Bacon-wrapped scallops are one of those dishes that instantly feel special — elegant, indulgent, and rich in flavor. Traditionally served at weddings, upscale restaurants, or holiday dinners, they combine the buttery tenderness of scallops with the smoky, salty crunch of bacon. While they may look gourmet, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home — especially when cooked in the air fryer.
The air fryer not only delivers a perfect sear on the scallops but also crisps up the bacon beautifully — all without the mess of stovetop splatter or a long wait in the oven. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a restaurant-quality dish, made right in your kitchen in under 20 minutes.
I remember the first time I tasted bacon-wrapped scallops. It was at a coastal bistro during a weekend getaway, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked — the contrast of textures, the layers of flavor, the tender scallop wrapped in smoky bacon… it was unforgettable.
Ever since then, I’ve been recreating that magic at home, testing different methods. Pan-searing was great but messy. Baking worked, but the bacon was never quite crispy enough. Enter: the air fryer. The first time I tried making bacon-wrapped scallops in it, the results blew me away. The scallops were perfectly juicy, and the bacon had the exact crunch I was looking for — all done faster and cleaner than any method before.
Now, it’s my go-to appetizer for dinner parties, special date nights, or even just when I want to treat myself to something a little fancy without a lot of work.
Click here To View Full Recipe