Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible **Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp**, featuring a mouthwatering, sticky soy-maple-honey glaze. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated yet incredibly easy party favorite, ready in minutes with minimal fuss. Perfect for entertaining or a delightful family meal, these crispy, savory-sweet shrimp are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe Shines
If you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free alternative to traditional oven-baked appetizers, then this air fryer rendition of our popular bacon wrapped shrimp is exactly what you need. Say goodbye to heating up your entire kitchen and hello to perfectly cooked, crispy delights in a fraction of the time!
This recipe truly works wonders because it capitalizes on the air fryer’s ability to deliver incredible crispness and even cooking. Imagine plump, tender shrimp, expertly seasoned, enveloped in a blanket of smoky, savory bacon. Then, to take it to the next level, each morsel is brushed with a delectable soy-maple-honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, creating a sticky, sweet-and-savory crust that’s utterly addictive. With just six simple ingredients, you can whip up these gourmet-style appetizers in your air fryer, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or a special weeknight treat. It’s a culinary win-win that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Crafting these irresistible air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredient details, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this article. Gather your components, and let’s get ready to create some culinary magic!
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive deeper into selecting the best ingredients to ensure your air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp turn out perfectly every time.
- Shrimp Selection: For this recipe, we highly recommend using grilling shrimp if you can find them. Their robust texture holds up exceptionally well during cooking and they tend to shrink less compared to other varieties, resulting in a more substantial bite. While grilling shrimp might be slightly pricier and sometimes harder to locate, high-quality jumbo shrimp (peeled, with tails left on) are an excellent and widely available substitute that will still yield fantastic results. Always ensure your shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen, and pat them thoroughly dry to promote crispness.
- Bacon Choice: The type of bacon you choose significantly impacts the outcome. Regular-cut or center-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe. These thicknesses cook evenly and are pliable enough to wrap snugly around each shrimp. We advise against using thick-cut bacon, as it can be challenging to wrap neatly and often requires a longer cooking time, potentially overcooking the shrimp before the bacon achieves its desired crispness.
- The Perfect Seasoning: Our preferred seasoning for this recipe is our homemade Montreal Steak seasoning. Its blend of coarse salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, and various spices perfectly complements both the bacon and shrimp, adding a depth of flavor that’s both robust and appealing. However, feel free to use a good quality store-bought Montreal Steak seasoning, or personalize the dish with any other seasoning blend you love. Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, garlic and herb blends for a Mediterranean twist, or even a simple sprinkle of smoked paprika and black pepper are all wonderful alternatives.
- The Irresistible Glaze: The sticky soy-maple-honey glaze is what truly sets this dish apart. Use a good quality soy sauce (low-sodium options work well if you’re mindful of salt intake). For the sweetness, pure maple syrup is recommended for its rich, authentic flavor. Combined with honey, it creates a balanced sweetness with a beautiful sheen when caramelized. Feel free to experiment with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
These detailed step-by-step photos and instructions are provided to help you visually master this recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by thoroughly patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasoning and glaze adhere better and promotes crispier results. Next, to prevent the shrimp from curling up too tightly during cooking, carefully score through the vein on the underside of each shrimp in two places: once near the head and again farther down near the tail. Remember, only score it; do not cut all the way through. This simple technique ensures beautifully presented, straighter shrimp.
- Whisk the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, and honey. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This will be your flavorful glaze.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the scored shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Pour approximately half of the prepared soy-maple-honey mixture over the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated. Allow them to marinate briefly while you prepare the bacon, absorbing those delicious flavors.
- Season the Bacon: Lay your bacon slices flat on a cutting board. Sprinkle one side of the bacon with some of the Montreal Steak seasoning. This will be the side that touches the shrimp, infusing flavor directly into the seafood.
- Portion the Bacon: Cut each bacon slice into thirds. This size is perfect for wrapping around individual jumbo shrimp, ensuring an ideal bacon-to-shrimp ratio.
- Wrap the Shrimp: Take one piece of seasoned bacon and wrap it snugly around each marinated shrimp, ensuring the seasoned side of the bacon is facing inwards, against the shrimp. Place the finished bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet while you continue with the rest.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. Proper preheating ensures immediate crisping and even cooking.
- Apply the Final Glaze: Before cooking, generously brush the remaining soy-maple-honey mixture over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. This second coat will caramelize beautifully, forming that signature sticky, savory-sweet exterior. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with additional Montreal Steak seasoning if desired.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. This prevents sticking and contributes to even browning.
- Air Fry in Batches: Carefully arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping. You will likely need to cook them in two or more batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip each shrimp. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model and the size of your shrimp and bacon, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen shrimp, but it’s crucial that they are thoroughly thawed before you begin. If the shrimp are still frozen or partially frozen, the seasonings and bacon won’t adhere properly, and you’ll end up with unevenly cooked, soggy results. To expedite thawing, place the frozen shrimp in a sealed Ziploc bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, changing the water once if needed. Pat them very dry before proceeding with the recipe. We strongly advise against using pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe, as they tend to become rubbery when reheated in the air fryer.
While bacon-wrapped shrimp are undeniably best enjoyed fresh off the air fryer, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To rewarm them, use your air fryer’s reheat function (typically around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) for a few minutes until heated through and the bacon crisps up again. Keep a close watch during reheating to prevent overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon limp.
Achieving crispy bacon is key to this recipe’s success. First, make sure you’re using regular-cut or center-cut bacon, not thick-cut. Second, ensure your air fryer is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before adding the shrimp. High heat helps the bacon crisp quickly. Third, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary so air can circulate properly around each piece. Lastly, flipping the shrimp halfway through cooking exposes both sides of the bacon to the direct heat, ensuring even crisping. If your bacon isn’t quite crispy enough after the recommended time, you can cook it for another 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
You can certainly do some prep work in advance! You can score the shrimp, whisk the glaze, and cut and season the bacon. You can even wrap the shrimp in bacon and place them on a baking sheet. Store the wrapped shrimp and the remaining glaze separately in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 hours before air frying. For best results, we recommend air frying them just before serving to ensure optimal crispness and flavor. If prepping too far in advance, the bacon can get soggy, and the shrimp may dry out.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
These air fryer bacon-wrapped shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways. For a classic presentation, arrange them artfully on a platter with fresh lemon wedges on the side; a squeeze of citrus brightens the rich flavors beautifully. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as creamy ranch dressing, tangy barbecue sauce, a sweet and spicy Asian chili sauce, or even a homemade garlic aioli.
They make an outstanding appetizer for game days, holiday parties, or any festive gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. However, don’t limit them to just starters! These flavorful shrimp can easily transition into a fantastic main course. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, fluffy rice pilaf, or a medley of roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal. Their savory-sweet profile makes them pair well with anything from vibrant stir-fries to simple steamed greens. Enjoy creating memorable moments around these delectable bites!
Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
The air fryer is a fantastic kitchen appliance for creating quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dishes. If you loved this bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe, you’re in for a treat with these other air fryer favorites that are just as easy and delicious:
- Air Fryer Shrimp: Simple, succulent shrimp cooked perfectly crisp in minutes – ideal for quick dinners or adding to salads.
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: A tropical twist on a classic, these crispy coconut-crusted shrimp are a sweet and savory delight.
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Carrots: A surprising side dish or appetizer, offering a delicious combination of tender carrots and crispy bacon.
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: Healthy and indulgent, this easy side dish brings out the best in fresh asparagus wrapped in savory bacon.
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
IMPORTANT – Don’t forget to check the Frequently Asked Questions section within the blog post for helpful insights and tips!
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Course:
Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine:
American
4
servings
30 minutes
355
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
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1 pound jumbo shrimp peeled and tails left on -
4 Tablespoons soy sauce -
2 Tablespoons maple syrup -
2 Tablespoons honey -
9 slices bacon -
Montreal steak seasoning to taste
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
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Olive oil cooking spray
Before You Begin
- For the best texture, opt for grilling shrimp, which are less prone to shrinking. Jumbo shrimp are a great alternative.
- Use regular-cut or center-cut bacon for easy wrapping and even cooking. Avoid thick-cut bacon.
- Our homemade Montreal Steak seasoning adds fantastic flavor, but feel free to use store-bought or your favorite blend.
Instructions
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Pat shrimp dry. Score through the vein on the underside in two places (near the head and tail) to prevent curling. Do not cut all the way through.1 pound jumbo shrimp
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, and honey for the glaze.4 Tablespoons soy sauce, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup, 2 Tablespoons honey
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Place scored shrimp into a large mixing bowl and add half of the soy sauce mixture. Toss to coat.
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Season bacon with some of the Montreal Steak seasoning.9 slices bacon, Montreal steak seasoning
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Cut bacon slices into thirds.
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Wrap each shrimp with bacon, seasoning side in. Place on a baking sheet.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 F (200°C) for 4 minutes.
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Use the remaining soy sauce mixture to brush the shrimp. Sprinkle with additional Montreal Steak seasoning.
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Spray the preheated basket with olive oil spray.
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Place shrimp into the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to crowd them. You will have to work in batches.
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Cook for 5 minutes, then turn over. Cook an additional 5 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and shrimp are cooked through.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Bacon wrapped shrimp are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer using the reheat function, watching closely to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
Nutrition Information
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The recipes on this blog are typically tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. Please be aware that cooking appliances, especially as they age, can sometimes deliver inconsistent heat. Utilizing an inexpensive oven thermometer can help confirm your oven is reaching the correct temperature. If you’re using a toaster oven or countertop oven, remember that heat distribution may differ from a full-sized conventional oven, potentially requiring adjustments to your cooking or baking times. For recipes prepared with specialty appliances like pressure cookers, air fryers, or slow cookers, a link to the specific models we use is usually provided within each recipe. Additionally, for baking recipes where ingredient weights are specified, results may vary if volume measurements (cups) are used instead, and we cannot guarantee success with alternative measurement methods.