Irresistible Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Sticky Soy-Maple Glaze

Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these incredible Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp! Succulent jumbo shrimp, perfectly seasoned and wrapped in crispy, savory bacon, then brushed with a tantalizing soy-maple-honey glaze. This recipe delivers a burst of sweet and savory flavor in every bite and comes together quickly in your air fryer, making it the ultimate party appetizer or a delightful main course. Say goodbye to complicated cooking methods and hello to an effortlessly impressive dish that will have everyone asking for more!

Why This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try

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You might already be a fan of oven-baked bacon wrapped shrimp, but prepare to be amazed by the air fryer version! This method not only offers a slightly quicker cooking time but also keeps your kitchen comfortably cool by not requiring a hot oven. If you adore the smoky, salty crunch of bacon paired with tender, flavorful shrimp, then this air fryer recipe is about to become your new go-to.

The true magic of this dish lies in the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Each plump, well-seasoned shrimp is enveloped in a delicate blanket of crispy, savory bacon, creating an initial burst of smoky goodness. This is then enhanced by a sticky, irresistible glaze made from soy sauce, rich maple syrup, and golden honey, adding a perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s a flavor combination that’s utterly addictive and perfect for any occasion.

Beyond its incredible taste, this dish shines for its remarkable simplicity. With just a handful of minimal ingredients and the efficiency of your air fryer, you can whip up a batch of these delectable bites without any hassle. It’s the perfect win-win for busy weeknights when you need a quick, impressive meal, or when you’re looking for a standout appetizer that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next party or gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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Creating these delightful bites requires just a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. For precise measurements and a detailed list, be sure to check the printable recipe card located further down this post.

Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions

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• Shrimp: For the best results, we highly recommend using “grilling shrimp” if you can find them. These tend to be larger and have a firmer texture, which helps them hold up beautifully during air frying without shrinking excessively. If grilling shrimp aren’t available, jumbo shrimp will work perfectly fine. Always ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined, but leave the tails on for an elegant presentation and an easy handle for guests. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before you start; otherwise, the seasonings and bacon won’t adhere properly, and the shrimp may cook unevenly. Avoid using precooked shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery when cooked again.
• Bacon: The type of bacon you choose plays a significant role in the outcome. Regular-cut or center-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe. It’s thin enough to wrap snugly around each shrimp, allowing it to cook evenly and crisp up beautifully around the tender seafood. We do not recommend using thick-cut bacon, as it can take considerably longer to cook and crisp through, potentially leading to overcooked shrimp. It can also be more difficult to wrap securely.
• Soy-Maple-Honey Glaze: This sticky, luscious glaze is the secret weapon that elevates these bacon wrapped shrimp. It provides a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
  • Soy Sauce: Use a good quality regular or low-sodium soy sauce. It provides the essential umami and salty foundation for the glaze.
  • Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is preferred for its rich, complex sweetness that pairs wonderfully with bacon. Avoid artificial syrups if possible, as their flavor won’t be as robust.
  • Honey: Any liquid honey will work to add an additional layer of sweetness and stickiness, helping the glaze caramelize beautifully on the bacon. Feel free to adjust the ratios of maple syrup and honey slightly to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
• Seasoning: We’ve found that homemade Montreal Steak seasoning provides an incredible peppery, garlicky, and herbaceous kick to both the shrimp and bacon. However, feel free to use your favorite store-bought steak seasoning, a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, or even a spicy Cajun blend for a different flavor profile. The key is to add a generous amount to infuse the shrimp and bacon with depth.

How to Master Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp: Step-by-Step

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For a visual guide, these step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you effortlessly create this recipe. If you prefer, you can jump directly to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all measurements and a concise instruction list.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: The first crucial step is to thoroughly pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, which is essential for proper browning and crisping, allowing the seasonings to adhere better. To prevent the shrimp from curling up too tightly into a small ball during cooking (which can lead to uneven results), gently score through the vein on the underside in two places: once near the head and again farther down towards the tail. Remember to only make a shallow score – do not cut all the way through the shrimp. This small cut helps the shrimp relax and cook flatter.
   
2. Whisk the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, and honey. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth, sticky, and evenly blended glaze. This sweet and savory mixture is key to the shrimp’s irresistible flavor.
3. Marinate the Shrimp: Transfer the scored shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Pour approximately half of the prepared soy sauce mixture over the shrimp. Toss gently, using a spoon or your hands, to ensure each piece of shrimp is evenly coated. This initial marination infuses the shrimp with deep flavor even before they are wrapped in bacon.
   
4. Season the Bacon: Lay out your bacon slices on a clean surface or cutting board. Generously sprinkle them with some of the Montreal Steak seasoning. This step ensures that the bacon itself is flavorful and will impart that seasoning directly onto the shrimp as it cooks.
5. Cut the Bacon: Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each bacon slice into three equal pieces. This specific size is ideal for wrapping neatly around individual jumbo shrimp without having too much excess bacon, which could prevent even cooking or crisping.
   
6. Wrap the Shrimp: Take one marinated shrimp and carefully wrap it with one piece of the seasoned bacon. Ensure the seasoned side of the bacon is facing inwards, directly against the shrimp, for maximum flavor transfer. Wrap it as snugly as possible. If the bacon tends to unroll, you can secure it with a wooden toothpick. Place the finished bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet as you continue with the remaining shrimp.
   
7. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. Preheating is a vital step for achieving that desirable crispy bacon and ensuring the shrimp cook quickly and evenly without becoming tough.
8. Glaze and Season Again: Before placing them into the air fryer basket, generously brush the wrapped shrimp with the remaining soy sauce mixture. This glaze will caramelize during cooking, creating a wonderfully sticky and flavorful exterior. For an extra punch of flavor, sprinkle with additional Montreal Steak seasoning over the glazed shrimp.
   
9. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the bacon and shrimp from sticking to the basket and helps ensure the bacon crisps up beautifully without tearing.
10. Air Fry in Batches: Carefully arrange the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching or crowded. Overcrowding is a common mistake in air frying; it traps steam and will result in soggy bacon rather than crispy. You will most likely need to cook the shrimp in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
    
11. Cook to Perfection: Cook the shrimp for 5 minutes, allowing the bacon to start crisping and the shrimp to begin cooking through. Then, carefully turn each piece over using tongs. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the bacon is beautifully crispy and golden brown, and the shrimp are opaque and pink throughout. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of both your bacon and shrimp, so always keep an eye on them towards the end.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Crispy & Flavorful Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

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• Don’t Skip the Scoring: As detailed in the instructions, making small scores on the underside of the shrimp is a simple trick that prevents them from curling into tight little balls. This ensures more even cooking of the shrimp and results in a much more appealing presentation.
• Pat Dry, Always: Moisture is the arch-nemesis of crispiness. Make it a habit to thoroughly pat your shrimp dry with paper towels before you apply any seasoning or wrap them in bacon. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy bacon and ensuring the seasonings adhere properly.
• Bacon Thickness Matters: For optimal results, stick to regular-cut or center-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon takes significantly longer to cook and crisp through, and by the time it reaches perfection, your delicate shrimp will likely be overcooked and rubbery.
• Prevent Overcrowding: The air fryer works by circulating hot air. For this circulation to be effective, each piece of shrimp needs space. Avoid the temptation to overcrowd the basket, as this will lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in small batches if necessary, even if it takes a little longer.
• Use Toothpicks (Optional but Helpful): If you find that your bacon isn’t staying wrapped snugly around the shrimp, a simple wooden toothpick can secure it in place during cooking. Just remember to remove them all before serving!
• Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary significantly in their cooking power and efficiency. Always consider the suggested cooking times as a guideline. Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time, especially if it’s your first time making these in your specific appliance. Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque.
• Manage Excess Fat: Bacon naturally renders fat as it cooks. If you’re cooking multiple batches, you might notice accumulated fat in the air fryer basket. Carefully drain any excess fat between batches to prevent smoking and ensure that subsequent batches get just as crispy.
• Serving Immediately: For the absolute best experience, bacon wrapped shrimp are truly at their peak when served fresh and hot, right out of the air fryer. The bacon will be at its crispiest, and the shrimp at its most tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

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These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, whether you’re looking for an impressive appetizer or a flavorful main course. For an easy and elegant appetizer, serve them hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty squeeze, which beautifully cuts through the richness of the bacon. They are also fantastic with a variety of dipping sauces. Our personal favorites include creamy ranch dressing, a smoky barbecue sauce for a classic pairing, or a sweet and spicy Asian chili sauce for an extra kick. The contrast of the rich shrimp and bacon with a tangy, spicy, or cool dip is simply divine.

Beyond appetizers, these make a fantastic and satisfying main course! Transform them into a complete meal by pairing them with a crisp green salad, a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. Imagine them alongside perfectly roasted asparagus (perhaps even bacon-wrapped asparagus!) or a vibrant quinoa salad for a healthy and hearty option. They’re also a stellar addition to any game day spread, holiday party buffet, or a casual get-together with friends. Don’t be surprised if these flavorful bites are the first dish to disappear!

Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

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If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience, speed, and delicious results that air frying offers, then you’re in for a treat! Discover even more fantastic recipes that will make your air fryer your new favorite kitchen appliance:

• Air Fryer Shrimp: A straightforward and speedy way to cook plain shrimp to perfection, ideal for quick meals or adding to salads.
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp: Crispy, sweet, and wonderfully tropical – a delightful and easy twist on classic shrimp.
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Carrots: Sweet carrots wrapped in savory, crispy bacon, creating a surprisingly delicious and vibrant side dish.
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: Another excellent bacon-wrapped vegetable side, perfect for pairing with almost any meal for an added touch of flavor and crunch.

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