Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp – Crispy & Ready in 12 Minutes

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp quickly became my go-to appetizer after a few oven batches left me with rubbery shrimp and undercooked bacon. The first time I tried them in the air fryer, I cooked everything at too high of a temperature and the bacon crisped before the shrimp finished. After testing this three ways, with different bacon thicknesses and temperatures, I discovered that partially pre-cooking the bacon and air frying at 370°F was the sweet spot. Now they come out perfectly crisp outside and tender inside every single time.

Why This Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Recipe Works

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp works because the circulating heat crisps the bacon evenly while gently cooking the shrimp. Most top recipes cook between 360–400°F for 8–12 minutes, but thinner bacon or a quick pre-cook step prevents chewy spots.

What makes this method reliable is partially cooking the bacon for 3–4 minutes before wrapping. That head start ensures the bacon finishes crisping at the same time the shrimp reaches perfect doneness. Cooking in a single layer also prevents steaming. The result is juicy shrimp wrapped in golden, crisp bacon with no soggy edges.

Timing for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 18–20 minutes

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Simple ingredients deliver bold flavor.

Main:

• 12 large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined (tails on)
• 6 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, bacon is salty)

Optional Glaze:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Lay bacon strips in the air fryer basket and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly rendered but still flexible. Remove and let cool slightly.
3. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
4. Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
5. Wrap each shrimp with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
6. Place shrimp seam-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Check doneness: bacon should be golden and crisp, and shrimp should turn pink and opaque with an internal temperature of 120–125°F (49–52°C).
9. Optional: Brush with honey-Dijon glaze during the last 1–2 minutes for a sweet-savory finish.
10. Rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

• Use thin-cut bacon: Thick bacon may not crisp fully.
• Pre-cook bacon slightly: Prevents undercooked texture.
• Pat shrimp dry: Helps seasoning stick.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed.
• Watch closely after 8 minutes: Shrimp cook quickly.
• If bacon isn’t crisp enough: Add 1–2 extra minutes at 380°F (193°C).

Storing and Reheating Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Not recommended after cooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Reheating: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.

Variations:

• Sprinkle brown sugar over bacon before cooking for a sweet glaze.
• Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes.
• Serve with garlic aioli or spicy mayo for dipping.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp is one of those crowd-pleasing recipes that looks impressive but cooks in minutes. The crispy bacon and juicy shrimp balance perfectly, making it ideal for parties or quick dinners. Once you try this method, it’s hard to cook them any other way.