Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops are your go-to appetizer when you want something elegant, flavorful, and quick. In just about 100 words, here’s why they’re perfect: they deliver tender, succulent scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, with minimal oil—thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Healthier than traditional frying, these bites come together in roughly 20–25 minutes, making them a breeze when you’re short on time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, they impress with their simplicity and taste, while cutting down on grease. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the rich, salty crunch of bacon with the delicate sweetness of scallops. The air fryer does the heavy lifting—creating crisped edges without drowning the scallops in oil. It’s fast, fuss-free, and feels luxurious—ideal for both casual get-togethers and elegant parties.
Ingredients
- Scallops (preferably large sea scallops), rinsed, side muscle removed, pat‑dried
- Bacon (center-cut or thinner slices—partially pre-cooked for best results)
- Black pepper (freshly ground)
- (Optional enhancements: maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, or a drizzle of garlic-lemon butter)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Set your air fryer to 400 °F and let it preheat for approximately 3 minutes.
- Place bacon in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes, flipping halfway—just enough to make it pliable, not crispy.
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towels; allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare scallops: remove any side muscle, pat dry thoroughly.
- Wrap each scallop with bacon (half or full slice, depending on size); secure with a toothpick.
- Lightly spray or brush scallops with cooking oil; season with black pepper—or spices like Old Bay, paprika, garlic.
- Arrange scallops in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 8–12 minutes (around 8 minutes is typical), flipping halfway—internal temp should reach around 125–130 °F.
- Optional: brush or drizzle with maple syrup or garlic-lemon butter before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate for crispness.
- Pat your scallops dry before wrapping—removes moisture for better texture.
- Use a meat thermometer for precision; scallops are best at 125–130 °F.
- Flip halfway to ensure even cooking, since the heating element is at the top.
- Prevent smoke from bacon drippings by adding a bit of water to the tray underneath.
Substitutions And Variations
- Frozen scallops can be used, but thaw for best texture—or add a few minutes to cook time.
- Try smoked bacon, maple-glazed bacon, or brush maple syrup or BBQ sauce for sweet-savory notes.
- Season with Old Bay, paprika, garlic powder, or sprinkle fresh herbs after cooking.
Storage Instructions
- Keep any leftovers sealed in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to two days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 400 °F for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and crisp again—but don’t overcook.
Nutritional Information (Estimates)
- Approximately 189 kcal per 4 scallops; protein ≈ 26g, fat ≈ 4.5g.
- Garlic-lemon butter variety: 329 kcal (3.2g net carbs, 23.2g protein) per serving of 3 scallops.
- Lighter version: 43 kcal, 2g fat, 5g protein for 2 scallops.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an elegant standalone appetizer.
- Pair with mixed greens, cauliflower purée, garlic–lemon butter, or rutabaga rice.
- Great alongside pasta, rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a heartier spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes—you can use frozen scallops, though lightly thawing them first (in the fridge or in cool water) yields better texture. Cooking time may need a few extra minutes.
How do I avoid rubbery scallops or undercooked bacon?
Partially cooking the bacon first gives it head start crisping while preserving scallop tenderness. Keeping a meat thermometer handy helps ensure scallops hit the ideal 125–130 °F.
What if my air fryer starts smoking?
Bacon fat can cause smoke. Simply place a bit of water in the drip tray to minimize this.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently in the air fryer at 400 °F for only 2–3 minutes until crisp, but be careful not to overcook.
What’s the benefit of air frying versus oven or pan?
Using an air fryer cuts down on oil, speeds up cooking time, and simplifies clean-up—without sacrificing crispy bacon or tender scallops.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for spending time with this recipe! I truly love how Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops feel upscale yet are surprisingly simple to make. These bites are crisp, succulent, and irresistibly tasty—ideal for wowing guests or indulging yourself effortlessly. I hope the ease and flavor light up your kitchen as much as they do mine. Happy cooking, and thanks for being part of our food-loving community—here’s to many more delicious moments ahead!
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (3 scallops per person) 1x
Description
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops are the perfect party appetizer—crisp, juicy, and incredibly simple to make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 large sea scallops, side muscle removed
6 slices center-cut bacon, halved
Freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray or oil mist
(Optional: Old Bay, garlic powder, maple syrup, paprika)
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400 °F and let it preheat for approximately 3 minutes.
- Place bacon in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes, flipping halfway—just enough to make it pliable, not crispy.
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towels; allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare scallops: remove any side muscle, pat dry thoroughly.
- Wrap each scallop with bacon (half or full slice, depending on size); secure with a toothpick.
- Lightly spray or brush scallops with cooking oil; season with black pepper—or spices like Old Bay, paprika, garlic.
- Arrange scallops in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 8–12 minutes (around 8 minutes is typical), flipping halfway—internal temp should reach around 125–130 °F.
- Optional: brush or drizzle with maple syrup or garlic-lemon butter before serving.
Notes
Use thawed scallops for best texture.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
Add water to the tray to reduce smoke from bacon drippings.
Internal scallop temperature should reach 125–130°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 scallops
- Calories: 189
- Sugar: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g