Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is complete with plump shrimp and crispy bacon in every bite! Shrimp wrapped in bacon makes the perfect appetizer or main dish!

This might be one of the easy shrimp recipes you will ever make in your air fryer! After all, who doesn’t love the winning combination of bacon shrimp?

Can You Cook Bacon Wrapped Shrimp In Air Fryer?

Certainly! Cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp in an air fryer is a delicious and quick way to prepare this appetizer. The air fryer will cook the bacon to a crispy texture while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy.

If you are looking for even more air fryer appetizers, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Crab Rangoon, Air Fryer Shrimp and Vegetables, Air Fryer Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls, and Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos.

Why Cook Bacon Wrapped Shrimp In Air Fryer?

Cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp in an air fryer offers several advantages over traditional cooking methods:

• Crispiness: Air fryers are designed to circulate hot air around the food, producing a crisp outer layer. This means the bacon will be perfectly crispy while the shrimp remains tender.
• Healthier Option: Air frying requires little to no oil than deep frying. This reduces the fat and calories in your dish without compromising on taste or texture.
• Quick Cooking Time: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens or stovetop methods. This means you can enjoy your bacon-wrapped shrimp in less time.
• Less Mess: Cooking in an air fryer can reduce the splatter and mess of frying on a stovetop. This can make cleanup easier and faster.
• Even Cooking: The hot air circulation ensures that the food is cooked evenly from all sides. So, you’re less likely to end up with crispy bacon on one side and undercooked on the other.
• Versatility: While making bacon-wrapped shrimp, you can also throw in some vegetables or other side dishes to air fry, making it a one-stop cooking solution.
• Flavor Concentration: Because there’s no water and very little oil, the flavors are more concentrated and robust when air-fried.
• Safety: Without hot oil to splatter or potentially spill, air frying is generally considered safer than deep frying.

Using an air fryer to cook bacon-wrapped shrimp (or many other foods) can be a healthier, quicker, cleaner, and more efficient method that yields delicious results.

Ingredients Needed For Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Air Fryer

Although many different types of recipes are available for the air fryer, one dish everyone loves is bacon-wrapped shrimp. This delicious combination adds a wonderful flavor profile that can be enjoyed at any dinner party or special occasion. With the help of an air fryer, you can easily create this delightful dish in just minutes with minimal effort! 

Below, we’ll provide all the ingredients needed for making your bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe in an air fryer. Read on to find out more about what goes into creating such a tasty and simple appetizer!

​Remember the step-by-step directions and full recipe are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. ​

• Raw Shrimp: Shrimp are the main star of this dish. They provide a tender and sweet contrast to the crispy bacon. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easier consumption. Depending on personal preference, you can leave the tail on for a handle or remove it.
• Thin-Sliced Bacon: Bacon slices are used to wrap around the shrimp. Thin slices work best because they get crispier faster in the air fryer, ensuring the shrimp don’t overcook when the bacon is done.
• Black Pepper (optional): A classic seasoning, black pepper can enhance the shrimp and bacon flavors. It adds a slight spicy kick that complements the dish’s overall taste.
• Your Favorite Seasoning or Marinade (optional): This can range from simple salt and herbs to elaborate marinades. It infuses the shrimp with additional flavors before they’re wrapped in bacon. Common choices include garlic powder, paprika, or a touch of cayenne for heat.

Remember, the beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, but there’s also room for creativity. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients or seasonings to suit your palate!

Today’s Video!

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Shrimp In Air Fryer

Bacon-wrapped shrimp – a simple yet delicious recipe that delivers the best of both worlds: the salty goodness from bacon and juicy, succulent shrimp. This dish can be cooked in a conventional oven, but if you’re looking for an easier, quicker way to whip it up, cooking it in an air fryer is definitely the way to go!

Not only does this method ensure your delicious morsels are cooked until perfection every single time, but it also keeps all of its flavors intact without compromising taste or texture.

Moreover, it eliminates extra fat and grease for a healthier alternative to pan frying. Read this post for simple steps on cooking up some yummy bacon-wrapped shrimp in your air fryer!

Preparation: If you use a seasoning or marinade, toss the shrimp in it, ensuring they’re well-coated. Allow them to sit and marinate for about 10-15 minutes.

Wrapping: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each piece of shrimp. Depending on the shrimp and bacon size, you might need to cut the bacon strips in half. If the bacon doesn’t stay in place, you can secure it using a toothpick.

Preheat: Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 2-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Arrange: Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Bacon seam side down in the air fryer basket.  It’s important to ensure they aren’t touching so that they cook evenly, as the circulating hot air needs to reach all sides of the shrimp and bacon.

Season: If desired, sprinkle some black pepper over the wrapped shrimp for added flavor.

How Long Do You Cook Cook Bacon Wrapped Shrimp In Air Fryer

Cook: Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and the cook time for 10-12 minutes. It’s essential to monitor them, especially if it’s your first time using the air fryer for this dish. You want the bacon to be crispy and the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, indicating they’re fully cooked.

Check and Flip (optional): At around the halfway mark (5-6 minutes), you can open the air fryer and flip the shrimp to ensure even cooking. Some modern air fryers might not require this step due to their efficient air circulation.

Serve: Once done, carefully remove the bacon-wrapped shrimp from the air fryer. Let them sit for a minute or two to cool slightly, then serve. They’re delicious and serve, with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer. 

Enjoy your crispy and delicious bacon-wrapped shrimp from the air fryer! As always, the exact cooking time might vary based on the shrimp size, the bacon thickness, and the specific air fryer model you’re using, so adjust as needed.

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Pro Tips For Cooking Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp in an air fryer is relatively straightforward, but here are some pro tips to ensure perfection every time:

• Use Thin Bacon: Opt for thinly-cut bacon. Thin cut bacon cooks faster and becomes crispier in the air fryer, ensuring the shrimp doesn’t overcook when the bacon is ready.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Before wrapping them in bacon, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps the bacon adhere better and reduces the chance of the shrimp steaming.
• Secure with Toothpicks: If the bacon isn’t wrapped around the shrimp, secure it with a toothpick. Just remember to remove them before eating!
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the shrimp are placed in a single layer without touching. This ensures even cooking as the hot air circulates freely around each piece.
• Check Doneness: While the bacon might look done, ensure the shrimp is cooked through. It should be opaque and pink. Using a food thermometer, shrimp is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C).
• Preheat the Air Fryer: While some recipes might not call for it, preheating the air fryer can lead to more consistent and quicker cooking results.
• Rotate or Shake Midway: For even crispiness, consider flipping or shaking the shrimp halfway through the cooking time, especially if your air fryer doesn’t circulate air perfectly.
• Use a Cooking Spray: A light spritz of cooking spray (like olive oil or avocado oil spray) on the wrapped shrimp can help achieve an extra crispy finish on the bacon.
• Experiment with Flavors: While simple salt and pepper can be sufficient, consider using various marinades or seasonings, such as chili-lime, dry rub, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic herb, or Cajun, to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
• Quick Serve: Serve bacon-wrapped shrimp immediately after cooking for the best texture. If they sit for too long, the bacon can lose its crispiness.
• Clean After Each Use: Tiny bits of bacon or seasoning might remain in the air fryer after cooking. Ensure you clean your air fryer basket after each use to prevent smoke or burning smells during your next cooking session.

Following these pro tips can help ensure your bacon-wrapped shrimp is delicious and perfectly cooked every time you use the air fryer. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Place frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water for about an hour before preparation.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Shrimp can become rubbery when overcooked. Ensure that you’re using thin bacon that cooks quickly, and monitor the shrimp closely during the cooking process. Using bigger shrimp can also help, as they take slightly longer to cook, matching the bacon’s cooking time. For best results use jumbo shrimp, large shrimp, and prevent using precooked shrimps.

Can I make these in advance for a party?
You can prep (marinate and wrap) the shrimp in advance and refrigerate them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. When you’re ready to serve, cook them in the air fryer. They’re best served fresh from the fryer for maximum crispiness.

What sauces go well with bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Popular choices include cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, lemon juice, sweet chili sauce, and lemon-butter sauce.

How long can I store leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days after cooling to room temperature. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative to regular bacon. Remember that it might have a different cooking time and texture when done.

What side dishes pair well with bacon-wrapped shrimp?
For a complete meal, consider serving with air-fried vegetables, a light salad, coleslaw, or garlic bread.

Can You Use Toothpicks In the Air Fryer?

Yes, absolutely. Toothpicks make the shrimp wrapped in bacon stay together well. I use them all of the time. You can also use skewers to hold the bacon in place.

Can I Bake Shrimp Wrapped In Bacon?

Yes, you can make this bacon wrapped shrimp recipe in your oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, then cook them for 15 minutes on a baking sheet.

More Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes

• AIR FRYER OLD BAY GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS
• EASY AIR FRYER TEMPURA SHRIMP
• AIR FRYER EASY AIR FRIED SHRIMP TACOS

What To Serve With This Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Air Fryer Recipe

Here are some of my favorites:

• Air Fryer Pickles
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Panko Coated Air Fryer Shrimp
• Ninja Foodi Pad Thai

I hope you loved this recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe; remember to leave a recipe rating below. I would appreciate it!