Marianne Martinez
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious, elegant, and easy-to-make appetiser that can be prepared in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The scallops are wrapped in bacon, which helps to keep them moist and juicy, and then cooked in an air fryer until the bacon is crispy. This simple recipe takes fresh scallops and cooks them in the best way, creating an easy dish that everyone will love.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Scallops, bacon, olive oil, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, maple syrup, butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, parsley, salt, paprika, sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, chilli powder |
| Scallop Type | Dry, large sea scallops |
| Bacon Type | Thin cut, center-cut |
| Cooking Time | 6-12 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | 375°F-400°F |
| Preheat Temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat Time | 3 minutes |
| Equipment | Air fryer, toothpicks, bowl, whisk, meat thermometer |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your scallops are cooked evenly and helps to achieve that perfect, juicy texture.
Firstly, you need to decide on the temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. However, one recipe suggests 375°F, and another 204°C, so you may need to experiment to find the ideal temperature for your air fryer. It's worth noting that all air fryers cook differently, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing according to your specific brand.
Once you've set the temperature, you'll want to prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly grease or spritz the basket with oil or non-stick spray. This will help to ensure your scallops don't stick and make for easier cleaning afterward.
Now, you're ready to preheat your air fryer. Set the timer for the recommended 3 minutes at your chosen temperature. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the bacon and scallops, or even make a start on your side dishes.
When the preheat cycle is complete, your air fryer basket will be hot, and you'll be ready to start cooking your delicious bacon-wrapped scallops!
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Partially cook the bacon
Partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the scallops is a crucial step in achieving the perfect bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer. This technique ensures that the bacon and scallops cook evenly and achieve the desired level of doneness simultaneously. Here is a detailed guide on how to partially cook the bacon:
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. This temperature setting is ideal for cooking the bacon and scallops effectively. Preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure the air fryer basket is sufficiently hot.
Prepare the Bacon:
Slice the bacon in half, either crosswise and then lengthwise or slice it in half and then slice each half again to create four strips from each original slice. This ensures the bacon wraps around the scallops without excess. You can also cut the bacon into thinner slices if you prefer. Place the sliced bacon into the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer with space for air to circulate.
Air fry the bacon for about 3 minutes at 400°F, flipping or turning the bacon halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it only partially cooks and does not become crispy. The goal is to have the bacon partially done so it can finish cooking while wrapped around the scallops.
Cool and Prepare for Wrapping:
Once the bacon is partially cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. It should cool down enough so that you can handle it with your hands. While the bacon cools, you can prepare the scallops by removing any side muscles and patting them dry with paper towels. Ensure the scallops are dry as this will help them sear better and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Wrap the Scallops:
Now, you can wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon. Depending on the size of your scallops, you may need to use half a slice of bacon or even a full slice for larger scallops. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick, which will prevent the bacon from unwrapping during the cooking process. You can also spritz or brush the scallops with olive oil or another type of oil at this stage, and season them with black pepper, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice.
By partially cooking the bacon, you set the foundation for a successful bacon-wrapped scallop dish. This step ensures that the bacon and scallops cook harmoniously, resulting in tender, juicy scallops encased in crispy bacon.
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$24.99
Prepare the scallops
Preparing the scallops is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, remove any side muscles from the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to remove any moisture, ensuring that the scallops get a nice sear in the air fryer.
Next, prepare the bacon by slicing it into halves or, if you are using jumbo scallops, you may need to cut the bacon into thirds. You can also cut the bacon lengthwise, creating thin strips that will wrap around the scallops more easily. It is recommended to use a regular or thin cut of bacon for this recipe, as thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and increase the risk of overcooking the scallops.
Now it's time to wrap the scallops. Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around the edges of the scallop, ensuring that the bacon touches all sides. You don't want it too tight, but you need it secure. Use a toothpick to hold the bacon in place, pushing it through the bacon and the scallop. If your scallops are large, you may need to use two toothpicks to secure the bacon.
Before cooking, you can add some flavour by brushing the scallops with a glaze or sauce. A popular option is to mix maple syrup, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder, creating a sweet and savoury combination. Alternatively, you can keep it simple with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper, paprika, or Old Bay seasoning. If you're feeling creative, experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, chilli powder, red pepper flakes, or your favourite spice blends.
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Wrap the scallops in bacon
Wrapping scallops in bacon is an easy and elegant way to cook them, and it can be done in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. The first step is to partially cook the bacon in the air fryer for around 3 minutes, turning halfway. Then, remove the bacon and let it cool on a paper towel.
Next, prepare the scallops by patting them dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. It is important to ensure that the scallops are dry before wrapping them in bacon. You can use frozen scallops, but they must be thawed first. It is best to slowly thaw frozen scallops by keeping them sealed and using cold water. You can use fresh or frozen scallops, but they should be dry, firm, and smell fresh.
Now you are ready to wrap the scallops. Depending on the size of the scallops, you may need to use a half or a third of a slice of bacon per scallop. The bacon should be wrapped securely around the scallop, but not too tight. You want the bacon to be touching all sides of the scallop, but you don’t want it to be so tight that it squeezes the scallop. The bacon can be secured with a toothpick, which can be inserted through the bacon and into the scallop.
Finally, spritz or brush the scallops with olive oil or another type of oil, and season with black pepper, paprika, or other spices. The scallops are now ready to be placed in the air fryer.
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Air fry the scallops
Air-frying is the best way to cook bacon-wrapped scallops as the air fryer gives the scallops a great texture and the bacon cooks to perfection. The dish is simple, quick, and easy to make, and is perfect for an elegant appetizer or a main course.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 204°C for 3 minutes.
- Partially cook the bacon in the air fryer for 3 minutes, turning halfway.
- Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to cool.
- Remove any side muscles from the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Wrap each scallop in a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Spritz olive oil over the scallops and season lightly with black pepper and Old Bay seasoning.
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes at 400°F, turning halfway, until the scallops are tender and opaque, and the bacon is crispy.
- For extra flavor, brush the scallops with a glaze of maple syrup, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder, or a simple drizzle of maple syrup.
- Serve hot and enjoy the combination of juicy scallops with crispy bacon!
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Frequently asked questions
To make bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer, first, pat the scallops dry and wrap them in bacon slices, securing the bacon with a toothpick. Spritz the scallops with olive oil and season with black pepper and Old Bay seasoning. Place the scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, turning halfway, until the scallops are tender and the bacon is crispy.
The ideal temperature for cooking bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
It typically takes around 8-10 minutes to cook bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer, but some recipes suggest cooking for as little as 6 minutes or as long as 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
Yes, you can prepare bacon-wrapped scallops in advance and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, simply air fry them until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
