Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
Wrapping scallops in bacon turns a simple dinner into something that feels special without much effort. Air fryer bacon wrapped scallops cook quickly, making them a great seafood appetizer or even a light snack when you want something flavorful but uncomplicated. With just 4 ingredients, this easy appetizer comes together in under 10 minutes.
I wasn’t expecting the texture contrast to be this good the first time I tried it. The bacon turns crisp around the tender scallops, giving the whole recipe that restaurant-style feel without a complicated process.
What Makes Air Fried Bacon Wrapped Scallops Awesome
- Rich and savory flavor: The combination of smoky bacon and tender scallops creates a balanced bite that feels satisfying and flavorful.
- Tender texture: The scallops stay soft and delicate while the bacon adds a slightly crisp outer layer.
- Feels restaurant worthy: They look impressive on the plate without requiring complicated ingredients or preparation.
- Great for special occasions: Works well as an appetizer for dinners, holidays, or gatherings with guests.
- Easy to pair with sauces: Tastes delicious with garlic butter, lemon, or simple dipping sauces.
- Small but satisfying – Each bite feels rich and flavorful, making them enjoyable without needing a large portion.
Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 sea scallops, large, freshly cleaned and peeled
- 8 slices bacon, center cut
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, spray
Instructions
Step 1: Start by patting the scallops completely dry with paper towels. This step is important because dry scallops brown better and help the bacon crisp properly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap one piece of bacon around each scallop, keeping it snug but not too tight. Secure with toothpicks if the bacon starts to unwrap.
Step 3: Sprinkle the scallops with Old Bay seasoning and black pepper. The seasoning adds flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the scallops.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to help prevent sticking.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. A hot basket helps the bacon start crisping immediately.
Step 6: Place the bacon wrapped scallops into the basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between each one so the hot air can circulate evenly.
Step 7: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, then flip each scallop carefully using tongs.
Step 8: Continue cooking for another 2 to 4 minutes, until the bacon is crisp around the edges and the scallops are fully cooked and opaque in the center.
Step 9: Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for 1 minute before serving.
Best Seasonings for Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Simple seasonings work best because scallops have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Too much seasoning can overpower them. Here are some good options:
- Old Bay seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Cajun seasoning
- Lemon pepper
- Italian seasoning
- A light sprinkle of sea salt
For bacon wrapped scallops, I usually keep the seasoning light since bacon already adds salt and smoky flavor. A mix of black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works well in the air fryer.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 16 sea scallops large, freshly cleaned and peeled
- 8 slices bacon center cut
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil spray
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the bacon crisp and prevents steaming.
- Cut each bacon slice in half to make 16 shorter strips. Wrap one piece of bacon around each scallop and secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Season the wrapped scallops evenly with Old Bay seasoning and black pepper.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2 minutes.
- Arrange the bacon wrapped scallops in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each one for airflow.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the scallops halfway through cooking.
- Continue cooking for 2 to 4 more minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove carefully and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use center-cut bacon because it cooks more evenly and crisps faster in the air fryer.
- Avoid overcooking scallops or they can turn rubbery. They should look opaque and feel slightly firm.
- If the bacon needs more crisping, cook for 1–2 extra minutes after the scallops are done.
What Can You Serve With Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops?
These scallops work well as an appetizer or main dish. Good side dishes include:
- Garlic butter asparagus
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Caesar salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Lemon pasta
- Coleslaw
For dipping sauces, try:
- Garlic butter
- Spicy mayo
- Lemon aioli
- Cocktail sauce
- Honey mustard
If serving as a party appetizer, toothpicks and a simple dipping sauce are usually enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
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