I have always loved shrimp for their delicate flavor and quick cooking time, but pairing them with crispy, smoky bacon takes them to a whole new level. When I discovered how easy it is to make bacon-wrapped shrimp in an air fryer, I was hooked immediately. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy shrimp and perfectly crisped bacon is just irresistible.
Cooking these in the air fryer changes the game. You get the crunch of bacon without the mess of frying in oil, and the shrimp stay tender and flavorful. Every bite is a little explosion of textures and tastes—salty, smoky, slightly sweet, and incredibly savory. I love serving these as an appetizer or a main dish with a light salad or dipping sauce. Honestly, once you try this, it’s hard to go back to plain shrimp!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Shrimp: Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for this recipe. They cook quickly and have the perfect texture for wrapping in bacon. The size matters here—medium or large shrimp work best because they hold the bacon snugly without falling apart.
Bacon: Regular-cut bacon strips are ideal. They provide the perfect balance of fat and crispness. Thinner bacon can crisp too quickly and burn, while extra thick bacon might not cook fully in the air fryer. Choose your favorite brand for that smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle aromatic punch to the shrimp. It blends well with the smoky bacon without overpowering the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Paprika: A touch of paprika gives the shrimp a warm, slightly smoky color and flavor. You can use smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor or regular paprika for a milder profile.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall taste, balancing the richness of the bacon and shrimp. It adds just a bit of bite to each piece.
Toothpicks: These are essential for securing the bacon around the shrimp. Wooden toothpicks work best, but make sure to soak them in water for a few minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks for securing
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp help the bacon stick better and ensure a crisp texture.
Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated. This seasoning will infuse every bite with flavor.
Wrap the Shrimp
Take one shrimp and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick, making sure the bacon overlaps slightly to stay in place during cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot air fryer ensures the bacon starts crisping immediately.
Air Fry the Shrimp
Place the wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are opaque.
Serve
Remove the shrimp carefully using tongs. Let them rest for a minute before serving to allow the bacon to firm up. Enjoy as an appetizer or pair with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use thawed shrimp: Frozen shrimp can release water while cooking, making the bacon soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate for even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust cooking time for thicker bacon: If using thicker bacon, add 2–3 minutes to ensure crispiness.
- Soak toothpicks: Prevents burning during air frying.
- Optional glaze: Brush a bit of maple syrup or honey on the bacon before cooking for a sweet-savory twist.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but cook for only 4–5 minutes to avoid overcooking, as pre-cooked shrimp is already done.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can wrap the shrimp in bacon and refrigerate for a few hours, but air fry just before serving to keep the bacon crispy.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all excellent choices.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan, flipping halfway through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely, as long as your seasonings and toothpicks are gluten-free.