Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are a quick, 15-minute treat, combining sweet shrimp and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, game days, and holiday gatherings.
We love how shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon creates a savory, satisfying appetizer that’s simple to make and sure to impress. The air fryer ensures perfectly crisp bacon and juicy shrimp every time, making it an easy, efficient dish for any occasion.
Sometimes, the best tasting foods are the simplest, and this combo is a perfect example — ideal for snacks, appetizers, or impressing guests at parties and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Quick & Easy: This recipe requires only a few ingredients and minutes of preparation for a hassle-free meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Bacon wrapped shrimp are a guaranteed hit at any dinner or party.
- Versatile Dish: Beyond shrimp, try these methods with bacon wrapped vegetables or as a twist on shrimp tacos.
- Year Round Ingredients: Simple, readily available ingredients make this dish enjoyable year round.
- Easy Cleanup: The air fryer ensures minimal mess, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How to Cook Perfect Air Fryer Shrimp Wrapped in Bacon
Preheat the Air Fryer – Set the air fryer to 350°F.
Prepare Garlic Butter – Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in garlic, parsley, and salt.
Wrap the Shrimp – Cut bacon strips in half and wrap each piece around a shrimp, securing it with a toothpick.
Season the Shrimp – Brush the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp and place in the fryer basket.
Air Fry – Air fry for 6 minutes. If needed, cook an additional 2 minutes for a crispier texture. The shrimp should be heated through, and the bacon crispy. Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size and bacon thickness.
Serve and Enjoy – Transfer the shrimp to a plate, add your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Experiment with seasonings: Try different flavors like Old Bay, chili powder, paprika, or even a brush of BBQ sauce.
Serve with a variety of sauces: Pair your shrimp with dipping options like tartar sauce, ranch, cilantro mayo, or cocktail sauce for added flavor.
Try with vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and squash also crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and taste amazing when wrapped in bacon with garlic butter.
Wrap tightly: Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around each shrimp and secure it with toothpicks or skewers.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Allow space between the shrimp in the basket so hot air can circulate evenly.
Preheat your air fryer: Always preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Shrimp: Jumbo or large shrimp work best for this recipe, but medium shrimp will do. Tail-on or tail-off is up to you, as long as they are peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp are fine but may need a bit more cooking time.
- Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon for the best crispiness. Thin slices wrap better and cook evenly. Keep bacon refrigerated for easier wrapping. Alternatives like turkey bacon or meat substitutes may not crisp up the same way but are worth experimenting with.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Make your own with garlic, parsley, or other fresh herbs. You can also add cayenne for spice, maple syrup for sweetness, or brush with barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store leftover air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the crispiest results.
What’s the best way to reheat air fryer shrimp wrapped in bacon?
Preheat the air fryer to the same temperature and cook for about 2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave leftovers for about 30 seconds.
Can I cook frozen bacon wrapped shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the shrimp are fully cooked and crispy.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Ingredients
- 20 Shrimp about 1lb
- 4 oz Bacon Slices
- 1 tbsp Butter melted
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped
- ½ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Mix melted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt.
- Wrap each shrimp with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
- Brush each bacon wrapped shrimp with the garlic butter and place in the preheated air fryer. Cook for 6 minutes, checking for doneness. If needed, cook for an additional 2 minutes. No need to flip. Cook in batches if needed.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.