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This easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp recipe tastes fancy but comes together quickly making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive appetizers. The combination of smoky bacon with succulent shrimp and a tangy barbecue glaze is always a hit at gatherings or for a delicious family dinner.
Ingredients
- One pound jumbo cooked shrimp: large size means they hold up well wrapped and cooked again
- Ten slices bacon cut in half: choose good quality bacon for better flavor and texture
- One teaspoon garlic salt: adds savory depth and seasoning
- One teaspoon chili powder: provides a mild smoky heat that enhances the barbecue flavor
- One tablespoon soy sauce: adds umami richness and a touch of saltiness
- One tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: brings complexity with its tangy bite
- Quarter cup barbecue sauce: pick your favorite brand for the sweet and smoky coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare Sauce:
- In a medium bowl combine garlic salt chili powder soy sauce Worcestershire sauce and barbecue sauce Stir thoroughly to blend all flavors creating a rich marinade base
- Coat the Shrimp Thoroughly:
- Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and gently toss with the sauce until each piece is fully coated This step ensures each bite bursts with flavor
- Wrap with Bacon and Secure:
- Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each shrimp Use a toothpick or metal skewer to hold the bacon firmly in place This helps the bacon crisp up evenly around the shrimp
- Add an Extra Glaze:
- Once all shrimp are wrapped and skewered pour any remaining sauce over the top for an extra layer of flavor This keeps the shrimp moist and flavorful while cooking
- Preheat and Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 minutes This step primes the fryer for perfect cooking temperature
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Place the wrapped shrimp in the air fryer basket Optionally pour the leftover sauce over them Use the shrimp setting if your air fryer has one or manually set to 360 degrees and cook for 8 minutes The bacon should crisp up beautifully while the shrimp stay juicy
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Storage Tips
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to two days Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness Avoid microwaving as the bacon can become chewy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out barbecue sauce with a spicy sriracha mayo or a honey mustard for a different flavor profile Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a lighter option though the taste and texture will be slightly different Shrimp can be replaced with scallops or chicken bites if desired but cooking times may vary
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bacon wrapped shrimp with a fresh green salad or over a bed of rice for a speedy complete meal A side of grilled vegetables complements the smoky bacon nicely A simple garlic aioli or a tangy ranch dip works well for dipping
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Cultural and Historical Context
Bacon wrapped seafood is a timeless combination in American cuisine especially popular in Southern and barbecue traditions This fusion brings together land and sea flavors elevating simple ingredients into bold dishes loved at parties and family dinners
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can uncooked shrimp be used instead of cooked shrimp?
Yes, uncooked shrimp can be used. Remove tails and de-vein before wrapping. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes in the air fryer to ensure they are fully cooked.
- → What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 4 minutes, then cook the bacon-wrapped shrimp at 360°F for 8 minutes for optimal crispiness and tenderness.
- → Can these bacon-wrapped shrimp be cooked without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. For extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for a few seconds.
- → What sides pair well with bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Salads, grilled asparagus, or roasted potatoes complement the smoky and tangy flavors nicely for a balanced meal.
- → Is it necessary to skewer the bacon-wrapped shrimp?
Skewering helps keep the bacon wrapped securely during cooking and makes handling easier, though careful wrapping can work without skewers.
- → How can I adjust the flavors if I prefer less smoky taste?
Reduce or omit barbecue sauce and adjust chili powder amounts to soften the smoky, spicy flavor profile to your liking.