Why Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp?

Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a classic combination of two ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The shrimp, with its naturally sweet and delicate flavor, pairs beautifully with the rich, smoky taste of bacon. The bacon crisps up during the cooking process, adding an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor to each shrimp. The shrimp itself remains juicy and tender, absorbing some of the bacon’s smoky essence while maintaining its natural moisture. The result is a savory bite that combines textures in a way that delights the senses. This dish is versatile and can be served as a finger food at parties, a starter for a more elaborate meal, or even as the main course for a light dinner.

The Air Fryer Advantage

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking by offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying. It uses hot air to cook food, which results in a crispy texture with little to no oil. When making bacon-wrapped shrimp, the air fryer cooks the bacon to perfection, making it crispy on the outside while preventing it from becoming greasy. Meanwhile, the shrimp retains its natural juiciness, and the even heat distribution ensures that the bacon is evenly crisped without burning. Using the air fryer not only shortens cooking time, but it also reduces the mess that typically comes with grilling or pan-frying, making cleanup a breeze.

How to Prepare the Shrimp for Wrapping

The first step in making grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp is preparing the shrimp itself. Begin by rinsing and drying the shrimp thoroughly. This step is essential to remove excess moisture, which can affect the cooking process and prevent the bacon from crisping properly. Once the shrimp is dry, season it with Old Bay seasoning, which provides a classic blend of spices that enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor. For an extra kick, you can add cayenne pepper to introduce a mild heat. Salt can also be added to taste, but it’s important to remember that Old Bay seasoning already contains salt, so you might want to adjust accordingly. Once seasoned, the shrimp is ready to be wrapped in bacon.

Wrapping the Shrimp with Bacon

Wrapping shrimp in bacon is straightforward, but it’s important to get the right bacon-to-shrimp ratio. Thin-sliced bacon works best for this recipe, as it crisps up quickly and evenly without overpowering the shrimp. Cut the bacon into thirds to ensure each piece of shrimp is adequately wrapped. The bacon should wrap around the shrimp snugly, but not too tightly, to ensure even cooking. This step also allows the bacon to cook more evenly, as the heat can circulate around the shrimp while still providing the desired crispy texture. After wrapping each shrimp with bacon, it’s important to sprinkle a little more Old Bay seasoning over the bacon to enhance the flavor profile and give the dish an extra layer of seasoning.

The Role of Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay seasoning is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it’s known for its ability to bring out the best in seafood. The seasoning blend, which contains a mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices, complements the shrimp’s delicate flavor and pairs perfectly with the richness of the bacon. Old Bay is particularly popular in coastal regions where seafood is a staple, and it’s often used to season shrimp, crab, and lobster. When combined with the crispy bacon, it creates a savory flavor that’s both bold and balanced. This seasoning helps elevate the dish and provides a familiar taste that makes grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp so beloved.

Air Frying the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Once the shrimp is wrapped in bacon and seasoned, it’s time to cook. The air fryer is the ideal tool for this dish, as it allows you to cook everything evenly and quickly. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), which is the optimal temperature for cooking both the bacon and shrimp. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly and may result in soggy bacon. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the basket, ensuring that there is enough space for the hot air to circulate around each piece.

For pre-cooked shrimp, the cooking time will be between 8-10 minutes. If you’re using raw shrimp, the cooking time will increase slightly to 12-15 minutes. It’s a good idea to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crispiness on both sides. The shrimp is ready when the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you like your bacon extra crispy, feel free to cook the shrimp for an additional minute or two, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Once cooked, allow the bacon-wrapped shrimp to cool for a few minutes before serving. The bacon will be extremely hot right out of the air fryer, and it’s important to give it a little time to cool down and firm up. These shrimp make an excellent appetizer, but they can also be served as part of a larger meal. You can pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as a spicy aioli, cocktail sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. The smoky, savory flavors of the bacon, combined with the juicy shrimp, create a perfectly balanced bite that’s satisfying on its own or alongside other dishes.

Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp are a great option for those following keto or low-carb diets. With only 0.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this dish fits perfectly into a low-carb eating plan while still providing a satisfying and flavorful snack. Additionally, these shrimp are a rich source of protein, offering 28.6 grams per serving, which makes them a filling option for anyone looking to maintain muscle mass or support their daily protein intake. The bacon adds some fat to the dish, including 13.2 grams of total fat, 4.4 grams of which are saturated fat. While this may seem like a lot of fat, it’s important to note that bacon provides essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

The shrimp itself provides valuable nutrients like potassium, calcium, and iron, which are important for heart health, bone health, and oxygen transport in the blood. However, due to the relatively high sodium content of this dish (over 2100 mg per serving), it’s a good idea to enjoy this recipe in moderation, especially for individuals who are watching their sodium intake.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Parties

Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp are an excellent choice for special occasions and parties. The combination of the smoky bacon and tender shrimp makes these bites irresistible to guests, and they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a formal dinner party, these shrimp are an impressive and flavorful dish that can be served as an appetizer or finger food. The air fryer makes preparing them a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your event rather than spending time in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Grilled bacon-wrapped shrimp made in the air fryer is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of both worlds—smoky bacon and juicy shrimp. This simple yet impressive recipe is perfect for appetizers, parties, or special occasions, and it can be made in under 15 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for those on the go. The air fryer ensures perfectly crispy bacon and tender shrimp every time, while the Old Bay seasoning adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Whether you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying snack, these bacon-wrapped shrimp are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.