Tiffany Haney
Yes, you can cook scallops wrapped in bacon in an air fryer. This simple, elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or for impressing guests. The air fryer gives the scallops a great texture and the bacon cooks to perfection. The scallops are juicy and tender on the inside, with crisp, golden bacon on the outside. The cooking time is short, and the preparation is minimal, making this a convenient meal for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ingredients | 2 |
| Time taken | 10-20 minutes |
| Ease of preparation | Easy |
| Texture | Juicy and tender scallops with crisp bacon |
| Taste | Sweet and salty |
| Scallop type | Large sea scallops |
| Bacon type | Thin cut bacon |
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Time in air fryer | 8-13 minutes |
| Leftovers | Can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to wrap scallops in bacon
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a delicious, elegant dish that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. They are perfect as an appetizer or as a main course, served on their own or with a side. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap scallops in bacon:
Ingredients:
- Scallops (medium-size scallops work best)
- Bacon (cut on the thinner side)
- Olive oil
- Toothpicks
- Salt and pepper or paprika (optional)
Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Place the bacon in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it is slightly cooked but still pliable. This step is important as it ensures the bacon can be wrapped around the scallops without breaking or falling apart.
- Remove the bacon from the air fryer and set it on a paper towel to cool.
- Prepare the scallops by removing any side muscles and patting them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick by threading it through both ends of the bacon and the scallop.
- Brush or spritz the scallops with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry the scallops for 8-10 minutes at 400°F, turning them halfway through the cooking process. The scallops are ready when they are tender and opaque, and the bacon is cooked through and crispy.
Tips:
- You can finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavour.
- If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can partially cook it for 3-5 minutes before wrapping the scallops.
- Leftover scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
Air-frying is a great way to cook scallops wrapped in bacon, as the air fryer gives the scallops a great texture and the bacon cooks to perfection. The key to success is to partially cook the bacon before wrapping the scallops, which ensures that both elements cook evenly.
When preparing scallops, it is important to start with dry scallops, as this will help them brown up nicely in the air fryer. To do this, simply pat the scallops dry with paper towels before wrapping them in bacon. It is also recommended to remove any side muscles from the scallops.
When wrapping the scallops, use half a slice of bacon per scallop, or a whole slice if your scallops are on the larger side. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick, then spritz or brush the scallops with olive oil or another cooking oil.
Now, for the air fryer temperature and timing. Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The higher temperature of 400°F is more common, but some recipes suggest 350°F or even 375°F. At 400°F, cook the scallops for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the scallops are fully cooked and the bacon is crisp. At 350°F, one recipe suggests cooking for 5-7 minutes, but this is just for the bacon, which will then be wrapped around the scallops and cooked further.
The ideal internal temperature for scallops is 125°F, so it is recommended to remove them from the air fryer when they reach 120°F and allow them to rest for a few minutes to come to temperature. This can be checked with a meat thermometer.
It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on your scallops to ensure they do not overcook. Overcooked scallops can become tough and rubbery, so it is important to aim for a firm but tender texture.
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Choosing the right scallops
When choosing scallops for your air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use medium-size scallops and bacon cut on the thinner side. This ensures even cooking and easier wrapping. If you are using thick-cut bacon, it will take longer to cook through, so consider partially cooking it before wrapping the scallops.
It is best to purchase scallops from a reputable fishmonger. Look for scallops that are uniform in size and colour and smell fresh. They should not have an overly fishy aroma. Choose the largest scallops you can afford, as bigger scallops are easier to wrap with bacon and are less likely to overcook.
When preparing the scallops, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is important as it helps the scallops brown up nicely in the air fryer. Additionally, remove any side muscles on the scallops before wrapping them in bacon.
You can cook frozen scallops in an air fryer, but it is recommended to defrost them beforehand as they may be difficult to wrap with bacon, and the cooking results may vary. If you are using thawed, previously frozen scallops, drain any excess liquid released during cooking to ensure crispy bacon.
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What to serve with scallops
Scallops are a seafood delicacy with a unique, subtle sweetness, a buttery texture, and nutty flavour. They are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes.
Vegetables
Scallops go well with a variety of vegetables, especially when cooked with butter. You can serve them with cooked veggies like broccoli, kale, or Brussels sprouts. You can also serve them with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or green beans. Scallops also pair well with roasted veggies like a simple sheet pan of roasted vegetables.
Salads
Salads are a refreshing pairing with scallops. You can serve them with a baby mixed greens salad, an arugula salad, or a shaved Brussels sprouts salad with brown butter vinaigrette, apple, and hazelnuts. Another option is a classic Caesar salad made with kale instead of romaine.
Potatoes
Potato side dishes are a great option to serve with scallops as they add extra creaminess to the meal. You can serve scallops with mashed potatoes, goat cheese Peruvian potatoes, or caviar and black truffle twice-baked potatoes.
Rice
Scallops pair well with rice, especially forbidden fried rice as the combination of protein and carbs is excellent. You can also serve them with a simple steamed white rice flavoured with star anise, butter, cloves, and cardamom, or a chicken rice pilaf.
Pasta
Pasta is another option to serve with scallops. You can serve them with angel hair pasta, or a creamy pasta.
Meat
Meaty steak is a mouthwatering pairing with scallops for a special occasion. You can serve scallops with a simple filet mignon, ribeye steak, or New York strip reserve.
Other options to serve with scallops include quinoa, black lentils, leek fondue, or a scallop bisque.
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Storing and reheating instructions
Storing
Leftover bacon-wrapped scallops can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the scallops in a freezer-safe container and keep them in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat the scallops, place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-4 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them briefly, but this may affect the crispness of the bacon. If you want to maintain the crispness of the bacon, you can cut the bacon into smaller pieces and fry them separately, and cut the scallops into smaller pieces and fry them as well.
Freezing
You can also freeze uncooked scallops after preparing them. Place them in the air fryer and cook them from frozen for 13 minutes at 200°C/390°F. Note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 8 to 13 minutes to cook scallops in bacon in an air fryer. However, it is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model.
Here is a simple recipe:
- Partially cook the bacon in the air fryer for about 3 minutes.
- Wrap the bacon around the scallops and secure it with a toothpick.
- Spritz the scallops with olive oil and season with black pepper or paprika.
- Place the scallops in the air fryer and cook for about 8 minutes, turning halfway.
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but it is recommended to defrost them before cooking. Frozen scallops can be difficult to wrap in bacon, and the cooking time may vary.
