Bacon Wrapped Shrimp in Ninja Foodi (Air Fryer Recipe)

Bacon wrapped shrimp is a classic appetizer that gets even better when made in the Ninja Foodi. The air fryer function crisps the bacon to perfection while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy, all in about 15 minutes. This recipe delivers that irresistible combination of smoky, salty bacon and sweet, succulent shrimp with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
• 8-10 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half crosswise
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
• 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt (optional, bacon is salty)
• Toothpicks (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden ones)

Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper (and salt if using).
2. Wrap each shrimp with a half-slice of bacon, stretching the bacon slightly as you wrap. Secure with a toothpick. Repeat with all shrimp.
3. Preheat your Ninja Foodi on the Air Fry function to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Place the wrapped shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each so air can circulate. You may need to work in batches.
5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes. Flip each shrimp and continue air frying for another 4-6 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. The shrimp should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) per USDA FSIS guidelines.
6. Remove immediately and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving (this also lets the bacon set).

Tips

• Use thin-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon won’t crisp up in the same time it takes to cook the shrimp, leaving you with chewy bacon or overcooked shrimp. If you only have thick-cut, par-cook it for 2-3 minutes in the air fryer or microwave before wrapping.
• Soak wooden toothpicks: Soaking wooden toothpicks in water for 30 minutes prevents them from burning in the air fryer. Alternatively, use metal skewers or toothpicks.
• Don’t overcrowd: Overcrowding traps steam and makes the bacon soggy. Cook in batches if needed; the second batch will cook faster since the basket is already hot.
• Pat shrimp dry: Moisture is the enemy of crisp bacon. Dry the shrimp thoroughly before wrapping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bacon wrapped shrimp as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce. They also make a great main course alongside a fresh green salad, rice pilaf, or roasted vegetables. For a party, arrange on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Variations

• Spicy: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the seasoning mix.
• Sweet & Smoky: Brush the wrapped shrimp with a mixture of maple syrup and smoked paprika before air frying.
• Jalapeño Popper: Stuff a small piece of cream cheese and a slice of jalapeño between the shrimp and the bacon.
• Garlic Butter: After cooking, toss the shrimp in melted butter mixed with minced garlic and chopped parsley.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover bacon wrapped shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bacon rubbery. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them very dry before wrapping.

Why is my bacon not crispy? The most likely reasons are overcrowding, using thick-cut bacon, or not patting the shrimp dry. Ensure you’re using thin bacon and working in batches.

Can I prepare these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the wrapped shrimp and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before cooking. Add a few minutes to the cooking time if they are very cold.

Can I use the Ninja Foodi’s Air Crisp function instead? Yes, the Air Crisp function is essentially the same as Air Fry. Use the same temperature and time settings.

What if I don’t have toothpicks? You can use small metal skewers, or simply wrap the bacon tightly and place the shrimp seam-side down in the basket. They may unroll slightly, but will still cook well.

How do I know when the shrimp are done? The shrimp will turn pink and opaque, and the bacon will be brown and crisp. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

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