Sure, here’s a simple recipe for making Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in the Air Fryer, along with some notes to help you along the way:
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Thin-sliced bacon
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (for seasoning)
Instructions:
- Prep Shrimp:
- Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help the bacon stick better and promote better crisping.
- Season Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with a drizzle of olive oil and your choice of seasonings. A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper can add extra flavor. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Prep Bacon:
- Cut the bacon slices in half. This will give you enough bacon to wrap around each shrimp.
- Wrap Shrimp:
- Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around a marinated shrimp. You can secure the bacon with a toothpick or simply place the bacon seam-side down in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Air Frying:
- Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other to allow for proper crisping.
- Cooking:
- Cook the shrimp in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cooking times can vary based on the size of the shrimp and the intensity of your air fryer. The bacon should be crispy and the shrimp should be pink and opaque.
- Serve:
- Once the bacon wrapped shrimp are cooked to your desired level of crispiness and the shrimp are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish and Dipping Sauce:
- You can garnish the bacon-wrapped shrimp with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a garlic aioli.
Notes:
- Shrimp Size: The cooking time might need to be adjusted based on the size of the shrimp. Larger shrimp may require a bit more time, while smaller ones may cook faster.
- Bacon Quality: Use good quality bacon for the best flavor and texture. If the bacon is too thick, it might not crisp up as well.
- Toothpicks: If you’re using toothpicks to secure the bacon, make sure to soak them in water for about 15 minutes before using. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- Spacing: Leave some space between the bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, spices, and dipping sauces to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks to prevent it from becoming overly crispy or burnt. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy bacon-wrapped shrimp from the air fryer!
Certainly, here are a few more tips and variations for making bacon-wrapped shrimp in the air fryer:
Tips:
- Par-Cook Bacon: If you find that your bacon-wrapped shrimp isn’t getting crispy enough, you can try par-cooking the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the shrimp. This can be done by microwaving the bacon slices for about 1-2 minutes until they are partially cooked but still pliable. This helps ensure that both the bacon and shrimp are cooked evenly in the air fryer.
- Basting: While cooking, consider brushing the bacon-wrapped shrimp with a glaze for extra flavor. A mixture of honey and soy sauce or a BBQ sauce can work well. Basting the shrimp during cooking will create a delicious caramelized coating.
- Preventing Sticking: To prevent the bacon-wrapped shrimp from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can lightly coat the basket with a thin layer of cooking spray or oil before placing the shrimp in it.
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps with achieving a crispy texture. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply turn it on to the desired cooking temperature and let it run for a few minutes before adding the shrimp.
Variations:
- Stuffed Shrimp: Consider adding a stuffing to the shrimp before wrapping them in bacon. Cream cheese, jalapenos, or a slice of cheese can make a delightful surprise in the center.
- Sweet and Spicy: For a sweet and spicy twist, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and cayenne pepper on the bacon-wrapped shrimp before air frying. This combination offers a balance of flavors.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for marinating the shrimp, and wrap them in bacon before air frying. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil.
- Cajun Style: Add a Cajun seasoning blend to the shrimp before wrapping them in bacon. This will bring a spicy and flavorful kick to your dish.
- Herb-Infused: Instead of using traditional seasonings, try using a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to season your shrimp before wrapping them in bacon.
- Fruit Pairing: For a unique flavor combination, you can add a small slice of pineapple or mango between the shrimp and bacon before air frying. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory bacon and shrimp.
Remember that air fryer models can vary, so it’s a good idea to monitor the cooking process closely, especially the first time you try a new recipe. With these tips and variations, you can create a wide range of delicious bacon-wrapped shrimp dishes to suit your taste preferences.
