How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in the Air Fryer: A Delicious Recipe to Try
Bacon-wrapped shrimp is a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the deliciousness of bacon with the savoriness of shrimp. It’s a perfect choice for parties and gatherings, as it is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer, giving you a crispy and flavorful dish that will leave everyone asking for more.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you can start cooking, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
– Fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
– Thinly sliced bacon
– Wooden toothpicks
– Olive oil
– Garlic powder
– Paprika
– Black pepper
– Salt
Prepping the Shrimp
Begin by prepping the shrimp. Make sure you have peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, as these work best for bacon wrapping. If you opt for frozen shrimp, remember to thaw them before starting the recipe. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this will help the bacon wrap around them more easily.
Seasoning the Shrimp
Next, it’s time to season the shrimp. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a seasoning blend. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp, ensuring every piece is coated with the flavors. Gently toss the shrimp to make sure the seasoning adheres well.
Wrapping the Shrimp
To achieve the bacon-wrapped perfection, you’ll need to master the art of wrapping. Take a slice of bacon and cut it in half lengthwise. Each shrimp will be wrapped with half a slice of bacon. Take one shrimp and start wrapping the bacon around it, starting from the tail end and securing it with a wooden toothpick. Repeat this process for all the shrimp, ensuring the bacon is tightly wrapped around each piece.
Preparing the Air Fryer
Now that your shrimp are nicely wrapped with bacon, it’s time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 degrees Celsius) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your bacon-wrapped shrimp get evenly cooked and achieve the desired crispy texture.
Cooking the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the bacon-wrapped shrimp inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced. Cook the shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 degrees Celsius) for approximately 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the air fryer model.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your bacon-wrapped shrimp are golden brown and crispy, it’s time to remove them from the air fryer. Use tongs to transfer them to a serving plate, and let them rest for a few minutes to cool down slightly. The wooden toothpicks can be a bit hot, so caution is needed while eating.
Serve your bacon-wrapped shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce, such as spicy aioli, tangy cocktail sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce. These sauces complement the flavors and add an extra depth to the dish. You can also serve them as part of a larger spread, alongside other appetizers or as a topping on a fresh salad. The crispy bacon combined with the succulent shrimp will be a taste sensation that your guests won’t forget.
Experimenting with Variations
While the basic recipe for bacon-wrapped shrimp is undoubtedly delicious, you can always experiment with additional flavors and ingredients to make it even more interesting. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a sprinkle of brown sugar on top of the bacon-wrapped shrimp before they go into the air fryer. The caramelization will create a delightful contrast to the salty bacon.
If you enjoy a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning blend. This will give your bacon-wrapped shrimp a satisfying heat that pairs well with the smoky bacon and tender shrimp. You can also infuse some citrusy flavors by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the cooked shrimp.
Cleaning Up
Now that you have enjoyed your delicious bacon-wrapped shrimp, it’s time to clean up. The air fryer basket and any utensils used can usually be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water. Make sure to remove any stuck-on food. If your air fryer has a removable basket, you can often place it in the dishwasher for added convenience.
Conclusion
Making bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the rich flavors of bacon with succulent shrimp. With just a few simple steps, you can create a crispy and savory dish that will impress your guests. Remember to gather your ingredients, prep the shrimp, season them perfectly, wrap them in bacon, preheat the air fryer, and cook to perfection. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite flavor combinations. So, go ahead and try this delicious recipe in your air fryer today!