Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers are a popular appliance, and bacon-wrapped shrimp is a beloved snack and appetizer worldwide. The good news is that you can cook bacon-wrapped shrimp in an air fryer, and it's super fast and easy to make. It's a great option for when you're short on time but want something tasty and crispy. The air fryer helps the bacon cook evenly without needing extra oil, making it healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation tips

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. You will need an air fryer, a mixing bowl, a cutting board, a sharp knife, aluminium foil or parchment paper, tongs, and a platter or serving plate. For the ingredients, you will need shrimp, bacon, seasoning, and oil spray.

Firstly, prepare your shrimp by peeling and deveining them. You can choose to keep the tails on or remove them, but make sure the shrimp are cleaned and at room temperature. Dry the shrimp with paper towels, and then place them into a mixing bowl. Add your chosen seasoning to the bowl and toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated.

Next, cut your bacon slices in half. You can use a variety of bacon types, but thinly sliced bacon is recommended as it will wrap more easily around the shrimp. Dredge each half-slice of bacon in your chosen sauce, and then wrap it tightly around a shrimp, starting at the tail end. Secure the bacon with a toothpick or metal skewer, and then place the wrapped shrimp onto a sheet of foil or parchment paper. Repeat this process until all your shrimp are wrapped.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the inside of the air fryer basket with a non-aerosol oil spray to prevent sticking, and then place the wrapped shrimp into the basket in a single layer, ensuring they are seam-side down.

Cooking instructions

Firstly, prepare your shrimp. You should opt for large shrimp, which are easier to wrap in bacon. Clean and devein the shrimp, and remove the shells. You can choose to keep the tails on or off. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and at room temperature. Dry the shrimp with paper towels.

Next, prepare your bacon. Cut each slice of bacon in half, and wrap one half around the middle of each shrimp. Starting at the tail end, gently wrap the bacon around the shrimp, ensuring it overlaps with itself. You can use a toothpick or metal skewer to secure the bacon to the shrimp. Place the wrapped shrimp onto a sheet of foil or parchment paper while you prepare the rest.

Now, prepare your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the inside of the basket or tray with a non-aerosol cooking oil spray, such as avocado or coconut oil. You should avoid aerosol sprays as these can strip the non-stick material.

Then, prepare your seasoning. You can use a store-bought seasoning, such as Johnny's Seasoning Salt, or make your own. A popular option is a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also add garlic to your seasoning, or opt for a BBQ, cajun, or Old Bay seasoning. If you want to keep things simple, you can omit the seasoning altogether.

Once your shrimp are wrapped and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook! Place the shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren't crowded. This will help them cook evenly. Depending on your shrimp size and bacon thickness, the cooking time will vary. For large shrimp with a recommended temperature of 400 degrees, cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-8 minutes. For a lower temperature of 360 degrees, 8 minutes should be enough. If your shrimp are smaller, or your bacon is thinly cut, check on them regularly to ensure they don't burn.

Finally, remove the shrimp from the air fryer with tongs and place them on a platter to serve. Enjoy!

Choosing shrimp and bacon

When it comes to choosing the shrimp and bacon for your air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. This is because smaller shrimp cook more quickly, and using larger shrimp provides a more satisfying bite. It also makes it easier to wrap them in bacon strips. If you are using medium shrimp, you can use about 1/3 slice of bacon per shrimp.

It is important to ensure your shrimp are cleaned, peeled, deveined, and have the shells removed. The tails can be left on or removed, depending on your preference. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and wrapping.

When choosing bacon, it is best to opt for thin-cut bacon as it cooks more evenly and crisps up perfectly. Thick-cut bacon doesn't wrap as tightly and can take longer to cook. Center-cut bacon is a good option as it usually has less fat but still has a great smoky flavour and texture. Keeping the bacon in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it will make it easier to wrap.

Seasoning and sauce

While bacon-wrapped shrimp is a tasty treat on its own, seasoning and sauces can enhance the flavor and make it even more delicious.

For seasoning, you can use a steak seasoning, or a combination of garlic salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Some recipes suggest a spice rub with brown sugar, maple syrup, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, creating a sweet and spicy flavor. You can also use a store-bought seasoning salt like Johnny's Seasoning Salt, or Old Bay seasoning.

For sauces, a simple brush of barbecue sauce is a popular choice, with some recipes suggesting a mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and BBQ sauce. For a sweeter option, try a honey BBQ sauce, or a combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and soy sauce. If you want to add a kick, include some cayenne pepper. A buttery garlic sauce is another option, or a simple avocado oil spray to keep the shrimp moist.

When using seasoning, it is best to toss the shrimp in a bowl with the chosen seasoning to ensure an even coating. For sauces, you can brush the sauce onto the shrimp before or after placing them in the air fryer. You can also pour the sauce over the shrimp once they are skewered, ensuring all pieces are covered.

Serving suggestions

Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious and easy-to-make recipe:

Appetizer

Bacon-wrapped shrimp makes a great appetizer or snack, especially when served with a selection of dipping sauces. Some sauce suggestions include barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, creamy sriracha, garlic aioli, a simple squeeze of lemon juice, or even a garlicky tartar sauce. For a spicier kick, serve with sriracha mayo, spicy mayo, or a chili-infused oil. These dips will complement the juicy shrimp and crispy bacon perfectly.

Side Dish

This dish also works well as a side, especially when paired with other grilled or fried foods. For example, serve it alongside chicken wings, grilled jalapeños, or even some homemade hush puppies. The combination of flavors and textures will enhance your dining experience.

Main Course

For a light yet satisfying main course, serve the bacon-wrapped shrimp with a big Caesar salad and some crusty bread. Alternatively, you can pair it with rice, pasta, or a variety of vegetables. Try Air Fryer Asparagus or Marinated Green Beans as sides to complement the shrimp and bacon flavors.

Wine Pairing

When serving bacon-wrapped shrimp as a main course, consider pairing it with a medium- to full-bodied white wine. An oaked Chardonnay or a Viognier would be excellent choices to complement the delicate seafood and salty bacon flavors.

Dessert

For a well-rounded meal, finish with a dessert that will refresh your palate after the savory main course. A light and fruity option, such as a sorbet or fruit salad, can provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.

With its versatility and ease of preparation, bacon-wrapped shrimp cooked in an air fryer is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions and creating memorable dining experiences!

Frequently asked questions