If you’re craving a delicious appetizer or a quick yet impressive dinner, look no further than Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. The smoky flavor of bacon paired with the sweet, tender shrimp is a match made in culinary heaven. With the help of your trusty air fryer, this dish comes together in no time and delivers that perfect crispy, savory bite.
I love making this recipe for special occasions, casual dinners, or whenever I need a crowd-pleasing dish. The beauty of using the air fryer is that it cooks everything to perfection while keeping the shrimp juicy and the bacon crispy, without the extra oil. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this easy recipe will elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of this recipe. You’ll want to choose medium to large shrimp so they can easily be wrapped in bacon. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon works best for wrapping around the shrimp. You’ll need enough slices to wrap around each shrimp completely. The bacon crisps up nicely in the air fryer, adding that smoky flavor and satisfying crunch.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps ensure that the bacon crisps up in the air fryer. It also adds a subtle richness to the shrimp and bacon combination.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the flavor profile, bringing in a savory depth that complements both the shrimp and bacon.
Paprika: Paprika adds a gentle smokiness and a touch of color to the dish. You can use smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor.
Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the shrimp and bacon.
Ingredients list
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by prepping the shrimp. If they aren’t already peeled and deveined, make sure to do that first. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This ensures that the bacon will crisp up properly.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat them evenly with the seasonings to infuse flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Wrap the Shrimp with Bacon
Cut each slice of bacon in half, then wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure it stays in place while cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry the Shrimp
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute to cool slightly before serving. Remove any toothpicks, and enjoy these crispy, savory treats!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For extra flavor, try using thick-cut bacon for an even crispier texture.
- If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- You can experiment with seasoning the shrimp with other spices like cayenne pepper or lemon zest for an added twist.
- Serve these shrimp with a dipping sauce like garlic butter, ranch, or a spicy aioli to elevate the flavor even further.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and wrapping them with bacon. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked? Shrimp cook quickly, and you’ll know they’re done when they turn a pinkish-orange color and form a C-shape. If they curl into an O, they may be overcooked.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While it’s best to cook bacon-wrapped shrimp fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prep them in advance by wrapping the shrimp in bacon, seasoning them, and storing them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of the air fryer? Yes, you can bake the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the air fryer gives you that extra crispiness in less time.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy and juicy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp! Perfect for any occasion, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.