Everything is better with bacon, which is why I love making these air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp! It’s basically like taking shrimp cocktail to the next level with the addition of savory, salty, and smoky bacon. They’re simple, customizable, and of course delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bacon wrapped shrimp hits that perfect sweet spot between elegant and indulgent. You get juicy, tender shrimp paired with salty, crispy bacon, which means big flavor with very little effort.
It feels fancy enough for parties or date nights, but it’s actually incredibly easy to make at home! I use the air fryer to deliver crisp bacon and juicy shrimp that come out delicious every time.
It’s also endlessly versatile. You can keep it classic with simple seasoning, lean into sweet heat with brown sugar or chili flakes, or dress it up with glazes, dips, and fresh herbs. This recipe is even naturally gluten-free and low carb (just watch your seasonings) so it works for many different dietary needs!
Bacon wrapped shrimp works just as well as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or a light main dish, which makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser!
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Ingredients List
- 16 extra jumbo or colossal sized raw shrimp (peeled, and tail on) – this is 16/22 or 21/25 per pound size (names can vary by brands)
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half lengthwise (for 16 long strips)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use smaller shrimp, but you’ll need to pre-cook your bacon for about 5 minutes before wrapping it, or else the shrimp will overcook and be rubbery by the time it’s done
- Use regular (not thick cut) bacon for best results (or again, you can always pre-cook it to render some of the fat out before wrapping the shrimp)
- You can use other seasonings you like as well, such as BBQ, Creole, steak seasoning, or just a mix of spices like kosher salt, pepper, paprika, or garlic powder. Get creative! For a sweet and savory option, use maple bacon, or add a touch of honey or brown sugar to regular bacon. If you’re trying to keep gluten-free, just make sure to check your seasonings
- Stuffed Variation: Butterfly your shrimp (don’t cut all the way through) and add cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or cream cheese, and a strip of jalapeno pepper (or similar) before wrapping in bacon to create a stuffed version!
Step By Step Instructions
- Pat your shrimp dry, then toss in a medium bowl with the olive oil and seasoning until they’re evenly coated
- Start at the tail end (just above the tail) and wrap a piece of bacon with a minimal amount of overlap around each shrimp. You can tuck the end under or pin it with a toothpick
- Place bacon wrapped shrimp into your air fryer’s basket or rack seam side down in an even layer, with a little space between them (cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding)
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and browned to your liking, and shrimp are at least 145°F. You can flip them halfway through for more even browning, but this is optional – I do not
- Serve hot, with a dipping sauce if desired. Enjoy!
Alternate Cooking Directions
Oven Baking
- Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil, and preheat the oven to 400°F
- Place the strips of bacon on the rack, then bake for 5-10 minutes until they start to render (it will vary depending on thickness)
- Remove the strips from the oven, and once cool enough to handle, wrap the shrimp in the bacon strips
- Place the wrapped shrimp back on the wire rack, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is browned and the shrimp are cooked through. You can broil the last minute or two if you want a darker, crispier edge or to caramelize any sweet ingredients
On the Grill
- Pre-cook the bacon over indirect heat for about 5 minutes to soften it (or you can microwave it for about 1 minute if you don’t have that option)
- Once cooled enough to handle, wrap the shrimp in the bacon and then thread them onto skewers
- Grill over indirect heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is browned and the shrimp are cooked. You can add a glaze or sauce in the last few minutes of cooking so it can caramelize if desired
Pairing Suggestions
Appetizers & Small Bites
- Garlic bread or crostini – Crisp, buttery bread balances the saltiness of the bacon and gives guests something neutral to nibble between bites
- Stuffed mushrooms – Earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with bacon and shrimp while keeping the appetizer spread cohesive!
- Deviled eggs – Creamy and slightly tangy, they cut through the richness without competing for attention. Try my Air Fryer Deviled Eggs!
Side Dishes
- Roasted asparagus or green beans – Fresh, slightly crisp vegetables lighten things up and complement the smoky bacon. Use up any extra bacon to make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus!
- Creamy coleslaw – The cool crunch and acidity contrast the warm, savory shrimp perfectly
- Garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy grits – Great if you’re serving bacon wrapped shrimp as part of a heartier meal. My easy Microwave Grits are the perfect pairing!
Sauces & Dips
- Honey mustard or maple mustard – Sweet and tangy flavors play especially well with salty bacon!
- Garlic aioli – Adds creaminess and depth without overpowering the shrimp
- Sweet chili sauce – A touch of heat and sweetness elevates every bite
- Jalapeno Popper Dip – The shrimp make an excellent dipper for this spicy, creamy combo
Drinks
- Crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) – Bright acidity keeps the pairing fresh and balanced
- Champagne or prosecco – Bubbles cut through the richness and make the dish feel extra celebratory. Try my Glitter Ball Cocktail for a New Year’s pairing!
- Classic cocktails like a gin and tonic or vodka soda – Clean, simple drinks won’t compete with the bold flavors
Recipe FAQs
How Do You Keep Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp From Being Rubbery?
Use large shrimp and avoid overcooking. Shrimp turn rubbery fast once they pass doneness. Cooking at a higher heat helps the bacon crisp quickly so the shrimp aren’t exposed to heat for too long.
What Kind Of Shrimp Is Best For Bacon Wrapping?
Colossal or jumbo (16/20 or 21/25 count) work best because they stay juicy and are easier to wrap. Peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on are ideal for both presentation and easy eating.
Do You Have To Cook The Bacon Before Wrapping?
It depends on the thickness of the bacon, size of shrimp, and cooking method. Partially cooking thick-cut bacon gives it a head start so it crisps without overcooking the shrimp (or if you’re using small shrimp). Thin-cut bacon usually cooks through just fine without pre-cooking.
Tips For the Best Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- You do not need to wrap your bacon super tight as it will shrink as it cooks, and you don’t want it to break or constrict the shrimp too much
- I created and tested this recipe in my Ninja air fryer and I do not preheat. I find 15 minutes to be perfect, with a reduction to 10 minutes for subsequent batches (since the air fryer is warmer to start). Other air fryers may vary slightly, so tweak cooking times as needed for your preferences and setup
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Let the shrimp cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep the bacon from going soggy
- Freezing (If Needed): You can freeze cooked bacon-wrapped shrimp, but texture is best when fresh. Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Reheating Tips
- Best Reheating Method: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and the bacon re-crisps. This keeps the shrimp tender without drying them out
- Oven Option: Reheat on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. The rack helps the bacon crisp evenly
- Avoid The Microwave: Microwaving tends to make shrimp rubbery and bacon limp; fine in a pinch, but not ideal
- Serving After Reheating: Serve immediately once reheated, as bacon loses crispness the longer it sits. A quick sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon helps revive the flavor!
More Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Jalapeno Poppers
- Air Fryer Shrimp Chimichanga
Final Thoughts
These bacon wrapped shrimp are the perfect savory snack or appetizer for any occasion! They’re elegant enough for New Year’s, yet casual enough for game day or a backyard cookout. Plus, they’re naturally low carb and gluten free, so they work for different dietary needs without trying!
You can customize them just to your liking by using different varieties of bacon and seasonings to create your own flavor profile. I enjoy Cajun or Old Bay since they add a nice spice and complement the seafood well, but use what you like!
The air fryer does a great job delivering crispy bacon, while keeping the shrimp juicy and delicious. If you don’t have an air fryer, though, they’re delicious in the oven or on the grill too. For more tasty options, check out all of my Air Fryer Shrimp Recipes for more inspiration!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 jumbo or colossal shrimp, raw, peeled and tail on this is equivalent to 16/22 or 21/25 per pound size (names can vary by brands)
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half lengthwise (for 16 long strips)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Pat your shrimp dry, then toss in a bowl with the olive oil and seasoning until they’re evenly coated16 jumbo or colossal shrimp, raw, peeled and tail on, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- Start at the tail end (just above the tail) and wrap a strip of bacon with a minimal amount of overlap around each shrimp. You can tuck the end under or pin it with a toothpick8 slices bacon, cut in half lengthwise
- Place bacon wrapped shrimp into your air fryer’s basket or rack seam side down in an even layer, with a little space between them (cook in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding)
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and browned to your liking, and shrimp are at least 145°F. You can flip them halfway through for more even browning, but this is optional – I do not
- Serve hot, with a dipping sauce if desired (I use Yum Yum sauce). Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use smaller shrimp, but you’ll need to pre-cook your bacon for about 5 minutes before wrapping it, or else the shrimp will overcook and be rubbery by the time it’s done. If you use frozen shrimp, defrost in advance
- Use regular (not thick cut) bacon for best results (or again, pre-cook it to render some of the fat out before wrapping the shrimp)
- You can use other seasonings you like as well, such as BBQ, Creole, steak seasoning, or just a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and/or garlic powder. If your seasoning mix doesn’t contain salt, add around ½ tsp (or to taste)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
