🔪 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 large sea scallops (patted dry, side muscle removed)
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes (to prevent burning)
🧑🍳 How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer
1. Prep the Scallops
Gently pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear better and not steam. Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
2. Precook the Bacon
To ensure the bacon is cooked through and crispy, partially cook the halved bacon slices in a skillet or microwave for about 2–3 minutes. You want them pliable — not crispy — so they can be wrapped around the scallops.
3. Wrap the Scallops
Wrap each scallop with a half slice of precooked bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Make sure the ends of the bacon slightly overlap.
4. Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in the basket in a single layer, spacing them out.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the scallops are opaque and the bacon is golden and crisp. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your scallops and bacon thickness.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
These scallops are stunning on their own, but you can elevate the experience with:
- A garlic aioli or lemon butter sauce for dipping
- A bed of arugula or microgreens for presentation
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving
- Pairing with white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Serve them as a starter, passed appetizer, or even as the protein in a light dinner.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Smaller scallops? Use thinner bacon and reduce cooking time.
- No toothpicks? Use uncooked spaghetti broken into pieces — they hold the bacon and cook through safely.
- Sweet twist: Brush scallops with maple syrup or honey before air frying for a sweet-and-savory finish.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
- Keto-friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb and high-protein!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing not recommended – scallops can become rubbery once frozen and reheated.
🧾 Nutrition (Per 2 scallops):
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: ~300mg
(Nutrition may vary based on bacon brand and size of scallops.)
✨ Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops take a classic, upscale appetizer and make it incredibly approachable — no culinary degree or fancy kitchen tools needed. With only a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can whip up something truly impressive and packed with flavor.
Crispy, smoky bacon meets tender, juicy scallops in a match made in air fryer heaven — perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or when you just want to treat yourself. Once you try these, they’ll be hard to forget.