If you’re on a keto diet and looking for a dish that’s big on flavor but low on carbs, bacon-wrapped shrimp is your golden ticket. It’s juicy, crispy, smoky, and packed with protein, making it a superstar for gatherings or quick meals. Bonus? It’s crazy easy to make and feels fancy enough to impress anyone at the table. Let’s get right into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb Delight: Each shrimp is wrapped in bacon, so you’re hitting your fat and protein goals without even trying.
Quick to Prepare: Got 30 minutes? That’s all you need from start to finish.
Customizable: Want spicy? Sweet? Tangy? You can tweak the seasonings however you like.
Crowd-Pleaser: Keto or not, people go nuts for these at parties.

What You Need

Here’s your super simple shopping list. You probably have most of it in your kitchen already!

Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
8-10 slices of bacon (thin-sliced works best)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1/2 tsp chili powder for some heat
Optional: Sugar-free BBQ sauce or a keto-friendly dipping sauce

Prepping Like a Pro

1. Prep the Shrimp

Peel and devein your shrimp if they didn’t come prepped. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispy bacon.

2. Season Generously

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. If you like a little heat, toss in chili powder. The seasoning should coat every shrimp nicely.

3. Slice the Bacon

Cut each strip of bacon in half. Thin-sliced bacon is your best friend here—it crisps up faster without overcooking the shrimp.

How to Wrap Shrimp with Bacon

Take one seasoned shrimp and wrap it tightly with half a slice of bacon. Start at the tail and spiral up toward the head.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place.

Pro Tip: Leave the tails on the shrimp for a more elegant presentation. Plus, they make great handles for dipping!

Cooking Methods: Choose Your Style

Option 1: Oven-Baked (Best for Batch Cooking)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the baking sheet, seam side down.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is pink and cooked through.

Option 2: Air Fryer (Quick and Crispy)

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway, until the bacon is perfectly crispy.

Option 3: Stovetop (For That Smoky Char)

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon-wrapped shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp is cooked.

Finishing Touches

Once your shrimp is cooked, let it rest for 2 minutes. This helps the bacon firm up and makes it easier to handle. For extra flavor, brush them lightly with sugar-free BBQ sauce or drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon-wrapped shrimp is incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can serve it:

Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic butter.
Main Dish: Pair with a big keto salad (think spinach, avocado, and feta) or roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus.
Meal Prep: Pack a few in meal prep containers with cauliflower rice and steamed greens for easy lunches.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast—usually in 3-4 minutes. Overcooked shrimp gets rubbery, so keep an eye on it.
Crispy Bacon Hack: If the bacon isn’t crisping up in the oven, pop the tray under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Avoid Thick Bacon: Thick slices take longer to cook and can leave you with underdone bacon or overcooked shrimp.

Flavor Variations to Try

Sweet and Spicy: Sprinkle a pinch of keto-friendly sweetener and chili flakes over the shrimp before wrapping.
Garlic Butter: Brush melted garlic butter on the shrimp before wrapping in bacon.
Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and chopped parsley to the seasoning mix for a fresh twist.

Keto-Friendly Dipping Sauces

A good dipping sauce can take these to the next level. Here are some keto-approved options:

Garlic Aioli: Mix mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a dash of paprika.
Chipotle Mayo: Stir together mayo, chipotle powder, and a squeeze of lime.
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or make your own.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
Air Fryer: Warm at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended as the bacon can turn soggy.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Keto

Let’s break it down:

Carbs: Almost zero, depending on the bacon and seasonings you use.
Fats: Bacon is your keto best friend. Enough said.
Protein: Shrimp adds a lean source of protein, balancing out the fat from the bacon.
Flexibility: This dish works for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Frozen Shrimp Without Thawing: Always thaw shrimp completely and pat them dry to prevent watery results.
Skipping the Toothpicks: Without them, the bacon might unravel during cooking.
Overcrowding the Pan: Whether you’re baking, frying, or air frying, give each shrimp a little breathing room for even cooking.

Conclusion

This keto bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe isn’t just a dish—it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re hosting game night, meal-prepping for the week, or just need something quick and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your shrimp, wrap that bacon, and get ready to wow your taste buds.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and whip up a batch. Your keto goals just got a whole lot tastier!