Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

What I like about this air fryer method is that it fixes the main timing problem with bacon wrapped scallops: scallops cook quickly, while bacon needs a head start. I usually look for bacon that is flexible and partially rendered before wrapping, then I rely more on how it looks in the basket than the clock.

This version keeps the ingredient list short and the method practical. Dry scallops, a light oil spray, and enough space in the basket help the bacon brown while the scallops stay tender and just firm in the center.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

• 1 lb large sea scallops (about 450g), side muscles removed if present
• 8 slices center-cut bacon, cut in half (about 225g)
• Olive oil spray, as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Salt, optional and used lightly if needed
• 8 to 16 toothpicks

Optional for serving: lemon wedges, 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives, 2 to 4 tablespoons melted butter or lemon-butter sauce, or a small pinch of garlic powder mixed with the pepper.

Use large or jumbo sea scallops here. Bay scallops are too small and will overcook before the bacon has time to brown. Center-cut bacon is also easier to wrap because the slices are more even.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer

1. Dry and trim the scallops: Remove the small side muscle from each scallop if it is still attached. Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels until the surface moisture is gone. This step helps the scallops brown instead of steam and keeps the bacon from sliding around.
2. Partially cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat or on a microwave-safe plate just until some fat renders and the strips become flexible, about 4 to 6 minutes. Do not cook it until crisp. The bacon should bend easily without breaking.
3. Wrap and season: Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Season lightly with black pepper. Add only a very small pinch of salt, or skip it, since the bacon already brings plenty of seasoning.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the scallops in a single layer with space between them, and cook in batches if needed. Lightly spritz the tops with olive oil spray.
5. Air fry and turn halfway: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through with tongs. Start checking on the early side if your air fryer runs hot, if you are using an air fryer oven, or if the scallops are especially large.
6. Check doneness and serve: The bacon should be browned and starting to crisp at the edges, and the scallops should be opaque and just firm, not translucent. If you want a final check, the thickest part of the scallop should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove the toothpicks and serve right away.

Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Bacon Wrapped Scallops

380°F (193°C) is the right starting point for this recipe. In most air fryers, bacon wrapped scallops take 8 to 12 minutes, but that range matters because bacon thickness, scallop size, and air fryer style all affect the timing.

The part I pay attention to is texture. The scallops should feel springy when gently pressed, and the bacon should look browned around the edges. If you are unsure, check early rather than late since overcooked scallops turn rubbery fast.

Why the Bacon Needs a Head Start

Bacon simply takes longer than scallops. If you wrap the scallops in fully raw bacon, the scallops can be done before the bacon has much color.

I find this works best when the bacon is rendered just enough to bend easily but still soft enough to wrap snugly without cracking. That short precook also helps it cling to the scallop instead of loosening in the basket.

How to Keep Air Fryer Scallops Tender

This is where the texture can go wrong. Scallops carry a lot of surface moisture, and if they go into the air fryer wet, they are more likely to steam than brown.

• Pat the scallops very dry before wrapping.
• Use only large sea scallops so they can keep up with the bacon.
• Keep them in a single layer so hot air can circulate.
• Start checking early because air fryer models vary.

If you notice extra rendered fat pooling or a little smoking, the bacon may be especially fatty or the basket may be too full. Cooking in batches usually fixes that.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Scallops

These work well as an appetizer, a holiday starter, or a light dinner. Lemon wedges are the easiest finish and help cut through the richness of the bacon.

• Top with chopped parsley or chives.
• Serve with melted butter, lemon-butter sauce, or garlic-butter sauce.
• Pair with mixed greens or an arugula salad.
• For a light main, serve with cauliflower purée, sautéed spinach, or broccoli and orzo.

For another easy starter, try Air Fryer Crab Rangoon. If you want another seafood option, see Air Fryer Crab Cakes.

Variation

Cajun Bacon-Free Scallops

If you want a lighter, faster version, skip the bacon and season the dried scallops with Cajun seasoning instead. Start checking early, since scallops cooked without the bacon wrap will finish faster.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Scallops are delicate, so these are best treated as a next-day leftover rather than held much longer.

To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a short time, just until heated through. Check often so the scallops do not overcook. The bacon will not be quite as crisp as when freshly made, but the air fryer revives it better than the microwave.

For make-ahead prep, you can trim and dry the scallops and partially cook the bacon in advance. Wrap them close to cooking time for the best texture.

For a full seafood dinner idea, try Air Fryer Pompano.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition, based on 4 servings and not including optional lemon, herbs, or butter sauce.

• Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: about 250
• Protein: about 19g
• Fat: about 18g
• Carbohydrates: about 2g

Per 100g approximate: 180 calories, 14g protein, 13g fat, 1g carbohydrates.

Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with the exact size of the scallops and the thickness of the bacon.