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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

iamwinfred
This air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp recipe is the appetizer I reach for whenever I need something impressive on the table in under thirty minutes. Juicy jumbo shrimp get wrapped in a half slice of bacon, seasoned simply, and air fried until the bacon turns golden and crisp. No grill, no oven, no standing over a skillet watching for splatters. Just a basket full of sizzling, smoky, salty bites that disappear the second they hit the serving plate.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Instant-read meat thermometer (optional)
  • Wooden or metal toothpicks soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes
  • Silicone basting brush (optional, for glaze)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp 21 to 25 count, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 12 slices regular cut bacon halved lengthwise to make 24 strips, about 1 pound
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt optional, bacon is already salty
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional, for sweet and savory glaze
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional, for glaze
  • wooden toothpicks soaked in water for 10 minutes
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • lemon wedges for serving

For Serving (Optional)

  • cocktail sauce for dipping
  • spicy aioli for dipping
  • remoulade for dipping

Instructions
 

  • Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. If needed, peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact. Place in a mixing bowl.
  • Drizzle shrimp with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt (if using) over shrimp. Toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Lay bacon slices flat on cutting board and slice each strip in half lengthwise to create two long, thin strips per slice.
  • Starting near the tail end, wrap one half-strip of bacon around each shrimp in a slight spiral, overlapping just enough to cover the shrimp. Secure the end with a soaked toothpick. Repeat with remaining shrimp and bacon.
  • Preheat air fryer to 390°F for 3-4 minutes. Lightly spray basket with cooking spray. Arrange wrapped shrimp in a single layer, seam side down, leaving space between each piece.
  • Air fry at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping carefully with tongs halfway through. Cook until bacon is golden and crisp and shrimp is pink, opaque, and curled into a loose C shape (internal temperature 120-125°F).
  • If using glaze, whisk brown sugar and honey together. During the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, brush glaze over each shrimp. Return to air fryer just until glaze becomes sticky and slightly caramelized.
  • Remove shrimp from basket with tongs and let rest on paper towels for 2 minutes. Remove toothpicks or leave in for serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use jumbo shrimp (21-25 count) so cooking time matches the bacon. Smaller shrimp will overcook before bacon crisps.
  • Always use regular cut bacon rather than thick cut for this recipe. Thick cut won't crisp in the same amount of time.
  • Pat shrimp fully dry before seasoning so spices actually stick and bacon gets crispy.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches so hot air circulates around every piece.
  • Soak wooden toothpicks in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from scorching in the air fryer.
  • Flip shrimp halfway through cooking for even crisping on all sides.
  • If bacon needs more crispiness, add 1-2 extra minutes at 390°F and check again.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning blend.
  • For BBQ style, brush with barbecue sauce instead of honey glaze during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
  • These can be frozen after cooking. Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Turkey bacon can be used as a lighter option, but secure well with toothpicks as it can shift more in the basket.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 24gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 280mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg
Keyword air fryer appetizer, bacon wrapped shrimp, low carb shrimp, party appetizer
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