Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: Crispy, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious appetizer or main course. This method allows you to achieve a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside. The air fryer's rapid air circulation ensures even cooking, resulting in a perfectly cooked shrimp with a crispy bacon coating. This recipe is a great option for those who want a healthier alternative to deep-frying or a convenient way to prepare a tasty meal in a short amount of time.

Preheat Air Fryer: Set temperature to 375°F for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step to ensure your bacon-wrapped shrimp turns out perfectly cooked and delicious. Here's a detailed guide on how to preheat your air fryer to the ideal temperature:

Step 1: Set the Temperature

Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp as it allows for a good balance of cooking time and temperature, ensuring the shrimp cooks evenly and the bacon gets crispy.

Step 2: Wait for Preheating

Once the temperature is set, let the air fryer preheat for approximately 5 minutes. This waiting period is crucial as it ensures the air fryer's heating element has enough time to reach the desired temperature. Preheating also helps to create a consistent cooking environment, which is essential for even cooking.

Preheating your air fryer is a simple yet effective technique that can significantly impact the quality of your food. It ensures that the hot air circulates evenly around the food, resulting in a more uniform cook. This is especially important for dishes like bacon-wrapped shrimp, where you want the bacon to crisp up beautifully while cooking the shrimp thoroughly.

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding food to ensure optimal cooking results.
• If you're cooking multiple batches, preheat the air fryer between batches to maintain consistency.
• For best results, use an oven thermometer to check the preheating temperature, especially if your air fryer doesn't have an in-built temperature indicator.

By following this simple preheating step, you'll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering dish of bacon-wrapped shrimp, cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Prepare Shrimp: Peel and devein, then wrap each in bacon

Preparing bacon-wrapped shrimp for the air fryer is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful appetizer or main course. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master this dish:

Start by selecting fresh, large shrimp. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess dirt or debris. Then, it's time for the essential preparation steps: peeling and deveining. Carefully peel the shrimp, removing the outer shell, and then use your fingers or a small tool to remove the vein running along the back of the shrimp. This process ensures a clean and appealing presentation.

Once the shrimp are prepared, it's time to wrap them in bacon. Take a piece of bacon and carefully wrap it around the shrimp, ensuring it covers the entire length. You can secure the bacon with a small toothpick or a skewer to keep it in place during cooking. Repeat this process for each shrimp, creating a delightful array of bacon-wrapped treats.

Now, for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to a temperature of around 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

When the shrimp are ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. The bacon will be crispy and the shrimp tender, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Serve these mouth-watering treats as an appetizer or a unique main course, paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of air-fried bacon-wrapped shrimp!

Seasoning: Brush shrimp with oil and season with salt and pepper

When preparing bacon-wrapped shrimp for the air fryer, seasoning is a crucial step to enhance the flavors and ensure a delicious outcome. Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels; this step is essential as moisture can prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly and may cause them to steam instead of sear. Next, take a small amount of high-smoke-point oil, such as avocado or canola oil, and brush it generously over the shrimp. This initial coating of oil helps to create a crispy exterior and ensures that the shrimp don't stick to the bacon or the cooking basket.

Seasoning is a simple yet effective way to elevate the taste. A pinch of salt and a twist of freshly ground black pepper are all you need. You can also add a little garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor if desired. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. For a more complex flavor profile, consider using a blend of spices like Old Bay or a similar seafood seasoning. Remember, a light hand is key when seasoning; you can always add more, but it's difficult to fix if you over-season.

After seasoning, ensure that the shrimp are well-coated by gently patting them dry again. This step is often overlooked but is crucial for achieving the desired texture. The goal is to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the shrimp juicy and tender inside. By taking the time to properly season and dry the shrimp, you'll set the foundation for a mouth-watering dish.

Once the shrimp are seasoned and dried, you're ready to proceed with the cooking process. The air fryer will help you achieve a crispy bacon exterior and a perfectly cooked shrimp interior in a relatively short time. This method of cooking is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires less oil and produces less mess.

In summary, seasoning the shrimp with a simple brush of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper is a critical step that will significantly impact the final taste. This basic preparation technique is a key component in creating a delicious and crispy bacon-wrapped shrimp dish when using an air fryer.

Cooking Time: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crispy

When preparing bacon-wrapped shrimp in an air fryer, timing is crucial to ensure the perfect crispiness. The cooking process typically takes around 10 to 12 minutes, but it's important to note that this duration may vary slightly depending on your air fryer's power and the number of shrimp you're cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the desired result:

Start by preheating your air fryer to a temperature of 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking bacon-wrapped shrimp as it helps to cook the shrimp evenly while also providing enough heat to crisp the bacon. Prepare your shrimp by wrapping each piece with a slice of bacon, ensuring that the bacon is securely wrapped around the shrimp to prevent any spills during cooking.

Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even air circulation. Set a timer for 10 minutes. During this time, the shrimp will begin to cook, and the bacon will start to crisp up. After 5 minutes, carefully flip the shrimp using a pair of tongs to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your shrimp and the desired level of crispiness. For extra crispiness, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2-3 minutes, but be cautious as this may slightly overcook the shrimp.

Once the cooking time is up, remove the shrimp from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving, as this will make them easier to handle. The bacon-wrapped shrimp are now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or main course, paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and enjoy

Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course that can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy and flavorful dish. Here's a guide on how to serve this tasty creation:

Preparation and Cooking: Start by preparing the shrimp. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tail on for a more appealing presentation. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine. This method ensures the bacon stays in place during cooking. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can also add a bit of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other to promote even cooking. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the shrimp and your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The goal is to achieve a crispy bacon exterior and perfectly cooked shrimp.

Serving Suggestions: Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges. The citrusy flavor of lemon complements the bacon and shrimp beautifully. Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp, or offer the wedges on the side for guests to add their own.

Serve this dish as an appetizer or a light main course. It's an excellent option for a quick and impressive meal. The bacon provides a satisfying crunch, while the shrimp remains tender and juicy. Accompany it with a refreshing drink or a crisp salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

Feel free to experiment with different spices and sauces to customize the dish to your taste. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped chives for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of air-fried bacon-wrapped shrimp!

Frequently asked questions