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

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a delicious, simple and quick dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. They are perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or as a weeknight treat. This recipe uses just a few everyday ingredients and is cooked in around 10–12 minutes. The scallops are juicy and tender on the inside, with crisp, golden bacon on the outside.

Choosing the right scallops

When it comes to size, it is recommended to opt for larger sea scallops, also known as jumbo scallops, rather than small bay scallops. The larger scallops provide a better ratio of scallop to bacon and are easier to wrap. If using large scallops, a third of a slice of bacon is usually enough to wrap around, but for jumbo scallops, you may need half a slice or even a full slice of bacon. It is always a good idea to test a slice before cutting all the bacon to ensure you have the right amount. Thinner bacon slices are also preferable for this recipe as they will cook faster and crisp up nicely.

You can use fresh or frozen scallops for this dish. Frozen scallops should be thawed before cooking and patted dry to remove any excess moisture. It is also important to remove the side muscle from the scallops before wrapping them in bacon. This muscle, or sinew, can be tough and chewy, so it is best to remove it for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Preparing the bacon

Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, you can start wrapping it around the edges of the scallops. Secure the bacon in place with toothpicks, which will prevent the bacon from unwrapping during cooking. It is fine if the bacon overlaps slightly, as it will still cook evenly. At this point, you can also season the bacon-wrapped scallops with pepper, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice.

If you are using a glaze or marinade, brush it onto the scallops before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add a spritz of olive oil or cooking spray to the scallops before wrapping them in bacon, for extra flavour and browning.

Wrapping the scallops

To wrap the scallops, you'll first want to prepare the bacon. Place the bacon in the air fryer basket and cook for 2-3 minutes at 400°F. The bacon should only be partially cooked so that it remains pliable enough to wrap around the scallops. Remove the bacon from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.

Next, you'll want to prepare the scallops. If using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them first. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Remove and discard any side muscles on the scallops. If your scallops are bigger, you may need to use half a slice of bacon per scallop. Wrap each scallop with half a strip of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly, and secure it with a toothpick. You can also season the scallops with olive oil, black pepper, paprika, or Old Bay seasoning before wrapping them.

Once the scallops are wrapped, they can be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked according to your desired recipe. Be sure not to overcook the scallops, as they should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch when done. You can also brush the scallops with a glaze or sauce, such as maple syrup, soy sauce, or garlic powder, during or after cooking for extra flavor.

Air frying the scallops

Air-frying the scallops is a quick and easy process. First, spritz your air fryer basket with oil and place the bacon inside. Fry for around 2-3 minutes at 400°F (204°C) until the bacon is only partially cooked and still pliable. Then, remove the bacon and pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Wrap each scallop with half a strip of bacon—or a third of a strip if your scallops are on the smaller side—and secure the bacon with a toothpick.

Next, whisk together a sauce made from maple syrup, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Brush this sauce onto the scallops, then place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. You can also add a sprinkle of pepper and paprika at this stage for extra flavor.

Finally, air fry the scallops at 400°F (204°C) for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through. The scallops are done when they are opaque and slightly firm to the touch, and the bacon is crispy. Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they will become tough and chewy. You can check the internal temperature of the scallops with a meat thermometer—they should reach 125°F (52°C).

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try drizzling the scallops with maple syrup or squeezing some fresh lemon over them before serving. Enjoy your bacon-wrapped scallops as an appetizer or pair them with creamy pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Serving suggestions

These air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops are versatile and can be served as a standalone dish or an appetizer. They can be paired with a variety of sides and are perfect for impressing guests or as a simple weeknight meal.

For a one-pan meal, add vegetables like fresh green beans or asparagus halfway through the cooking process. This creates a well-rounded and comforting dinner.

If serving as an appetizer, the scallops are delicious as they are, especially with the glaze they are coated in. However, if you want to add something extra, a drizzle of maple syrup will create a sweet and savoury treat.

For a more substantial meal, serve the scallops with pasta, rice, or salad. They pair well with creamy pasta, and the addition of rice or salad creates a balanced dish.

When it comes to salad, opt for fresh greens like arugula, kale, or a spring mix blend of lettuce. You can also include roasted vegetables such as broccolini, sugar snap peas, or carrots.

For a tangy twist, finish the scallops with a squeeze of fresh lemon. This simple addition will brighten up the flavours and add a refreshing note to the dish.

Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, these bacon-wrapped scallops are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently asked questions