If you’ve been looking for a showstopper appetizer that practically makes itself, this air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp recipe is exactly what you need.
Plump, juicy shrimp get coated in a simple seasoning, snugly wrapped in thin-cut bacon, and cooked in the air fryer until everything is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The magic here is in how the air fryer handles two ingredients that can be tricky to cook together. Bacon typically needs high heat and time to get crispy, while shrimp cook in just a few minutes. The circulating hot air in the air fryer solves this completely, crisping the bacon to perfection while keeping the shrimp succulent and juicy, never rubbery.
This recipe works beautifully as a party appetizer, a game day snack, or even a quick weeknight main when you pair it with a simple salad or rice. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 25 to 30 minutes total. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
A garlic butter glaze ties everything together, adding richness and depth to every bite. Once you try this combination, you’ll understand why bacon-wrapped shrimp is one of the most requested appetizers at any gathering.
You might also enjoy these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops if you love this flavor combination.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for what makes a great appetizer or quick dinner.
It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and a short ingredient list that you can find at any grocery store.
The air fryer does the heavy lifting, producing a crispy bacon exterior while keeping every shrimp juicy and tender inside. No oven preheating, no babysitting a hot skillet.
The garlic butter glaze adds a layer of savory richness that makes these completely irresistible right out of the basket.
They’re naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making them a crowd-pleasing option that works for a variety of dietary needs.
Cleanup is minimal since everything happens in the air fryer basket, and the recipe scales up easily if you’re feeding a larger crowd.
Here’s a quick summary of why this recipe stands out:
- Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients available at any grocery store
- The air fryer crisps the bacon perfectly without drying out the shrimp
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
- Works as an appetizer, party snack, or light main course
- Easy to prep ahead and cook fresh when guests arrive
- Pairs with almost any dipping sauce for variety
Read Also: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe, and most of them are pantry staples. The key is using large or jumbo raw shrimp and thin-cut bacon, which are the two non-negotiables for getting the best results in the air fryer.
- 1 pound (450g) large or jumbo raw shrimp (21-25 count per pound), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 12 strips thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt (omit if your bacon is heavily salted)
- Cooking spray or avocado oil spray
- Toothpicks, for securing the bacon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For dipping sauce (optional, choose one):
- Honey mustard
- Cocktail sauce
- Bang bang sauce
- Ranch dressing
Another favorite for a seafood night: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need much specialized equipment for this recipe. An air fryer is the key tool, and just about everything else is standard kitchen gear you likely already own.
- Basket-style air fryer (at least 5-quart capacity recommended)
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Silicone pastry brush, for applying the glaze
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors, for cutting bacon
- Toothpicks
- Paper towels, for patting shrimp dry
- Tongs, for turning the shrimp during cooking
- Plate lined with paper towels, for resting the cooked shrimp
- Shallow baking sheet or tray, for assembling before air frying
Read Also: Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are products that genuinely make a difference in the quality and ease of making this recipe, based on performance and value.
1. Large Basket Air Fryer (5-Quart or Larger)
A large air fryer basket allows you to cook all your shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding, which is the key to getting evenly crispy bacon. Overcrowding the basket traps steam and prevents the bacon from crisping properly. A 5-quart or larger model is ideal for this recipe, especially if you’re scaling up for a party.
2. Old Bay Seasoning (Large Can)
Old Bay is the classic seafood seasoning for a reason. Its blend of celery salt, paprika, and spices adds the perfect savory depth to shrimp without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the seafood or the smokiness of the bacon. Keeping a large can on hand means you’ll always be ready for this recipe.
3. Silicone Pastry Brush Set
A good silicone pastry brush makes it easy to coat each shrimp with the garlic butter glaze evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Unlike traditional bristle brushes, silicone versions are dishwasher safe and won’t leave bristles behind in your food.
4. Wooden Toothpicks (Pack)
Toothpicks are essential for keeping the bacon secured around each shrimp while it cooks. Using a bulk pack means you’ll always have enough on hand, whether you’re making a small batch or prepping for a crowd.
5. Avocado Oil Cooking Spray
A light mist of avocado oil spray on the air fryer basket before cooking prevents sticking and makes cleanup far easier. Avocado oil has a high smoke point that handles air fryer temperatures well, making it the ideal spray for this recipe.
You might also want to explore this Air Fryer Salmon Recipe for another great air fryer seafood option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely first by placing them in a sealed zip-top bag submerged in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. Never start this recipe with frozen, unthawed shrimp, as the seasoning and bacon will not adhere properly.
- Once thawed, peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already. The tails can stay on or come off depending on your preference. Tails on make for a nice presentation as an appetizer; tails off are easier for eating as a main.
- Pat each shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is more important than it might seem. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp rather than letting the bacon crisp up properly in the air fryer.
- Place all the dry shrimp in a medium mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
- Drizzle the shrimp with a light mist of cooking spray or a teaspoon of avocado oil and toss to lightly coat.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and salt evenly over the shrimp.
- Toss everything together until every shrimp is well coated with the seasoning blend. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the other components.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Glaze
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons (30ml) of unsalted butter. This should take about 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped fresh parsley to the melted butter and stir well to combine.
- Set the garlic butter glaze aside. You’ll use this to brush over the shrimp both before and optionally after air frying.
Step 4: Cut the Bacon and Wrap the Shrimp
- Take your 12 strips of thin-cut bacon and cut each strip in half crosswise, giving you 24 half-strips. This size works perfectly for wrapping large to jumbo shrimp.
- If you’d like, you can soak the toothpicks in water for 10 to 15 minutes beforehand to prevent them from scorching in the air fryer, though this is optional.
- Take one seasoned shrimp and hold it in your non-dominant hand. Starting at the tail end, wrap one half-strip of bacon tightly around the shrimp, overlapping the ends slightly as you go.
- Insert a toothpick through the overlapping end of the bacon and the shrimp to secure everything in place. The toothpick should go through the bacon, then the shrimp, and back out through the bacon on the other side.
- Repeat with all remaining shrimp and bacon half-strips. Place each wrapped shrimp on a clean plate or tray as you work.
Step 5: Apply the Garlic Butter Glaze
- Using your silicone pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter glaze over each bacon-wrapped shrimp, coating all visible sides.
- Make sure you apply glaze to the top and sides of each shrimp, not just the top surface. This helps the flavors permeate every bite and also encourages the bacon to caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
- Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter glaze in the bowl for brushing after cooking if desired.
Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer and Cook
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating is important because it creates the instant high heat that helps start crisping the bacon right away.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure none of the shrimp are overlapping or touching. The space between each shrimp allows the hot air to circulate freely and crisp the bacon evenly.
- If you can’t fit all the shrimp in a single layer, cook them in batches rather than stacking them. Stacking will result in soggy bacon and unevenly cooked shrimp.
Step 7: Air Fry Until Crispy and Golden
- Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (205°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping each shrimp halfway through cooking using tongs.
- At the 4 to 5 minute mark, open the air fryer, carefully use tongs to flip each shrimp to the other side, and close the air fryer to continue cooking.
- The shrimp are done when the bacon is golden brown and crispy all around and the shrimp are pink and opaque all the way through.
- If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, add 1 to 2 additional minutes of cook time, keeping a close eye so the shrimp don’t overcook and become rubbery.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
- Carefully remove the cooked shrimp from the air fryer basket using tongs and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes, which allows the bacon to firm up a little more and ensures the shrimp stay juicy.
- If desired, brush the shrimp with any remaining garlic butter glaze while they’re still hot.
- Remove the toothpicks before serving (or remind guests to remove them themselves if serving as an appetizer platter).
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.
For another impressive air fryer appetizer, try these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers.
Tips for Success
Getting this recipe perfectly right every time comes down to a few key decisions during the prep and cooking process. These tips address the most common issues home cooks run into with bacon-wrapped shrimp.
- Always use thin-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon takes much longer to crisp than thin-cut, and by the time thick-cut bacon is cooked through, the shrimp will be overcooked and rubbery. Thin-cut bacon cooks in sync with large shrimp in the air fryer.
- Pat the shrimp bone dry before seasoning. Any surface moisture will cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear, leading to pale, soft bacon instead of the crispy crust you’re looking for.
- Use large or jumbo raw shrimp (21-25 or 16-20 per pound). Smaller shrimp cook faster than the bacon and will overcook before the bacon is done. Larger shrimp give both components enough time to reach perfection simultaneously.
- Don’t skip the preheat. Starting the shrimp in a preheated basket creates the immediate high heat needed to start crisping the bacon right away rather than slowly warming up.
- Cook in a single layer only. Overlapping shrimp traps steam and prevents the bacon from crisping on all sides. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip halfway through. Turning the shrimp at the midpoint ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.
- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon. Placing shrimp bacon-seam-side down can work as an alternative, but toothpicks are more reliable for keeping everything together as the bacon shrinks during cooking.
Another great snack option worth bookmarking: Easy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp are incredibly versatile and work for nearly any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant party spreads.
As an appetizer, arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces in the center. Provide cocktail napkins and let guests help themselves. They pair beautifully with a variety of dips and sides.
Here are some of the best ways to serve them:
- Alongside a bowl of Shrimp and Grits for a Southern-inspired spread
- With a side of Classic Deviled Eggs on a party platter
- Over a bed of white rice or garlic fried rice for a satisfying main course
- Paired with a light green salad for a low-carb dinner option
- Served with Cocktail Sauce, honey mustard, or bang bang sauce for dipping
- With lemon wedges for squeezing over the top before eating
- Alongside a Classic Shrimp Scampi for a full seafood dinner
Variations to Try
The base recipe is fantastic on its own, but once you’ve made it a few times you’ll want to experiment. These variations all work well with the same air fryer method and cooking time, with minor adjustments.
The core technique stays the same across all variations. The changes are mostly in the seasoning or the glaze you apply before cooking.
- BBQ Glaze: Replace the garlic butter with your favorite BBQ sauce brushed on before and during cooking. This adds a sweet, smoky, tangy flavor that’s especially popular for game day gatherings.
- Spicy Brown Sugar: Toss shrimp in a mixture of brown sugar and chili powder before wrapping. The sugar caramelizes in the air fryer and creates an irresistible sweet-heat crust on the bacon.
- Maple Soy Glaze: Whisk together equal parts soy sauce, maple syrup, and honey for a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that works especially well with jumbo shrimp.
- Cajun Style: Season the shrimp with a heavy coat of Cajun seasoning and serve with a remoulade sauce. This version has more heat and works well as a main course over rice.
- Teriyaki: Brush with Teriyaki Sauce before and after cooking. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for an Asian-inspired presentation.
- Cream Cheese Stuffed: Place a small cube of cream cheese inside the curl of each shrimp before wrapping in bacon. The cream cheese melts slightly during cooking, adding a rich, creamy center.
Storage and Reheating
These shrimp are at their absolute best when eaten fresh and hot out of the air fryer. The bacon is at peak crispiness right away, and the shrimp are perfectly juicy. That said, leftovers store and reheat quite well.
Here’s what you need to know for storing and reheating:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating in the air fryer: This is the best method. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until the bacon is crispy again and the shrimp are warmed through. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
- Reheating in the oven: Place on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. The bacon won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer method, but it still works well.
- Avoid the microwave: Microwaving these shrimp makes the bacon soggy and can make the shrimp rubbery. Stick with the air fryer or oven for best results.
- Make-ahead tip: You can wrap the shrimp in bacon and apply the glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Read Also: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe
Nutritional Facts
The following nutritional values are estimates per serving, based on a serving size of 5 to 6 shrimp (approximately one-quarter of the total recipe). Actual values will vary depending on the size of your shrimp, the brand of bacon used, and any dipping sauces added.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-310 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 720-900mg |
| Cholesterol | 175mg |
This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. The high protein content from the shrimp also makes it a filling option when served as a main course.
Another high-protein seafood option you might love: Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this is certainly an indulgent recipe, the main ingredients do bring some real nutritional value to the table.
Understanding what’s in your food helps you make informed choices, and this recipe has more going for it nutritionally than you might expect.
Here’s a look at the key health benefits of the main ingredients:
- Shrimp: One of the leanest animal proteins available. Shrimp is high in selenium, iodine, and phosphorus, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. A 3-ounce serving provides over 20 grams of protein with very few calories.
- Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound associated with immune support, reduced inflammation, and cardiovascular benefits. Fresh garlic in the butter glaze provides real functional benefits beyond just flavor.
- Parsley: Often overlooked as a garnish, parsley is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and supports kidney health.
- Bacon: While high in sodium and saturated fat, bacon does provide B vitamins, zinc, and selenium. Using thin-cut bacon in moderation, as this recipe does, keeps the saturated fat in check.
- Olive or avocado oil spray: Both oils contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Using a light spray rather than a heavy pour keeps the added fat to a minimum while still preventing sticking.
For more seafood-forward nutrition, check out the Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work great, but they must be fully thawed and dried before you begin.
To thaw quickly, place the frozen shrimp in a sealed zip-top bag and submerge the bag in cold (not hot) water for 15 to 20 minutes. Once thawed, drain them well and pat completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and wrapping. Starting with wet, cold shrimp is one of the most common causes of steamed rather than crispy results.
2. Do I need to use toothpicks?
Toothpicks are strongly recommended for this recipe.
As the bacon cooks in the air fryer, it shrinks and can unravel from the shrimp, especially when you flip them halfway through. Securing the bacon end with a toothpick keeps everything tightly wrapped throughout cooking. If you prefer not to use toothpicks, place the shrimp bacon-seam-side down in the basket, but be extra careful when flipping.
3. Can I use thick-cut bacon?
Thick-cut bacon is not recommended for this recipe.
It takes much longer to crisp than thin-cut bacon, and the shrimp will be overcooked and rubbery by the time the thick bacon reaches the right texture. Thin or regular-cut bacon (about 1/16 inch thick) cooks in perfect sync with large shrimp at 400°F (205°C), which is why it’s the best choice here.
4. How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
There are two easy visual cues to look for.
First, the shrimp should be fully pink and opaque with no gray or translucent areas visible. Second, the shrimp should have curled into a loose C shape. If shrimp are tightly curled into a full O shape, they are likely overcooked. The bacon should also be golden brown and noticeably crispy, not soft or pale. An internal temperature of 120°F (49°C) for medium and up to 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked is a reliable guide if you have a meat thermometer.
5. Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely, and this is one of the best features of this recipe for entertaining.
You can assemble the wrapped and glazed shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange them on a tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When guests arrive, just pop them into the preheated air fryer and cook as directed. This means you get all the prep work done ahead of time and can serve fresh, hot shrimp with almost no effort during the party itself.
Read Also: Air Fryer Egg Rolls Recipe
Final Thoughts
This air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp recipe is one of those rare dishes that genuinely impresses every time, without requiring hours in the kitchen.
The combination of juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and a rich garlic butter glaze is hard to beat, and the air fryer makes the whole process so much faster and easier than oven methods.
Once you have the basic technique down, the variations are endless. From BBQ to spicy brown sugar to teriyaki, this recipe adapts to whatever flavor profile you’re in the mood for.
Give this recipe a try the next time you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick and satisfying dinner. You’re going to love how easy and impressive it is.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear which dipping sauce was your favorite, and please share this post with anyone who loves easy seafood recipes.
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