shrimp with a touch of maple syrup, honey, or a brown sugar glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
• Herbaceous Boost: Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro can be added to the shrimp seasoning or sprinkled on top after cooking for a burst of freshness.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Mince some fresh garlic and mix it with a bit of olive oil to toss with the shrimp before seasoning with Old Bay for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mediterranean Twist: Try seasoning with dried oregano, basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking.

Creative Serving Suggestions

• Elegant Appetizer: Serve these on a platter with toothpicks, alongside your favorite dipping sauces for easy grabbing.
• Main Course: Transform them into a main dish by serving them over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or with a fresh salad.
• Pasta Perfection: Toss the cooked shrimp with your favorite pasta, a light garlic butter sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Skewers: Thread the bacon-wrapped shrimp onto skewers before air frying for a fun, easy-to-handle option, especially for parties or BBQ gatherings.
• Grits Side: For a Southern-inspired meal, serve alongside creamy grits.

Expert Tips for Air Frying Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Achieving perfectly cooked bacon wrapped shrimp every time is simple with these expert insights:

• Choose the Right Shrimp: You can use jumbo shrimp or XL (21-25 count) frozen shrimp that have already been deveined and are ready to peel. Alternatively, fresh shrimp from your local fish counter are excellent. Opt for larger shrimp sizes as they cook more evenly with the bacon.
• Tail On or Off?: I typically leave the tails on for presentation, but it’s entirely a personal preference. Removing them can make for easier eating.
• Bacon Thickness Matters: Always opt for thinly sliced bacon for this recipe. Thicker bacon will take longer to crisp up and might result in overcooked shrimp or bacon that isn’t as crispy as desired. If you only have thick-cut bacon, you might need to par-cook it slightly before wrapping.
• No Preheating or Flipping Needed: For this specific recipe, you don’t generally need to preheat your air fryer or flip the shrimp during cooking, which makes it even easier!
• Mind Your Air Fryer: All air fryers cook at different speeds and powers. It’s always a good idea to perform a test run with a small batch if it’s your first time making this recipe in your particular model. Adjust the cooking time by 1-2 minutes as needed to ensure both the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is fully cooked and opaque.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Always cook the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring there’s space for air to circulate. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping, resulting in soggy bacon. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Parchment Paper (Optional): For easier cleanup, you can line your air fryer basket with air fryer safe parchment paper, but make sure it doesn’t block air circulation.

Are you new to air fryers? If so, we have a comprehensive guide about What is an Air Fryer. It covers everything from what you can cook, how to use it, and much more to help you get the most out of your appliance.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While these bacon wrapped shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can easily store and reheat any leftovers.

• Storage: Place any leftover bacon wrapped shrimp in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For optimal freshness and texture, it’s best to consume them quickly.
• Reheating: To bring them back to life, place the shrimp in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 320 degrees F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the bacon crisps up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy and the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You are truly going to love serving this shrimp as a delicious appetizer, a satisfying main dish, or even tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the crispy, juicy goodness!

More Irresistible Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

If you’re hooked on making seafood in your air fryer, here are some other fantastic recipes you should definitely try. The air fryer excels at cooking various types of seafood, making them quick, healthy, and delicious!

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Air Fryer Crab Legs

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Air Fryer Lobster Tails

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Air Fryer Salmon

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Air Fryer Swai Fish