Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

This 30 minute Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is buttery and smoky with crispy bacon on the outside and tender juicy shrimp inside. Making it is super easy with simple ingredients such as shrimp, bacon and a sweet rub that adds a rich savory taste. I love serving this finger food at holiday parties or birthday gatherings.

I do not know about you, but I am completely obsessed with anything wrapped in bacon. Ha! This is why I have shared so many bacon recipes on my blog over the years, including my air fryer bacon wrapped green beans that are sweet and crunchy, and my easy bacon wrapped meatloaf for a comforting main entree. When the bacon cooks around a veggie or a piece of meat, it adds such a rich savory taste that makes the whole dish hard to resist, and I always end up wanting a second serving.

If you love bacon and shrimp, then pairing them together in the air fryer is something you should not miss. The brown sugar in the rub adds a light sweetness that blends so well with the savory bacon, garlic, chili and smoked paprika. It is a simple recipe that I like serving for holiday gatherings, super bowl parties or any night when I need something quick for my family. The smoky bacon and sweet dry rub make these shrimp hard to stop eating once you start, so I am just warning you.

Why you will love this recipe

• Sweet and smoky flavor: I wrap the shrimp in bacon and coat them with a sweet rub made with brown sugar, garlic, chili and smoked paprika. The mix creates a savory taste that I always enjoy serving.
• Easy to cook in the air fryer: I place the shrimp in the air fryer and they crisp up on the outside while staying juicy inside. This method saves me so much time on busy nights.
• Great for parties and family nights: I make these for holiday gatherings, birthday parties or simple weeknight dinners because they fit almost any menu.
• A favorite bacon recipe in my home: I have cooked many bacon recipes and this one is always requested by my family. I can not blame them, it tastes so delicious.

What you will need

• Large shrimp: I like using raw jumbo shrimp because they stay juicy after cooking. I rinse them well and pat them dry so they get a nice crisp coating.
• Bacon strips: I use regular bacon and cut each piece in half so it wraps around the shrimp easily. Thin cut bacon works best because it cooks evenly in the air fryer.
• For the rub: I mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder and garlic powder to make a simple sweet and savory rub.

How to make

1. Wrap and chill: I peel and devein the shrimp, wrap each one tightly with bacon and leave the tail on so it is easy to grab. Then I place the wrapped shrimp in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes so the bacon sets.

2. Mix: I combine the rub ingredients in a small bowl while the shrimp chill.

3. Coat and preheat: I coat each wrapped shrimp with the sweet and savory rub and place them on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Then I preheat the air fryer at 390 degrees F so the bacon cooks evenly and does not stick.

4. Fry and finish: I place the shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook them for five minutes, then flip each one and cook for another five minutes. As each batch cooks, I set the shrimp on a paper towel so they stay crisp while I finish the rest.

Expert tip

Chill before cooking

I always chill the wrapped shrimp before cooking because the bacon needs time to firm up around the shrimp. When the bacon is cold, it stays wrapped during air frying, cooks with a nicer crisp, and keeps the shrimp juicy instead of drying out.

More tips to consider:

• I sometimes use frozen shrimp because they stay firm and are easier to wrap with bacon. They cook well in the air fryer and still come out tender and juicy.
• If the bacon slips while I am wrapping, I use a toothpick or a small skewer to keep everything in place. It helps the bacon stay snug around the shrimp during cooking.
• I always use a preheated air fryer so the bacon starts to crisp right away. This keeps the coating from getting soft and helps the shrimp cook evenly.
• I place the wrapped shrimp seam side down in the air fryer basket so the bacon stays put. This helps the bacon set against the shrimp as it cooks.
• I leave space between each piece so the air can move all around the shrimp. Good airflow helps the bacon crisp better and keeps the shrimp from steaming.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Spice it up: I add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the rub when my family wants a little heat. You can also use your favorite seasoning blend for a different flavor.
• Sweet warm glaze: I mix in 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar for a sweeter finish. The sugar melts into the bacon and shrimp and adds a nice sweet touch.
• Turkey bacon swap: I use turkey bacon when I want a lighter option. It wraps easily and cooks nicely around the shrimp.
• Lemon herb finish: I add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a pinch of dried oregano to the rub for a bright fresh taste. The lemon scent lifts the shrimp and matches well with the bacon.
• Pineapple shrimp mix: I place 1 cup of small pineapple chunks on the platter with the shrimp for a sweet fresh contrast. The warm shrimp and cool pineapple are great together.

Serving suggestions

This bacon wrapped shrimp is so easy to serve with a sauce or dip, and I like offering a few choices when I host. My family enjoys these with creamy peanut sauce or homemade barbecue sauce when we want something savory, and honey mustard sauce is always a simple and reliable option.

When I want a fuller seafood plate, I sometimes add these shrimp next to my shrimp rolls for a small shrimp feast that everyone enjoys. Fresh fruit, a simple strawberry broccoli salad or even roasted veggies also pair well with the smoky bacon and sweet rub.

How to store leftovers:

• Store: I keep leftover bacon wrapped shrimp in an airtight container or a zip bag in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: If I want to save them longer, I wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: I place the shrimp in the fridge overnight so they thaw slowly and stay tender.
• Reheat: I reheat the shrimp in the microwave, oven or air fryer until they are warm and the bacon is crisp again.

Frequently asked questions

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