Bacon Wrapped Shrimp (Air Fryer or Oven)

Upgrade your appetizer game with a bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe. The recipe is perfect for the air fryer or oven. You'll enjoy a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a winner. Get ready for the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. Plus, I'll share tips for both air fryer and oven methods, so you can whip up these delectable bacon-wrapped shrimp with ease.

If you like my bacon-wrapped salmon bites, you will love these crispy bacon wrapped shrimp. Both are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce.

Ingredients

You'll need large shrimp, thinly sliced bacon, and seasonings. The large shrimp should be peeled and deveined for easy eating. Each slice of bacon must be thin to cook at the same rate as the shrimp.

Here's the full list of ingredients needed to make the recipe:

• large shrimp
• low-sodium bacon
• garlic powder
• light brown sugar (optional)
• salt and pepper, taste
• olive oil 

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Before wrapping each piece of shrimp with a strip of bacon, ensure that both are dry to help achieve crispy results when cooked in an air fryer or oven. Patting them dry using paper towels will remove excess moisture from both ingredients. You'll also need to preheat oven or air fryer.

Hint: Partially cook the bacon in the oven or on the stovetop until it's just starting to turn golden but is still pliable. This ensures that the bacon will be fully cooked and crispy when your shrimp is fully cooked.

Variations

You can easily change up this bacon and shrimp recipe depending on your own preferences. Here are a few ideas you can try:

• Bacon - Try different bacon flavors like maple or smoked hickory to add depth and complexity to your dish. Each type of bacon brings its own unique smoky sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile
• Seasoning - Experiment with different seasoning blends. Use cajun spice for a bold and zesty kick or lemon pepper for a bright citrusy flavor.
• Parmesan - Sprinkle on grated Parmesan before cooking. This adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
• Grill - If you prefer to cook these outdoors, you can cook them on the grill, too.

You can also air fry shrimp with just seasonings. Check out my shrimp skewers recipe to see how I cook them in the air fryer.

Tips

• Brush the bacon wrapped shrimp with oil before cooking to add an extra layer of crispiness to the exterior. The oil helps the bacon become wonderfully crunchy while preventing it from drying during cooking. It also enhances browning, giving the outside a beautiful golden color.
• Avoid overcrowding when air frying. When food is too close together, hot air may not circulate properly around each. As a result, some pieces may end up undercooked while others become overly crispy or even burnt.

Serving suggestions

I like to serve the shrimp with a rich and creamy garlic aioli dipping sauce. But you can dip them in other sauces like a seasoned soy sauce, cocktail sauce, or salsa.

You can use them to add a crispy element to salads. Try serving them with a simple berry salad or chopped Greek salad.

Storage

To store bacon-wrapped shrimp, it's best to wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

If you want to freeze bacon-wrapped shrimp, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are firm. Once firm, transfer the shrimp to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it's best to thaw them before wrapping with bacon. This ensures even cooking and better flavor infusion.

How do I prevent the bacon from getting too crispy or burnt in the air fryer?

To prevent overcooking the bacon, you can partially cook it in a microwave or skillet before wrapping the shrimp. This way, it will crisp up nicely without burning in the air fryer.

Related Recipes

If you love shrimp as much as I do, you need to check out some of my other small-batch recipes featuring this delicious seafood. Here are some of my favorites:

• Skillet shrimp scampi
• Panko fried shrimp
• Shrimp and corn bisque
• Garlic butter shrimp pasta
• Shrimp and broccoli is a super simple stir fry recipe.

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