Name: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large sea scallops; 1 pound center cut slices of bacon; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon of old bay seasoning; salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/4 teaspoonred pepper flakes, optional

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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops are an easy yet elegant appetiser that combines tender, juicy scallops with crispy, smoky bacon. They’re perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you want to prepare something a little different without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of sweet, delicate scallops and savoury bacon creates an irresistible balance of flavours. Cooking them in the air fryer makes the process even easier, helping the bacon brown while the scallops cook quickly.

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious seafood recipe. Fresh or properly thawed scallops, thin-cut bacon, a little olive oil, and your favourite seasonings are all you need.

The secret is choosing scallops of a similar size, wrapping them securely in bacon, and avoiding overcooking. Scallops cook quickly, so keeping an eye on them helps preserve their tender texture.

Serve these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops with lemon wedges, garlic butter, or a creamy dipping sauce. They’re impressive enough for entertaining but simple enough to enjoy as a quick appetiser at home.

How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Making bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer is surprisingly simple. The bacon adds smoky flavour while the hot circulating air helps cook the seafood quickly.

Ingredients

12 large sea scallops: Fresh or fully thawed scallops work best. Choose pieces of similar size.
6 slices thin-cut bacon: Cut each slice in half to wrap around the scallops.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the scallops brown and prevents them from drying out.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a delicious savoury flavour.
¼ teaspoon paprika: Provides colour and a mild smoky taste.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little warmth.
Fresh lemon wedges: For serving.

You can also use a little melted butter instead of olive oil if you prefer a richer flavour.

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Remove the scallops from their packaging and check for any small side muscles. These are firm pieces of tissue attached to the side of some scallops. Gently pull them off if present.

Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is an important step because excess moisture can prevent them from browning properly.

If using frozen scallops, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe.

Step 2: Season the Scallops

Place the dry scallops in a mixing bowl.

Add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Gently toss until the scallops are lightly coated.

Avoid adding too much salt because bacon is already naturally salty.

Step 3: Wrap the Scallops in Bacon

Cut each bacon slice in half.

Take one half-slice of bacon and wrap it around the side of a scallop. Secure the bacon with a toothpick, making sure it stays in place.

Repeat with the remaining scallops.

Thin-cut bacon is generally easier to wrap around scallops and cooks more quickly than thick-cut bacon.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes if your appliance recommends preheating.

Preheating helps the bacon begin cooking immediately and encourages more even browning.

Always check your air fryer manufacturer’s instructions, as some models do not require preheating.

Step 5: Arrange the Scallops in the Basket

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a suitable cooking spray if permitted by the manufacturer.

Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one.

Avoid overcrowding the basket. If necessary, cook the scallops in batches so hot air can circulate around them.

Step 6: Air Fry the Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning the scallops halfway through cooking if needed.

The cooking time depends on the size of the scallops, the thickness of the bacon, and your air fryer model.

Check the scallops towards the earlier end of the cooking range. The bacon should be browned, and the scallops should be opaque and cooked through.

For food safety, cook scallops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), measured with a food thermometer.

If the scallops reach the safe temperature before the bacon is as crispy as you would like, avoid continuing to cook the seafood for too long. You can partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the scallops, as explained below.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Carefully remove the scallops from the air fryer using tongs.

Let them rest for approximately 1–2 minutes, then remove the toothpicks before serving.

Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve with garlic butter, cocktail sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce.

How to Know When Scallops are Done

Scallops cook quickly, so knowing when they’re ready is essential. Overcooking can make them tough, rubbery, and less enjoyable.

Here are some ways to check whether your bacon-wrapped scallops are properly cooked.

1. Check the Internal Temperature

The most reliable way to check scallops is with a food thermometer.

According to food-safety guidance, scallops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the scallop, avoiding contact with the bacon or toothpick.

Because scallops are relatively small, use a suitable instant-read thermometer and check carefully.

2. Look at the Colour

Raw scallops are often translucent or slightly glossy.

When cooked, the flesh becomes opaque and firmer. The centre should no longer look raw or glassy.

However, colour alone is not a reliable way to confirm food safety, so a thermometer is the best option.

3. Check the Texture

Properly cooked scallops should be tender and slightly firm.

If they feel very hard, rubbery, or excessively chewy, they may have been overcooked.

Remember that scallops continue cooking slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so avoid leaving them in the hot basket.

4. Check the Bacon Separately

The bacon should be browned and cooked to your preferred crispness.

Because bacon and scallops cook at different speeds, the bacon may need a little extra preparation before wrapping.

Thin-cut bacon is generally the easiest option because it cooks faster and is less likely to leave the scallops overcooked.

Tips for Making the Best Scallops Wrapped in Bacon in the Air Fryer

A few simple techniques can make a big difference when preparing bacon-wrapped scallops.

1. Choose Large Sea Scallops

Large sea scallops are generally the best choice for this recipe.

They are thick enough to wrap in bacon and provide a good balance between the seafood and smoky bacon.

Smaller bay scallops are more difficult to wrap individually and may cook too quickly.

2. Pat the Scallops Dry

Always remove excess moisture before seasoning and wrapping the scallops.

Dry scallops brown more effectively, while wet scallops can release moisture during cooking and affect the texture.

3. Use Thin-Cut Bacon

Thin-cut bacon is easier to wrap around scallops and cooks faster than thick-cut varieties.

If you use thick-cut bacon, consider partially cooking it first so it has time to crisp without overcooking the seafood.

4. Secure the Bacon Properly

Use a toothpick to keep the bacon securely wrapped around each scallop.

Insert it through the overlapping ends of the bacon. Make sure the toothpick is suitable for air fryer use and does not interfere with the appliance.

Remember to remove all toothpicks before serving.

5. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

Arrange the scallops in a single layer with enough space between them.

Good airflow helps the bacon cook more evenly and prevents the scallops from steaming in excess moisture.

6. Don’t Add Too Much Salt

Bacon already contains salt, so you usually don’t need much additional seasoning.

Garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and lemon juice provide plenty of flavour without making the scallops too salty.

7. Watch the Cooking Time Carefully

Scallops are delicate and can become rubbery if cooked for too long.

Start checking after approximately 8 minutes and use a thermometer to confirm that the centre reaches 145°F (63°C).

8. Serve Immediately

Bacon-wrapped scallops taste best shortly after cooking.

The scallops remain tender, while the bacon is at its freshest and crispest. Add lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish.

Do You Need to Pre-Cook the Bacon?

You don’t always need to pre-cook the bacon, but it can make a big difference depending on the thickness of the slices.

Bacon generally takes longer to become crispy than scallops take to cook. This means thick-cut bacon may remain soft while the scallops are already fully cooked.

When You Can Use Raw Bacon

If you’re using thin-cut bacon, you can usually wrap it around the scallops without pre-cooking.

Thin slices cook more quickly and are easier to wrap securely.

However, cooking times vary, so always check that the scallops reach 145°F (63°C) and that the bacon is properly cooked.

When You Should Pre-Cook the Bacon

Pre-cooking is a good idea when using thick-cut bacon or when you prefer a crispier finish.

Partially cooking the bacon first gives it a head start, helping it brown more evenly around the scallops.

How to Partially Cook Bacon Before Wrapping

Cut the bacon slices in half.
Place them in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook briefly until some fat has rendered and the bacon begins to soften and lightly brown.
Remove the bacon before it becomes fully crispy.
Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and allow it to cool slightly.
Wrap each scallop with the partially cooked bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Air fry the scallops at 400°F (200°C), checking carefully until the scallops reach 145°F (63°C).

Avoid cooking the bacon completely before wrapping because it may become too crisp to bend around the scallops.

My Recommendation

For this recipe, thin-cut bacon is the easiest option because it generally cooks more quickly and requires less preparation.

If you only have thick-cut bacon, partially cook it first to help prevent the scallops from becoming overcooked while waiting for the bacon to crisp.

Can You Cook Frozen Scallops in an Air Fryer?

You can cook scallops in an air fryer, but for this bacon-wrapped recipe, thawing them first is strongly recommended.

Frozen scallops contain extra moisture, and wrapping them while frozen makes it harder for the bacon to cook evenly. The outside may brown before the centre is properly cooked.

Thawing also makes it easier to remove excess moisture and season the scallops.

How to Thaw Frozen Scallops Safely

The best method is to thaw frozen scallops in the refrigerator.

Remove the scallops from their freezer packaging if the instructions recommend doing so.
Place them in a covered container or on a tray to catch any liquid.
Leave them in the refrigerator until completely thawed.
Drain away any excess liquid.
Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning.

For a quicker method, place the scallops in a sealed, leak-proof bag and submerge the bag in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes and cook the scallops immediately after thawing.

Never thaw scallops on the kitchen counter at room temperature.

Can You Air Fry Scallops Directly from Frozen?

Yes, plain frozen scallops may be cooked in an air fryer if the product instructions and your appliance allow it.

However, cooking times will differ, and the result may be less consistent than using thawed scallops.

For bacon-wrapped scallops, thawing first is preferable because it allows you to dry the surface, season the seafood, and wrap the bacon securely.

Can You Use Previously Frozen Scallops?

Absolutely! Previously frozen scallops work very well for this recipe.

Many scallops sold in supermarkets have been frozen to preserve freshness. Once safely thawed, they can be prepared using the same method as fresh scallops.

Look for scallops without excessive added moisture or ingredients, and always follow the storage and thawing instructions on the packaging.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops are an impressive appetiser that combines tender seafood with deliciously smoky bacon. They’re easy to prepare, require only a few ingredients, and cook quickly in the air fryer.

For the best results, choose large sea scallops, pat them dry, use thin-cut bacon, and avoid overcrowding the basket. If you’re using thick-cut bacon, partially cook it before wrapping to help it become crispy without overcooking the scallops.

Most importantly, use a food thermometer to make sure the scallops reach 145°F (63°C). Serve them hot with fresh lemon wedges, garlic butter, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Whether you’re preparing a special dinner, entertaining guests, or simply craving a delicious seafood appetiser, these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops are a wonderful recipe to add to your collection.