Air-Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious dish that can be made in an air fryer in just a few simple steps. The scallops are juicy and tender, and the bacon is crisp and golden. This dish can be served as an appetizer or as part of a main course with pasta, rice, or salad. The air fryer ensures that the scallops are cooked to perfection, with a great texture and flavour.

How to wrap the scallops in bacon

Wrapping scallops in bacon is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to pat the scallops dry with paper towels and remove any side muscles. This step is crucial as it helps the bacon stick to the scallops and ensures even cooking.

Next, you'll want to cut your bacon slices in half. Depending on the thickness of your bacon, you may also need to cut the slices lengthwise. This will ensure that the bacon wraps evenly around the scallops and doesn't become too crispy or hard during cooking. You can also opt to partially cook the bacon for 2-3 minutes to get it crispier.

Now it's time to wrap! Take a scallop and wrap it with half a slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place. Repeat this process for the remaining scallops. It is important to use toothpicks to ensure that the bacon stays in place during cooking and allows for even cooking of the bacon.

Once all the scallops are wrapped, you can drizzle or brush them with olive oil and season with your choice of spices. Black pepper and kosher salt are popular choices, but you can also get creative with other seasonings like paprika or Old Bay seasoning.

Finally, arrange the scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket, giving them some space to ensure even cooking. If you're using an oven, preheat it to 425°F, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. For an air fryer, set the temperature to 375°F to 400°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the scallops halfway through.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops are cooked at temperatures between 350°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time.

At 400°F, the scallops will take 8-10 minutes to cook. At 375°F, the scallops will take 10-12 minutes to cook. And at 350°F, the scallops will take 5-7 minutes to cook.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the scallops. Therefore, it's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the scallops, which should be around 120°F-125°F.

Additionally, it's suggested to partially cook the bacon before wrapping the scallops to ensure even cooking. This can be done by placing the bacon in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F.

When reheating leftover scallops, place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-4 minutes or until warmed through.

Choosing the right scallops

When choosing scallops for your bacon-wrapped scallops, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Firstly, opt for larger scallops, as they are easier to wrap with bacon and have a lower risk of overcooking. Look for scallops that are uniform in size and colour, and go for dry scallops as wet scallops tend to have excess moisture that can affect the cooking process and the final texture. Make sure to remove the tendon or muscle from the scallops before cooking, as this can affect the texture and taste.

When it comes to bacon, choose a regular cut rather than thick-cut bacon, as the latter will take longer to cook through. If you are on a specific diet, such as Whole30, Paleo, or keto, look for bacon without nitrates or added sugar. For the best flavour, choose a quality bacon that you enjoy, as the taste of the scallops will be heavily influenced by the bacon they are wrapped in.

To ensure the scallops cook evenly and have a nice texture, it is important to pat them dry with paper towels before wrapping them in bacon. You can also brush the scallops with olive oil, or a high smoke point oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil, to help achieve a crusty sear. However, it is important to note that olive oil may produce too much smoke, so it is best to avoid it if possible.

Lastly, when preparing your scallops, don't skip the prep work. The scallops should be wrapped tightly in the bacon and secured with toothpicks to ensure they don't unravel during cooking. You can also season the scallops with pepper, paprika, or a seasoning blend like Old Bay, and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.

Brushing the scallops with sauce

For example, one recipe recommends brushing the scallops with olive oil and seasoning with black pepper before cooking. This helps to ensure the scallops are juicy and tender, with a golden crust. Similarly, another recipe suggests brushing the scallops with butter and sprinkling them with chopped parsley before serving. This adds richness and flavor to the dish.

On the other hand, some recipes recommend brushing the scallops with garlic herb butter, lemon, or other sauces after cooking. This approach ensures the scallops remain soft and delicate, while still benefiting from the flavor of the sauce. For instance, a recipe for air fryer scallops with garlic herb butter suggests serving the scallops with a pat of garlic herb butter on top.

Additionally, some recipes call for marinating the scallops in sauce before cooking. For a unique flavor, one recipe suggests marinating the scallops in eel sauce or bulgogi sauce. This technique adds a fun twist to the dish and can be done in addition to or instead of brushing the scallops with sauce after cooking.

Serving suggestions

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. They pair well with a variety of side dishes and can be easily adapted to suit different taste preferences. Here are some serving suggestions for bacon-wrapped scallops cooked in an air fryer:

As an Appetizer

Bacon-wrapped scallops can be served as a tasty appetizer or starter. The scallops are juicy and tender, with a delicious glaze, and the bacon adds a divine flavour and texture. You can serve them on their own, perhaps with a drizzle of maple syrup or a squeeze of lemon, or as part of a larger sharing platter.

As a Main Course

For a more substantial meal, bacon-wrapped scallops can be served with a variety of sides. Creamy pasta, rice, and salad are all excellent accompaniments. You could also try roasted vegetables such as broccolini, sugar snap peas, or carrots, or fresh greens like arugula, kale, or a spring mix blend of lettuce.

Side Dish Suggestions

If you're looking for side dish ideas to accompany your bacon-wrapped scallops, here are some options:

• Sauteed spinach with garlic and oil
• Broccoli and orzo
• Fresh garden salad
• Green beans or asparagus (tossed in halfway through cooking)
• Lemon wedges

Sauce Ideas

To add extra flavour to your bacon-wrapped scallops, consider serving them with a sauce or glaze. Here are some options:

• Lemon butter sauce: Melt butter and add fresh lemon juice or lemon zest. For a garlic butter sauce, simply add garlic.
• Maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper: Whisk these ingredients together and brush onto the scallops before air frying.
• Butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder: Combine these ingredients and brush onto the scallops.

Remember, when serving bacon-wrapped scallops, it's important to ensure the scallops are cooked to an internal temperature of 125°F (remove them from the air fryer at 120°F and let them rest for a few minutes to reach the desired temperature). Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions and sauces to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions