Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Crispy, Juicy Perfection!

Are you ready for a flavor explosion? This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe is a game-changer! Imagine juicy, succulent shrimp embraced by crispy, smoky bacon, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious – the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Say goodbye to greasy, messy frying and hello to a healthier, equally satisfying alternative. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
* **Crispy Bacon:** The air fryer works its magic to create perfectly crisp bacon every time, without the need for excessive oil.
* **Juicy Shrimp:** The bacon wrapping helps to keep the shrimp moist and flavorful, preventing them from drying out.
* **Versatile:** Serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Get creative with your dipping sauces!
* **Healthier Option:** Air frying reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This recipe is always a hit at parties and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Large Shrimp:** Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Make sure they are patted dry for optimal crispness.
* **Bacon:** Thin-cut bacon works best, as it cooks more quickly and evenly. You can use regular or maple-flavored bacon for added sweetness.
* **Olive Oil:** A light coating of olive oil helps the bacon crisp up and adds a touch of flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a savory depth to the shrimp.
* **Paprika:** Provides a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color.
* **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice.
* **Salt:** Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Be mindful of the salt content in your bacon.
* **Optional: Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat.
* **Optional: Lemon Wedges:** For serving, to add a burst of citrus.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp:

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired (they make for easier handling and a nicer presentation).
* Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy bacon.
* In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.

**2. Wrap the Shrimp with Bacon:**

* Cut each bacon slice in half (or thirds, depending on the size of your shrimp). This prevents the bacon from overpowering the shrimp and ensures even cooking.
* Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed. This isn’t always necessary, but it can help if the bacon is prone to unraveling.

**3. Preheat the Air Fryer:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.

**4. Air Fry the Shrimp:**

* Arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the bacon from crisping up properly. You may need to cook in batches.
* Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the thickness of your bacon.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the bacon-wrapped shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks if used.
* Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your shrimp and bacon, the better the final result will be.
* **Pat the Shrimp Dry:** This is essential for achieving crispy bacon. Excess moisture will steam the bacon instead of allowing it to crisp up.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your shrimp and bacon. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Secure the Bacon:** Use toothpicks to secure the bacon if needed, especially if you are using thicker-cut bacon.
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Get creative with your seasonings! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness.
* **Use an Air Fryer Liner (Optional):** While not strictly necessary, an air fryer liner can make cleanup easier.

## Dipping Sauce Ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to dipping sauces! Here are a few of our favorites:

* **Sweet Chili Sauce:** A classic pairing with shrimp.
* **Honey Mustard:** Sweet and tangy, a perfect complement to the bacon.
* **Cocktail Sauce:** A traditional choice for seafood.
* **Ranch Dressing:** A creamy and flavorful option.
* **Sriracha Mayo:** For a spicy kick.
* **Garlic Aioli:** A rich and garlicky sauce.
* **Bang Bang Sauce:** A sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that’s incredibly addictive.

## Variations and Customizations

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture for a fiery kick.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Sprinkle a little brown sugar on the bacon before wrapping the shrimp for a caramelized sweetness.
* **Herbed Delight:** Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the shrimp mixture for a more complex flavor.
* **Cheese Lover’s Dream:** Stuff the shrimp with a small piece of mozzarella or cream cheese before wrapping with bacon.
* **BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp:** Brush the bacon-wrapped shrimp with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Coconut Shrimp Variation:** Dip the shrimp in shredded coconut before wrapping them in bacon for a tropical twist.
* **Use Different Types of Bacon:** Experiment with different flavors of bacon, such as maple bacon, peppered bacon, or even turkey bacon.

## Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties and gatherings.
* **Snack:** Enjoy as a quick and satisfying snack any time of day.
* **Light Meal:** Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a light and healthy meal.
* **Taco Filling:** Chop up the bacon-wrapped shrimp and use it as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Salad Topping:** Add the bacon-wrapped shrimp to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful topping.
* **Pasta Dish:** Toss the bacon-wrapped shrimp with pasta and your favorite sauce for a delicious and easy meal.

## Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bacon-wrapped shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Here’s how:

* **Wrap the Shrimp:** Wrap the shrimp with bacon as directed in the recipe.
* **Store in the Refrigerator:** Place the wrapped shrimp in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Cook When Ready:** When you’re ready to cook the shrimp, simply air fry them as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time if the shrimp are very cold.

**Important Note:** Do not freeze the bacon-wrapped shrimp before cooking, as this can affect the texture of the shrimp and bacon.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate Leftovers:** Store any leftover bacon-wrapped shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the bacon may not be as crispy.

## Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 8 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, be mindful of bacon’s saltiness)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* Lemon wedges, for serving
* Dipping sauce of your choice

**Equipment:**

* Air fryer
* Mixing bowl
* Paper towels

**Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Shrimp:** In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. **Wrap the Shrimp with Bacon:** Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
4. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
5. **Air Fry the Shrimp:** Arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Remove the bacon-wrapped shrimp from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks if used. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and lemon wedges.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on estimated values): Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

## Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s quick, easy, and delicious. With its crispy bacon and juicy shrimp, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy this irresistible dish! Don’t forget to experiment with different dipping sauces and seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Happy cooking!