Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Air Fryer Perfection In 20 Minutes

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in an air fryer. This method allows you to achieve a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the scallops tender and juicy inside. Here's a guide on how to cook bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer, ensuring a mouth-watering seafood treat.

Prepare scallops: Pat dry, season with salt and pepper, and brush with oil

To begin preparing your bacon-wrapped scallops for the air fryer, it's crucial to start with fresh, high-quality scallops. Begin by thoroughly patting the scallops dry with paper towels. This step is essential to ensure that the scallops cook evenly and don't become soggy. After drying, season the scallops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. The seasoning will enhance the natural sweetness of the scallops and provide a savory base for the bacon.

Next, take a small amount of olive oil or any neutral-flavored oil and brush it evenly over the surface of each scallop. This step is often overlooked but is key to achieving a crispy, golden exterior. The oil will help the scallops brown beautifully and add a delightful texture to the dish.

Now, it's time to wrap the scallops in bacon. Take a piece of bacon and carefully wrap it around each scallop, securing it with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine. The bacon will not only add a delicious smoky flavor but also create a beautiful presentation. Ensure that the bacon is tightly wrapped to prevent any juices from leaking during cooking.

Once all the scallops are wrapped, you're ready to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped scallops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping the scallops halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your scallops, so keep an eye on them to ensure they reach your desired level of doneness.

When the scallops are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops immediately, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy bacon and succulent scallops.

Wrap in bacon: Secure with toothpicks, ensuring bacon is tightly wrapped around scallop

When preparing bacon-wrapped scallops for the air fryer, the key is to ensure a secure and tight wrap to prevent any scallop leakage during cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Start by laying a piece of bacon flat and placing the scallop at one end. The scallop should be positioned so that its natural curve is facing upwards, providing a more aesthetically pleasing presentation when wrapped. Take a second piece of bacon and place it on top of the first, overlapping slightly to create a sturdy base. This initial overlap will help secure the scallop in place.

Now, carefully roll the bacon around the scallop, ensuring that the scallop is completely covered. Use your fingers or a toothpick to secure the bacon tightly around the scallop, creating a neat and compact package. The toothpick will act as a temporary hold, allowing you to adjust the wrap as needed. Make sure the bacon is snug against the scallop to prevent any juices from escaping during cooking.

Continue wrapping the bacon until the entire scallop is enclosed, and secure the final layer with a toothpick. You can also use kitchen twine for an extra-secure hold, especially if you're using larger scallops. The goal is to create a well-sealed package that will cook evenly in the air fryer.

At this point, you can adjust the toothpicks to ensure the bacon is tightly wrapped. Press the bacon gently around the scallop to eliminate any air pockets, ensuring a crispier texture after cooking. This step is crucial for a successful bacon-wrapped scallop dish.

Once the scallops are securely wrapped, you can proceed with the air frying process, ensuring a delicious and crispy result.

Air fry: Place wrapped scallops in air fryer basket, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes

To prepare bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking seafood and bacon to perfection. While the air fryer heats up, prepare your scallops by carefully wrapping each one with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick or a small piece of kitchen twine to ensure it stays in place during cooking.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the wrapped scallops into the air fryer basket. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer to allow for even cooking. If you have a larger air fryer, you can place more scallops in batches, but for smaller models, a single layer is best.

Set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the size of your scallops and the power of your air fryer. Aim for a golden-brown color on the bacon and a slightly opaque center in the scallop. You want the bacon to be crispy and the scallop to retain its natural moisture.

During the cooking process, it's important to flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time. This ensures that both sides of the bacon and scallop cook evenly. Use a pair of tongs to gently flip each scallop over. This step is crucial to achieving a consistent level of doneness.

After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the scallops from the air fryer basket. Use a pair of tongs to avoid burning your hands. Place the cooked scallops on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve the bacon-wrapped scallops immediately, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy bacon and tender seafood.

Flip and baste: Flip scallops, baste with pan drippings, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes

Once you've arranged the bacon-wrapped scallops in the air fryer basket, it's time to flip them and add a flavorful twist. Carefully use tongs or a spatula to gently turn each scallop over. This step ensures even cooking and allows the bacon to crisp up on both sides. As you flip, pay attention to the bacon's position; it should be neatly wrapped around the scallop, creating a secure package.

After flipping, it's crucial to baste the scallops. Take the pan drippings that have accumulated at the bottom of the air fryer and brush them over the scallops. This simple act of basting adds moisture and a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can use a small brush or your fingers (ensuring they are clean) to distribute the pan drippings evenly across the scallops.

The final cooking stage is a quick one. Place the air fryer back on high heat and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the scallops during this time, as the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the scallops and your air fryer. The goal is to achieve a crispy, golden-brown bacon exterior and perfectly cooked scallops with a slightly translucent center.

Remember, the key to success here is patience and attention to detail. Flipping and basting are essential steps to ensure the bacon is crispy and the scallops are tender. By following these instructions, you'll create a delicious, restaurant-worthy dish that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness of scallops and the savory, salty flavor of bacon.

Rest and serve: Let scallops rest for 2 minutes, then serve with desired sides

After carefully preparing the bacon-wrapped scallops in the air fryer, it's important to let them rest for a brief period to ensure the best possible dining experience. This simple step can elevate the dish and make a noticeable difference in the overall quality.

Once the scallops are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a clean plate or a wire rack. Allow them to rest for approximately 2 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite every time. During this brief pause, the scallops will also slightly firm up, making them easier to handle and serve.

While the scallops are resting, you can prepare your chosen sides. Whether it's a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy polenta, the resting period gives you the time needed to get these elements ready. The key is to ensure that the scallops are not overcooked or dried out during this process.

When the scallops have rested, they will be ready to be served. Plate them neatly, perhaps with a small stack of bacon on the side, adding a touch of elegance to the dish. Accompany the scallops with your selected sides, and don't forget to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors.

Remember, this simple resting technique is a game-changer for any seafood dish, especially when it comes to scallops. It ensures that each bite is flavorful, moist, and satisfying. Enjoy your culinary creation!

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