These bacon wrapped shrimp in air fryer are a delightful appetizer or main done in under 10 minutes.
Such an easy recipe and you can make large batches for game day or get togethers.
Bacon makes everything delicious. Of course, have it in moderation due to it being very high calorie.
But when you do, make it count. Like by using it in these bacon wrapped shrimp or prawns.
You may also like: Air fryer pigs in a blanket, air fryer bang bang shrimp, air fryer sausages, air fryer chicken burgers, air fryer jalapeno poppers.
Do try this interesting mango shrimp.
Tips for Making Perfect Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Air fryer
1. I use half strip bacon for each shrimp.
2. For this recipe I used medium to large shrimp. If you use jumbo shrimp, the air frying time would increase a bit.
3. If you use frozen or cold shrimp along with cold bacon, they are easy to wrap and retain their shape. You could also use toothpicks to ensure that the bacon stays put.
4. I use a dry rub because I like more spice. You could just go with the flavor of bacon and the sweetness of shrimp without any added spice.
5. Do not overcrowd the air fryer so that they have adequate space to cook well.
6. I preheat the air fryer so that the bacon starts sizzling right away in a hot air fryer.
7. Do not use small shrimp for this recipe as they would overcook by the time the bacon has browned.
Variations:
This recipe is naturally dairy free and gluten free. Do check the label of the bacon you use to confirm that it is gluten free.
You can make this recipe in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Baking instructions are mentioned in the recipe card.
Stepwise Pictures
Take thawed shrimp or prawns. I cooled them in the fridge before using.
Cut each bacon strip into half. I used thin-cut bacon.
I also made my own rub as I like some added spice. You can skip it if you just like bacon and shrimp.
Make your spice mix by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, salt.
Tightly wrap the bacon around the shrimp.
I leave the bottom end of the bacon, tucked underneath the shrimp so that it does not unravel.
You could also use a toothpick to keep the bacon wound well.
Wrap all the shrimp with bacon in this manner.
Now roll them in the spice rub and keep aside.
Preheat air fryer at 390F or 200C for 3 minutes.
This is so that your bacon sizzles as soon as it gets into the air fryer.
Place bacon wrapped shrimp rubbed in the spice rub right onto the air fryer basket.
I have used medium to large sized shrimp. For larger or jumbo shrimp, the air frying time will be more.
Air fry for 3-4 minutes at 390F or 200C on each side. Flip and air fry on the other side.
For jumbo or large shrimp, you will need to air fry for about 5 minutes on each side at 390F.
Take them out and serve hot with a dip of choice. Chipotle mayo goes well.
Here's the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
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Air fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb. large shrimp
- 12 strip bacon cut into halves
Spice Rub
- 1 tsp. cayenne or paprika
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Take thawed shrimp or prawns. I cooled them in the fridge before using. Cut each bacon strip into half. I used thin-cut bacon. I also made my own rub as I like some added spice. You can skip it if you just like bacon and shrimp.
- Make your spice mix by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, salt.
- Tightly wrap the bacon around the shrimp. I leave the bottom end of the bacon, tucked underneath the shrimp so that it does not unravel.
- You could also use a toothpick to keep the bacon wound well.
Air Frying
- Preheat air fryer at 390F or 200C for 3 minutes. This is so that your bacon sizzles as soon as it gets into the air fryer.
- Place bacon wrapped shrimp rubbed in the spice rub right onto the air fryer basket. I have used medium sized shrimp. For large or jumbo shrimp, the air frying time will be more.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes at 390F or 200C on each side. Flip and air fry on the other side.
- For jumbo or large shrimp, you will need to air fry for about 5 minutes on each side at 390F.
- Take them out and serve hot with a dip of choice. Chipotle mayo goes well.
Baking
- Bake them in a preheated oven at 390F for 16 minutes or till the bacon is cooked.
- Do check the baking times as that will depend upon the size of your shrimp and your oven type.
Notes
You can freeze the same for up to 3 minutes. Thaw and air fry or bake later.
Do not use very thick bacon or the shrimp will get overcooked by the time the bacon gets browned.
You can use frozen shrimp too as they are easier to wrap. Your air frying time will increase by a minute or two for frozen shrimp.
Chill the bacon wrapped shrimp for 15 minutes in the fridge before applying the dry rub and air frying.
Don’t use small shrimp or they will be overcooked by the time the bacon is done.
Nutrition
If you liked the recipe, I request you to leave a star * rating. Thanks.
Tavo says
These shrimps were absolutely delicious; thank you for this fantastic recipe! I will make it again!!
Rachna says
Thank you so much! Glad that you liked the recipe.
Kate says
Crispy and delicious - would never have thought of making these in an air-fryer, thanks so much!
Rachna says
You're very welcome, Kate.
Gina says
These are delicious and make a great appetizer - so easy using the AF and clean up is way simpler!
Toni says
This is really delicious! Everyone loved these! Anything with bacon is always a hit at my house!
Natalie says
Fantastic idea! I will definitely give this a try. Anything wrapped in bacon is a win with my family!
Rachna says
Thanks Natalie
Teresa Middleton says
So good. Don't skip the rub!
Rachna says
Absolutely! Thanks Teresa.