Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

Save on Pinterest Share on Facebook

I’m always looking for appetizers that feel fancy but don’t require hours in the kitchen, and this Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe absolutely delivers.

The combination of crispy bacon and juicy shrimp is unbeatable, and cooking them in the air fryer means you get that perfect crispiness without any greasy mess or standing over a hot pan. I first tried making these for a casual dinner party last year, and they disappeared so fast I had to make a second batch on the spot.

The best part? From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 20 minutes of actual work.

These bacon-wrapped beauties are smoky, savory, and just a little bit sweet if you add a touch of glaze. They work equally well as an elegant appetizer for guests or as a protein-packed snack for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

This recipe has become my go-to for good reason. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you crispy bacon and perfectly cooked shrimp without flipping halfway through or worrying about uneven cooking.

Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

Super quick cooking time – Ready in under 15 minutes once prepped
Minimal cleanup – No splattering grease on your stovetop
Customizable flavors – Easy to adjust seasonings to your taste
Impressive presentation – Looks like restaurant-quality food with minimal effort
Crowd-pleaser – I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love these
Perfect texture every time – The air fryer ensures crispy bacon without overcooked shrimp

If you enjoy seafood appetizers, you might also enjoy my Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
8-10 slices bacon (regular or thick-cut, cut in half)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for a sweet glaze)
Toothpicks (wooden, soaked in water for 10 minutes)
Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to make these. Just grab a few basic tools and you’re ready to go.

Air fryer (any size will work; I use a 5-quart model)
Mixing bowl
Paper towels
Small bowl (for soaking toothpicks)
Tongs (for handling the shrimp)
Baking sheet (optional, for assembling)

Recommended Products for This Recipe

Based on years of making these bacon-wrapped shrimp, I’ve found a few products that genuinely make a difference in the final result.

1. Wild-Caught Jumbo Shrimp

The quality of your shrimp makes or breaks this dish. I always go for wild-caught jumbo shrimp because they have better flavor and a firmer texture that holds up perfectly when wrapped in bacon.

Shop Now

2. Thick-Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon

Regular bacon works fine, but thick-cut applewood smoked bacon adds a deeper, smokier flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully. It also stays crispier in the air fryer without becoming too brittle.

Shop Now

3. Cosori Air Fryer

I’ve tried multiple air fryer brands, and the Cosori consistently gives the most even cooking. The bacon gets crispy all around, and the shrimp cook through perfectly without any dried-out edges.

Shop Now

4. Organic Smoked Paprika

Regular paprika is fine, but smoked paprika adds an extra layer of depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is. A little goes a long way.

Shop Now

Step-by-Step Instructions

I’ve broken down each step so you can’t go wrong, even if this is your first time wrapping shrimp in bacon.

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels (this is crucial for crispy bacon)
If your shrimp still have tails, decide now if you want to leave them on for presentation or remove them for easier eating
Place the dried shrimp in a mixing bowl
Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using)
Toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly with the seasonings
Let the shrimp sit while you prepare the bacon (about 5 minutes)

2. Prep the Bacon

Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise (you want pieces long enough to wrap around the shrimp once with a slight overlap)
If you’re using thick-cut bacon and it seems too wide, you can also cut it lengthwise
Lay the bacon pieces on a clean work surface or cutting board
Have your soaked toothpicks ready nearby (soaking prevents them from burning in the air fryer)

3. Wrap the Shrimp

Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around the middle of a shrimp in a spiral pattern
Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly (this helps it stay put and cook more evenly)
Secure the bacon in place by threading a toothpick through the shrimp and bacon
Try to position the toothpick so it goes through both the shrimp and the bacon to hold everything together
Repeat with remaining shrimp and bacon
If you’re adding brown sugar for a glaze, sprinkle a light coating over the wrapped shrimp now

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
Let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes
While it’s preheating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking
This step ensures even cooking from the moment you add the shrimp

5. Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket
Leave a little space between each piece (they need air circulation to get crispy)
Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if necessary
Make sure none of the toothpicks are sticking up where they might touch the heating element

6. Air Fry the Shrimp

Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes
At the 5-minute mark, carefully flip each shrimp using tongs
Check for doneness—the bacon should be crispy and browned, and the shrimp should be pink and opaque
If the bacon needs more crisping but the shrimp are done, you can cook for an additional 1-2 minutes
The exact time depends on the size of your shrimp and how thick your bacon is

Read Also: Air Fryer Bacon Recipe

7. Rest and Serve

Remove the cooked shrimp from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate
Let them rest for 2-3 minutes (this allows the bacon to crisp up even more)
Remove the toothpicks carefully before serving, or leave them in for easier handling
Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Tips for Success

A few small tricks will take these from good to absolutely incredible. I learned most of these through trial and error, so you don’t have to.

Dry your shrimp thoroughly – Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy bacon
Don’t skip soaking the toothpicks – Dry toothpicks can burn and leave an unpleasant taste
Cut bacon to the right length – Too long and it won’t crisp properly; too short and it won’t stay wrapped
Space them out – Overcrowding leads to steamed bacon instead of crispy bacon
Flip halfway through – This ensures even browning on all sides
Watch the last few minutes closely – The difference between perfectly crispy and burnt happens fast
Use jumbo or extra-large shrimp – Smaller shrimp can overcook before the bacon crisps up
Try par-cooking the bacon – If your bacon is very thick, microwave it for 30-60 seconds first to render some fat

Another favorite: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped shrimp are versatile enough to work in almost any meal scenario. I’ve served them dozens of different ways, and they always feel special.

Here are my favorite ways to serve them:

As an appetizer – Arrange on a platter with cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo for dipping
Game day snack – Set out alongside air fryer chicken wings and air fryer zucchini fries
Over salad – Place on top of mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette for a light lunch
With rice or quinoa – Make it a main course by serving over grains with roasted vegetables
On skewers – Thread multiple wrapped shrimp on longer skewers for easier outdoor grilling presentation
Taco filling – Chop them up and stuff into tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, these variations will keep things interesting. I rotate through these depending on my mood and what’s in the pantry.

Honey Sriracha Glaze – Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 1 tablespoon sriracha and brush on before cooking
Maple Bourbon – Combine maple syrup with a splash of bourbon and a dash of black pepper
Cajun-Spiced – Replace the paprika and garlic powder with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Jalapeño Popper Style – Stuff each shrimp with a small piece of cream cheese and a jalapeño slice before wrapping
Brown Sugar and Chipotle – Mix brown sugar with a pinch of chipotle powder for smoky-sweet heat
Garlic Butter Finish – Brush with melted garlic butter immediately after cooking
Asian-Inspired – Marinate shrimp in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil before wrapping

You might also enjoy: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe.

Storage and Reheating

These are best enjoyed fresh, but I’ve successfully stored and reheated leftovers many times when I’ve made a big batch.

Storing:

Let the shrimp cool completely to room temperature
Place in an airtight container with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Don’t freeze these—the texture of both the shrimp and bacon suffers significantly

Reheating:

Air fryer method: Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy
Oven method: Place on a baking sheet at 375°F for 5-7 minutes
Avoid the microwave—it makes the bacon soggy and rubbery

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (4 bacon-wrapped shrimp, based on 20 total):

Calories: 180
Protein: 18g
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 420mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on shrimp size, bacon thickness, and any additional glazes or seasonings you use.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Beyond being delicious, this recipe actually has some solid nutritional benefits. Shrimp is one of my favorite lean proteins, and even bacon brings something to the table when enjoyed in moderation.

Shrimp:

Excellent source of lean protein with very little fat
Rich in selenium, which supports thyroid function and immune health
Contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives shrimp their pink color
Good source of vitamin B12 for energy and brain function
Provides omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
Low in calories but very filling

Bacon:

Contains B vitamins, particularly B1, B3, B6, and B12
Provides protein and fat that help you feel satisfied
Contains choline, important for brain health
Source of selenium and phosphorus
When enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, adds flavor that helps you enjoy nutrient-rich foods like shrimp

Garlic Powder:

Contains allicin, which may help support heart health
Has anti-inflammatory properties
May help support immune function

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely, but make sure to thaw them completely first and pat them very dry. Frozen shrimp often have more moisture than fresh, so this step is even more critical. I usually thaw mine overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for 15-20 minutes if I’m in a hurry.

2. Why isn’t my bacon getting crispy enough?

This usually comes down to one of three issues: overcrowding the air fryer basket, not preheating the air fryer, or using bacon that’s too thick without par-cooking it first. Make sure there’s space between each piece, and if you’re using thick-cut bacon, try microwaving it for 30-60 seconds before wrapping to render some of the fat.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can wrap the shrimp up to 4 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Just don’t season or glaze them until right before cooking, as salt will draw out moisture. I don’t recommend cooking them ahead—they’re really best served fresh and hot from the air fryer.

4. What dipping sauces work best with bacon-wrapped shrimp?

My personal favorites are cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or a honey sriracha mayo. For something different, try a tangy remoulade, sweet chili sauce, or even a creamy horseradish sauce. The smoky bacon pairs well with both sweet and spicy options, so experiment with what you love.

5. Can I cook these in a regular oven instead?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer gives crispier results with less fat, but the oven method works in a pinch. Just keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe has earned its place as one of my most-made appetizers, and for good reason. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at your fanciest dinner party.

The crispy bacon, tender shrimp, and endless flavor variations mean I never get tired of making these. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites too—give it a try and see how quickly they disappear!

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, or share any flavor combinations you tried. I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy these delicious bites!

Recommended: