These bacon wrapped shrimp in air fryer are a delightful appetizer or main done in under 20 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.
Ingredients
Shrimp: I have used tail-on jumbo shrimp for this recipe.
Seasoning Mix: I prepared my seasoning mix using paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Any seasoning mix works.
BBQ Sauce: I have used BBQ sauce for applying on bacon wrapped shrimp for intense smoky flavor.
Bacon: Bacon strips are used for wrapping the shrimp.
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. Depending upon the size of shrimp use half to one slice bacon.
I also made my own rub as I like some added spice. You can skip it if you just like bacon and shrimp. Also brushing with BBQ sauce after wrapping the shrimp gave it a delicious flavor.
Make your spice mix by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, salt. Then apply it all over the shrimp.
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.
Air fryer Instructions
Preheat air fryer at 350F or 175C 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. Apply BBQ sauce all over it.
I have used jumbo shrimp. For medium to large, the air frying time will be lower.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 350F or 175C on each side. I did not flip the shrimp but feel free to do so if you need it.
Take them out and serve hot with a dip of choice. Chipotle mayo goes well.
Expert Tips
1. I use half strip bacon for each shrimp.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Do not overcrowd the air fryer so that they have adequate space to cook well.
5. I preheat the air fryer so that the bacon starts sizzling right away in a hot air fryer.
6. Do not use small shrimp for this recipe as they would overcook by the time the bacon has browned.
Here's the recipe card:
📖 Recipe Card
Air fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp jumbo
- 10 strip bacon cut into halves
- 2 tbsp. BBQ sauce
Spice Rub
- 1 tsp. cayenne or paprika
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
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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. Depending on the size of the shrimp use ½ to 1 strip of bacon per shrimp. 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. Rub it all over the shrimp.
- 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 350F or 175C for 3 minutes. This is so that your bacon sizzles as soon as it gets into the air fryer.
- Place bacon wrapped shrimp onto the air fryer basket. I have used jumbo shrimp here. Brush wrapped shrimp with BBQ sauce. This gives the shrimp gave it a delicious flavor.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes at 350F or 175C till bacon is crispy and shrimp is cooked through.
- For smaller shrimp, you will need lesser time so keep an eye on that.
- Once done, take out your bacon wrapped shrimp and serve hot with a dip of choice. Chipotle mayo goes well.
Baking
- Bake them in a preheated oven at 390F for 20 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.
Video
Notes
2. You can freeze the same for up to 3 months. Thaw and air fry or bake later.
3. Do not use very thick bacon or the shrimp will get overcooked by the time the bacon gets browned.
4. 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.
5. Don't overcrowd the basket when air frying so that the shrimp cooks evenly.
6. 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.