Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are an easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for parties or any special occasion. The scallops are wrapped in bacon, which helps to keep them moist and juicy, and then they are cooked in an air fryer until the bacon is crispy.
This dish can be served with a dipping sauce (homemade Chipotle) or on its own as an hors d'oeuvre. Plus it's naturally low carb, keto-friendly and gluten-free.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
These juicy, tender scallops wrapped in crisp, smoky bacon are simple to make and only take a few minutes to cook.
Start by wrapping each scallop with a strip of bacon and securing it with a toothpick. Then, all you need to do is place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius). That's it!
I actually do marinate scallops lightly. This is completely optional. May I suggest this easy marinate to add more flavor to scallops? I got the suggestion from Skinnytaste.com and I really liked the outcome.
Ingredients:
- 12 Scallops
- 6 bacon slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks
- Marinade ingredients:
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 1TBSP lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon Worchester sauce
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
- Rinse the scallops and pat dry with a paper towel
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cut bacon slices in half. (Half a bacon slice is usually enough to wrap one scallop)
- Wrap each scallop in a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick or two.
- Spritz spraying oil over scallops.
- Arrange scallops in a single layer in the air fryer, cook 6-10 minutes (400 F) turning halfway until the scallop is tender and bacon is cooked through.
Directions for marinade:
- Melt the butter, and add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Dry the scallops with paper towels and dip them in the marinade. Leave them in it for 20 minutes.
- Cut bacon slices in half. (Half a bacon slice is usually enough to wrap one scallop)
- Wrap each scallop in a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Spritz spraying oil over scallops.
- Arrange scallops in a single layer in the air fryer, cook 8-10 minutes (390 F) turning halfway until scallop is tender and opaque and bacon is cooked through.
Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Quality matters: Start with high-quality fresh scallops. Make sure they are dry before wrapping them in bacon.
How to pick good quality scallops: First, look for large sea scallops (not bay scallops) that are plump and firm, with a creamy white color. They should have a fresh, ocean-like scent. Finally, feel the scallops to check that they're not slimy or sticky.
Frozen: Frozen scallops will work for this recipe too. But first, you need to defrost them safely in the refrigerator. If you are short on time, you can place the scallops in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Once defrosted, proceed with cooking directions.
How to wrap: Wrap the bacon around the scallop securely, 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.
Do not overcook scallops or bacon: Scallops can be easily overcooked, resulting in rubbery, dry flesh. To avoid this, cook scallops in an air fryer. Bacon-wrapped scallops are a particular favorite - the bacon adds flavor and prevents the scallops from drying out.
When cooking bacon-wrapped scallops, be sure to cook them until the bacon is crisp but not burnt. Overcooking the bacon will make it tough and difficult to eat.
Cut of bacon matters: Use a regular cut of bacon (or thin cut) Do not use the thick cut bacon because it may take way longer to cook through and you don’t want to overcook the delicate scallops.
Preheat: Preheat your air fryer or oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly.
Air fry the Bacon-wrapped scallops for 6-8 minutes in the air fryer or until the bacon is crispy. Bake or broil the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in the oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and cooked through.
What to Serve with Bacon Scallops
Pair them with roasted vegetables. This could include roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Another option is to serve them with a simple salad made of greens and topped with a light dressing.
You could also serve the scallops alongside some rice or quinoa and a side of steamed broccoli. Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, bacon-wrapped scallops are sure to be a hit!
Popular Air Fryer Appetizers
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for parties or any special occasion. The scallops are wrapped in bacon, which helps to keep them moist and juicy, and then they are cooked in an air fryer until the bacon is crispy.
Ingredients
- 12 Scallops
- 6 bacon slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks
- For Marinade:
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 1TBSP lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon Worchester sauce
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter, and add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Dry the scallops with paper towels and dip them in the marinade. Leave it in it for 20 minutes.
- Cut bacon slices in half. (Half a bacon slice is usually enough to wrap one scallop)
- Wrap each scallop in a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Spritz spraying oil over scallops.
- Arrange scallops in a single layer in the air fryer, and cook for 6-10 minutes (390 F) turning halfway until the scallop is tender and opaque and bacon is cooked through. Enjoy!
Notes
Do not overcook scallops or bacon
Scallops can be easily overcooked, resulting in rubbery, dry flesh. To avoid this, cook scallops in an air fryer. Bacon-wrapped scallops are a particular favorite - the bacon adds flavor and prevents the scallops from drying out.
When cooking bacon-wrapped scallops, be sure to cook them until the bacon is crisp but not burnt. Overcooking the bacon will make it tough and difficult to eat.
Irina
Works also great with turkey bacon
Paula
I make bacon wrapped scallops often. I make a dipping sauce of maple syrup (real) and dijon mustard. Mix equal amts and adjust to your taste. So good.
Irina
Delicious! Thank you for sharing
Cindy
Your marinade was incredible! It was my first time cooking scallops in the air fryer and no the scallops and bacon were spot on! ❤️
Irina
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it! It's my favorite appetizer too
Barbara Knapp
I definitely want to try these! Thanks for sending the instructions to make them!
Gayle
I love bacon-wrapped scallops and been eyeing this recipe for awhile. Finally made tonight and meh. Disappointed my mini air fryer didn’t get the bacon as crispy as it should have been. Made the Maple Dijon dipping sauce mentioned in the comments above. It was delicious and went perfectly with the scallops. Next time I’ll stick to the traditional way of baking them in the oven.
DiJo
This looks good. I’ve only done it with crab meat. Never thought to try scallops.
Valerie Cruickshank
Can these be made in oven? If so, temperature & time please.
Irina
Hello,
Yes. It may take a little longer.
Try preheated oven 400F/200C for 4-5 minutes per side or until bacon crisps up
Matt j
Do you think pre cooked bacon would work better. I feel like it would take too long for the bacon to crisp up compared to the time it takes to cook the scallop
Irina
Yes. it is good idea. Pre cook bacon for 4 min. Then while it is almost soft, wrap the scallop and cook 3 mins per side. Delish