Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

What I like about this air fryer method is that it keeps the recipe simple, but the part I pay attention to is the timing. Scallops cook fast, while bacon needs a head start, so drying the scallops well and partially cooking the bacon first makes a real difference.

This version gives you tender scallops with browned, cooked bacon in a cleaner, faster way than pan-frying a full batch. I rely more on the visual cue than the clock here because air fryers vary, especially with seafood and bacon. Start checking early and cook until the scallops are opaque and just firm.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

• 1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops (about 680g), about 16 to 20 scallops
• 8 to 10 slices center-cut bacon
• 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• Light pinch kosher salt, only if needed
• 8 to 10 toothpicks
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Use large sea scallops here. Bay scallops are too small to wrap and overcook too quickly.

Center-cut bacon works best because it wraps neatly without overwhelming the scallops. Thick-cut bacon can stay soft unless you give it a longer partial pre-cook, while very thin bacon can brown too fast.

If you want a simple finish, chopped parsley or chives work well. A little garlic butter or lemon butter on the side also fits naturally with the scallops.

Why Pre-Cooking the Bacon Helps

Raw bacon usually needs more time than scallops do. If you wrap fully raw bacon around delicate seafood and cook until the bacon is deeply crisp, the scallops can easily go from tender to rubbery.

A short pre-cook renders some fat and makes the bacon flexible enough to wrap. It does not guarantee fully crisp bacon in every air fryer, but it makes the balance much more reliable.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer

1. Dry and season the scallops: Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels. Wet scallops steam instead of brown. Season lightly with black pepper and add only a small pinch of kosher salt if your bacon is not especially salty.
2. Partially cook the bacon: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) if your model benefits from preheating. Cook the bacon for 3 to 5 minutes, just until some fat renders and the slices are pliable but not crisp.
3. Wrap the scallops: Cut the bacon slices in half if needed so each piece fits around one scallop without too many layers. Wrap each scallop snugly and secure with a toothpick. Do not wrap so tightly that the scallop gets compressed.
4. Arrange in the basket: Place the wrapped scallops in a single layer in the basket or on the tray with space between them. Lightly brush or spritz the tops with olive oil for a light sheen.
5. Cook the first side: Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 4 to 6 minutes. Start checking on the early side if your air fryer runs hot. The bacon should begin browning at the edges, and the scallops should start turning opaque around the sides.
6. Turn and finish: Flip carefully with tongs and cook for 4 to 6 minutes more, until the scallops are opaque and just firm and the bacon is cooked through and browned. If you check with a thermometer, aim for about 145°F (63°C) in the center of the scallop.
7. Rest and serve: Let the scallops rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving and add lemon wedges, parsley, or chives if you like.

If your basket is small, cook in batches so the scallops roast instead of steaming.

Air Fryer Time and Temperature for Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Use 390°F (200°C) as the starting temperature for this recipe. That is hot enough to help the bacon render and brown, but the final doneness cue is still the scallop itself.

• Partial bacon pre-cook: 3 to 5 minutes at 390°F (200°C)
• Wrapped scallops: 8 to 12 minutes total at 390°F (200°C)
• Flip halfway through cooking
• Start checking early if your air fryer runs hot
• Cook until the scallops are opaque and just firm and the bacon is browned at the edges

Basket-style and oven-style air fryers can brown differently, so I usually look for color and texture rather than one exact minute mark.

How to Keep Scallops Tender in the Air Fryer

This is where the texture can go wrong. Scallops are done quickly, so a few small choices matter.

• Pat them very dry before seasoning and wrapping.
• Use large sea scallops so they can handle the bacon and still stay tender.
• Keep them in a single layer with space between pieces.
• Flip halfway so both sides cook evenly.
• Pull them once they are opaque and just firm, not hard.

If the bacon needs another minute or two, watch closely. I would rather have bacon that is well browned but not fully crisp than scallops that are overcooked.

Easy Variations

Cajun Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning instead of, or alongside, the black pepper. Keep it light so it does not overpower the scallops or scorch in the air fryer.

Lemon Herb Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Finish the cooked scallops with chopped parsley or chives and serve with lemon wedges. This is the simplest variation and works especially well if you are serving them as an appetizer.

If you want a richer scallop dinner without bacon, try air fryer scallops with garlic butter. For a simpler version, see air fryer scallops.

What to Serve with Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Serve these hot with lemon wedges and, if you want a fresh finish, chopped parsley or chives.

• As an appetizer for a holiday meal or date-night dinner
• Over mixed greens or arugula
• With cauliflower purée or sautéed spinach
• Alongside broccoli and orzo
• With a small dish of garlic butter or lemon butter

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Refrigerate them promptly after serving.

To reheat, warm them gently in the air fryer at a lower temperature until heated through, checking often so the scallops do not overcook. The bacon will soften somewhat after chilling, so do not expect the same texture as when freshly cooked.

If you want to prep ahead, wrap the scallops shortly before cooking rather than far in advance. That helps keep the scallops dry and improves browning.

If you want another easy seafood dinner, you may also like air fryer crispy white fish.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition is based on 4 servings and includes the core ingredients only, not optional herbs or sauce.

• Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: about 290
• Protein: about 28g
• Fat: about 16g
• Carbohydrates: about 2g

Approximate nutrition per 100g:

• Calories: about 165
• Protein: about 16g
• Fat: about 9g
• Carbohydrates: about 1g