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

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a delicious and quick meal to make, taking only minutes to cook. The scallops are wrapped in bacon and cooked until tender and juicy on the inside, with crisp golden bacon on the outside. The air fryer is a convenient way to make this dish, as it requires minimal preparation and cooking time. The scallops are cooked on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-12 minutes or until they are fully cooked.

How to prepare scallops for air fryer

Preparing scallops for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, defrost the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, remove and discard the muscle from the side of each scallop. Next, cut bacon slices in half crosswise and then lengthwise to make 12 strips. Wrap one bacon strip around each scallop, overlapping the ends slightly, and secure it with a toothpick or wooden pick. Sprinkle the scallops evenly with pepper and paprika and brush lightly with oil.

Now your scallops are ready for the air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes, to get the air fryer basket hot. Place the scallops in the air fryer and cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway, or until the scallops are fully cooked and the bacon is beginning to crisp.

And that's it! Your bacon-wrapped scallops should be tender on the inside and golden and crispy on the outside.

How to wrap scallops in bacon

Cooking bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer takes between 8 and 15 minutes, depending on the recipe.

To wrap scallops in bacon, start by cutting the bacon slices in half crosswise and then lengthwise to make 12 strips. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and remove any side muscles. Wrap one strip of bacon around each scallop, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick or wooden pick, pushing it through the opposite side of the scallop.

Air fryer temperature and time

The cooking time for bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer depends on the temperature you set it to. If you preheat your air fryer to 400°F, it will take 8-10 minutes to cook the scallops. If you preheat it to 375°F, it will take 10-12 minutes.

One source recommends cooking the bacon at 400°F for 2-3 minutes before wrapping it around the scallops, so that it is slightly cooked but still pliable. Then, you can cook the scallops at 400°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway.

Another source recommends cooking the scallops at 400°F for 10 minutes, or until the scallops are fully cooked.

Scallops cooked in the air fryer are described as 'perfectly juicy and tender on the inside, with crisp golden bacon on the outside'.

How to tell when scallops are cooked

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious and quick meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes.

Scallops are cooked when they are firm, opaque all the way through, and golden brown on the outside. They should be firm but tender and not at all difficult to cut or chew through. To avoid overcooking, it is recommended to pat the scallops dry, not overcrowd the pan, and cook them for only 2 to 3 minutes per side over high heat.

Some people prefer to cook scallops on one side only until they are nicely browned, especially for smaller scallops. This helps to prevent overcooking.

When cooking bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer, it is important to partially cook the bacon first. This can be done by cooking the bacon at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, so it is slightly cooked but still pliable enough to wrap around the scallops. Then, wrap each scallop with half a strip of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the wrapped scallops in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the scallops are fully cooked.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the scallops and the desired level of doneness. It is important to note that scallops cook quickly and can easily become overcooked, so it is best to keep an eye on them while they are cooking.

What to serve with bacon-wrapped scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. They are best cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, or until the scallops are tender and the bacon is crisp and golden.

When it comes to what to serve with bacon-wrapped scallops, there are many options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salads: A fresh and crisp salad can provide a great contrast to the rich flavours of the scallops and bacon. Try a simple arugula salad, or get creative with kale, marinated vegetables, and acidic dressings.
• Vegetables: Roasted or pan-roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, broccolini, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and steamed snow peas make great side dishes.
• Grains: Tender grains like rice or cauliflower rice can add an extra layer of texture and flavour to your meal. Try a leek and spinach risotto or a golden rice pilaf with turmeric and toasted pine nuts.
• Dipping sauces: A tangy dipping sauce like remoulade can complement the sweetness of the scallops and the savouriness of the bacon. Don't forget to serve with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the scallops!
• Appetizers: If you're serving bacon-wrapped scallops as an appetizer, consider pairing them with other bite-sized treats like stuffed mushrooms and cocktail meatballs.
• Main dishes: For a heartier meal, serve bacon-wrapped scallops with pasta, rice, or a simple side dish like garlic butter sautéed zucchini or roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions