Crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer with a Sweet & Savory Glaze
Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with these incredibly quick and easy air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp! Coated in a tantalizing, sticky soy-maple-honey glaze, these succulent bites are guaranteed to be a showstopper at any party or gathering. With minimal ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you’ll create one of the most irresistible snacks that everyone will rave about.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a timeless classic, offering a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. When cooked in the air fryer, they achieve an unparalleled crispness on the bacon and a tender, juicy finish on the shrimp, all in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven methods. Get ready for an explosion of flavor and texture that will make this recipe a staple in your entertaining repertoire.
Why This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try
We’ve taken our popular oven-baked bacon wrapped shrimp and perfected it for the air fryer, offering an even quicker and more convenient cooking method. No need to heat up your entire kitchen or wait for the oven to preheat; your air fryer delivers perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped shrimp with less fuss and superior results.
If you’re a fan of crispy bacon and perfectly cooked shrimp, then this recipe is tailor-made for you. Imagine succulent, well-seasoned shrimp enveloped in a blanket of smoky, crispy bacon, all brushed with a glossy, sticky, and savory soy sauce glaze. It’s a culinary dream that truly makes any occasion feel more special. Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe shines for its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients – just 6 main components – and your air fryer handles the rest, transforming them into golden-brown perfection without a hitch. It’s a win-win situation for delicious, hassle-free party food or a delightful weeknight treat.
The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures that the bacon gets beautifully crispy on all sides, while the shrimp remains tender and never overcooked. This method also means less oil is needed, making for a slightly lighter (but no less indulgent!) appetizer. Plus, cleanup is often a breeze when using an air fryer liner or parchment paper. This recipe is designed to impress with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy hosts or anyone looking for a quick gourmet bite.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
To craft these delightful air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version of this recipe, be sure to check out the recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Tips
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture of this air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp recipe. Here’s a deeper dive into what to look for and how to make substitutions if needed:
- SHRIMP – Our top recommendation is to use **grilling shrimp**. These varieties are typically larger and firmer, which means they hold their shape exceptionally well during cooking and tend to shrink less compared to other types. While they might be a bit pricier or occasionally harder to source, their superior texture is worth it if you can find them. If not, **jumbo shrimp** (usually 16/20 count per pound) are an excellent and widely available alternative that will work perfectly. Always ensure your shrimp are peeled with the tails left on for a more appealing presentation and easier handling. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and wrapping to ensure proper adhesion of the bacon and glaze.
- BACON – The key to perfectly crispy bacon wrapped shrimp is selecting the right cut of bacon. **Regular-cut or center-cut bacon** is ideal. These varieties are thin enough to cook thoroughly and get crispy in the air fryer without overcooking the shrimp, and they are pliable enough to wrap neatly around each piece of shrimp. We strongly advise against using **thick-cut bacon** for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon takes significantly longer to crisp up, which can lead to overcooked, rubbery shrimp. It’s also much more challenging to wrap tightly around the delicate shrimp, potentially resulting in loose bacon that falls off during cooking.
- SEASONING – For this recipe, we absolutely love our homemade Montreal Steak seasoning. Its robust blend of garlic, onion, pepper, and spices adds a fantastic depth of flavor that complements both the bacon and the shrimp beautifully. If you don’t have homemade, a **store-bought Montreal steak seasoning** will work just fine. Alternatively, feel free to use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. The goal is to add an extra layer of savory goodness before the sweet glaze.
- SOY SAUCE, MAPLE SYRUP, & HONEY – This trio forms the irresistible sweet and savory glaze. **Soy sauce** provides the umami depth, while **maple syrup** and **honey** contribute natural sweetness and a sticky texture that caramelizes beautifully. For the best flavor, use a good quality soy sauce (low-sodium is fine). If you don’t have maple syrup, you can increase the amount of honey slightly, or vice versa, but the combination offers a more complex flavor profile.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize the process of making this delicious recipe. For the complete printable version of this recipe, including all measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
Creating these air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp is surprisingly straightforward, and with a few simple techniques, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. The key is in the preparation of the shrimp and bacon, followed by the precise air frying method that yields crispy bacon and tender shrimp with that mouthwatering sticky glaze. Follow these steps for an irresistible appetizer:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by patting your jumbo shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasonings and bacon adhere better and promotes crispier results. Next, to prevent the shrimp from curling up too tightly into a “C” shape during cooking, gently score through the vein on the underside of the 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 the shrimp.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, and honey until well combined. This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a basting glaze.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the scored shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Add approximately half of the prepared soy sauce mixture to the shrimp and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This initial marinade infuses the shrimp with flavor.
- Season the Bacon: Lay out your regular-cut bacon slices and season them lightly with some of your Montreal Steak seasoning. This adds another layer of flavor directly to the bacon.
- Cut the Bacon: Cut each slice of bacon into thirds. This ensures the bacon strips are the perfect size to wrap around individual jumbo shrimp without excess, promoting even cooking and crisping.
- Wrap the Shrimp: Take one piece of seasoned bacon and wrap it around each shrimp, ensuring the seasoned side of the bacon faces inwards towards the shrimp. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet or a clean surface as you go.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. Proper preheating ensures immediate crisping and even cooking.
- Apply Final Glaze & Seasoning: Use the remaining soy sauce mixture to generously brush over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. Then, sprinkle with additional Montreal Steak seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. This prevents sticking and promotes a golden-brown finish.
- Air Fry in Batches: Carefully place the bacon-wrapped shrimp into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping, so you will likely need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Cook the shrimp for 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn each piece over using tongs. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. The total cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your shrimp and bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Yes, you absolutely can use frozen shrimp, but it’s crucial that they are completely thawed before you begin. If you try to wrap bacon around frozen or partially frozen shrimp, the bacon and seasonings will simply slide right off. To thaw shrimp quicker, place them in a sealed zip-top bag and submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, changing the water once or twice. Once thawed, pat them thoroughly dry. I do not recommend using pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe, as they will become tough and rubbery when air-fried.
Bacon wrapped shrimp are truly best enjoyed immediately after cooking, when the bacon is at its crispiest and the shrimp are perfectly tender. However, if you do happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence with this recipe!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To rewarm, use your air fryer’s reheat function or set it to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Keep a close eye on them during reheating to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can make them rubbery.
For ultra-crispy bacon, ensure you’re using regular-cut or center-cut bacon, as thick-cut bacon takes too long. Also, pat the shrimp very dry before wrapping, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in single layers allows the hot air to circulate effectively around each piece, promoting maximum crispiness. You can also lightly brush the bacon with a tiny bit of olive oil before the final glaze for an extra crisp factor.
You can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can peel and score the shrimp, cut the bacon, and even prepare the glaze mixture a day ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, for the best results, we recommend wrapping the bacon around the shrimp and air frying them just before serving. This ensures the bacon is perfectly crisp and the shrimp are tender and juicy. If wrapped too far in advance, the bacon can get soggy.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
These delectable air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways. For a classic appetizer presentation, serve them immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich flavors of the bacon and glaze. Offer a selection of dipping sauces to cater to various tastes; we highly recommend classic ranch dressing, tangy barbecue sauce, or a sweet and spicy Asian sweet chili sauce for an extra kick. These shrimp are perfect for game day, holiday parties, or any festive gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
While they shine as a party appetizer, these flavorful shrimp can easily transition into a light main course. Pair them with a crisp green salad tossed with a vinaigrette, a side of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the glaze, or a medley of roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal. Their impressive flavor profile makes them suitable for both casual family dinners and more elegant occasions. However you choose to serve them, get ready for these air fryer bacon wrapped shrimp to disappear fast!
Discover More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
The air fryer is a fantastic kitchen appliance for quick, crispy, and healthy meals. If you loved this bacon wrapped shrimp recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our favorite air fryer creations. Expand your air fryer repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Carrots
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings (perfect for game day!)
- Crispy Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks (another fantastic appetizer)
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 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
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Small mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Tongs
Before You Begin
- If you can find grilling shrimp, that is our top recommendation. They hold up really well and don’t shrink as much as other varieties, providing a substantial bite. However, they are a bit more expensive and sometimes harder to find, so jumbo shrimp will work in its place just fine and are more readily available.
- Regular-cut or center-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe. We wouldn’t recommend thick-cut bacon as it can take significantly longer to cook and crisp up in the air fryer, and it’s also more difficult to wrap neatly around the shrimp, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- We used our homemade Montreal Steak seasoning for this recipe because it adds a robust and delicious flavor. You can use a high-quality store-bought version or any other all-purpose seasoning of your choice that you enjoy with shrimp and bacon.
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before marinating and wrapping to help the glaze and bacon adhere well and promote crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation, which is essential for crispy bacon and evenly cooked shrimp.
Instructions
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Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In two places, score through the vein on the underside of the shrimp. We scored near the head then farther down near the tail. This will help the shrimp from curling up really tight. Only score it, do not cut all the way through.1 pound jumbo shrimp
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, and honey until a smooth glaze forms.4 Tablespoons soy sauce, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup, 2 Tablespoons honey
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Place the prepared, scored shrimp into a large mixing bowl and add half of the soy-maple-honey glaze mixture. Toss gently to ensure all shrimp are coated evenly.
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Season the bacon slices with some of the Montreal Steak seasoning before cutting.9 slices bacon, Montreal steak seasoning
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Cut each seasoned bacon slice into thirds, creating strips that are perfect for wrapping individual shrimp.
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Carefully wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon, ensuring the seasoned side of the bacon faces inwards. Place the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet or platter.
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. This preheating is vital for immediate crisping.
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Use the remaining soy sauce mixture to brush generously over the bacon-wrapped shrimp, ensuring an even coating. Optionally, sprinkle with a touch more Montreal Steak seasoning for extra flavor.
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Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Place the shrimp into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You will likely need to cook in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
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Cook for 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn each shrimp over using tongs. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the shrimp are pink and opaque throughout. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Bacon wrapped shrimp is truly best enjoyed right away, when the bacon is at its peak crispiness and the shrimp are perfectly tender. However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, use the air fryer’s reheat function or set it to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them when reheating to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough.
- **Pro Tip for Crispy Bacon:** Make sure your air fryer is fully preheated. This initial blast of hot air helps to render the bacon fat quickly, leading to a crispier result. Also, ensure there’s ample space between each shrimp in the basket for optimal air circulation.
- **Preventing Shrimp Curl:** Scoring the underside of the shrimp as directed is key to keeping them from curling excessively. This makes for a more attractive and easier-to-eat appetizer.
- **Flavor Variations:** While the soy-maple-honey glaze is fantastic, feel free to experiment! You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro after cooking also adds a nice fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.