Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops: The Ultimate Quick & Easy Appetizer

Prepare to fall in love with these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops! This incredibly simple recipe transforms fresh sea scallops and crispy bacon into a gourmet appetizer or a delightful snack in under 10 minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and effortlessly delicious, making it a perfect choice for entertaining or a special weeknight treat.

Quick and Easy Bacon Wrapped Scallops in Air Fryer: A Seafood Delight

This simple yet sophisticated recipe highlights the natural sweetness of fresh scallops, perfectly complemented by the savory crunch of bacon. The air fryer works its magic, ensuring both the scallops are tender and juicy, and the bacon achieves a desirable crispness with minimal oil. Once you experience how incredibly simple and satisfying it is to prepare scallops in your air fryer, you might never go back to traditional methods!

When we say this is a user-friendly recipe, we truly mean it. It’s not just fast and straightforward to assemble; it also delivers an impressive dish ideal for an elegant appetizer or a luxurious light meal. The combination of succulent large sea scallops encased in perfectly crispy bacon is an irresistible treat that will impress your guests and delight your palate every time.

One of the best aspects of this scallops recipe is its incredible flexibility. You can customize the flavor profile to your liking – a delicate drizzle of soy sauce can add an umami kick, or you can keep it beautifully simple, allowing the fresh flavors of the sea scallops and bacon to shine through. The tender, opaque texture of the perfectly cooked sea scallops, paired with the salty, crispy bacon, creates a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that is truly unforgettable.

While these air fryer sea scallops are fantastic on their own, consider serving them with a complementary dipping sauce. A tangy lemon aioli or a sweet chili sauce could elevate the experience, though many find them delightful without any extra condiments. For an added layer of flavor, a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese after cooking can provide a delightful, salty finish. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you have complete freedom to enjoy your scallops exactly how you prefer!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Scallops:

Crafting these delectable bacon-wrapped scallops requires only a few high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing seafood appetizer:

• Sea Scallops: Opt for large, fresh sea scallops. It’s crucial that they are properly cleaned and, most importantly, thoroughly patted dry. Removing excess moisture ensures a beautiful sear and prevents them from steaming instead of crisping.
• Bacon: Center-cut bacon is ideal for this recipe. Its thickness strikes the perfect balance – not too thin to disintegrate, and not too thick to overwhelm the scallop or require excessive cooking time. This ensures uniform cooking and crispy results.
• Old Bay Seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning adds a fantastic, subtle hint of spice and savory depth, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the scallops. It’s a staple for a reason!
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper contributes a sharp, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor profile. A little goes a long way in waking up the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil Spray: A light mist of olive oil spray is your secret weapon for achieving truly crispy bacon without the need for excessive grease. It helps the bacon render beautifully and get that golden-brown finish in the air fryer.

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, remember to scroll down to the bottom of the post where you’ll find the full recipe card. It contains all the exact quantities needed to create these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped delights!

How To Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops: Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving perfectly cooked, crispy bacon-wrapped scallops in the air fryer is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result:

STEP 1 – Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. This initial heating ensures even cooking and helps the bacon crisp up faster. While it’s preheating, lightly mist your air fryer basket with a nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

STEP 2 – Partially cook the bacon: Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 3 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are partially cooked but still pliable. This step is crucial as it renders some fat and prevents the bacon from being undercooked while the scallops are perfectly done. Remove the bacon and let it cool briefly on a paper towel to absorb any excess grease.

STEP 3 – Prepare the scallops: Begin by gently removing the small, tough side muscle from each scallop (if present), as it can be chewy. Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is key for achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust. Next, take a partially cooked bacon slice and carefully wrap it around the circumference of each scallop. Secure the bacon with a wooden toothpick to ensure it stays in place during cooking. Lightly spray the wrapped scallops with olive oil and generously season them with black pepper and Old Bay seasoning for that classic seafood flavor.

Step 4 – Arrange the prepared scallops in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s enough space between each scallop for the hot air to circulate freely. This prevents overcrowding and guarantees that both the scallops and bacon will cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.

Step 5 – Cook for 8 minutes total. Make sure to turn the scallops halfway through the cooking time. Continue cooking until the scallops are beautifully tender and opaque throughout, and the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness – golden and perfectly crunchy.

STEP 6 – Serve hot: Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the toothpicks and serve your bacon-wrapped scallops immediately. Enjoy the delightful contrast of the sweet, tender scallops and the salty, crispy bacon.

NOTE: This recipe uses a basket-style 5.8-qt Cosori air fryer. All air fryers cook differently, and you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your specific air fryer brand. Keep an eye on your scallops, especially during the first batch, to determine the ideal cooking time for your appliance.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

For truly restaurant-quality air fryer scallops, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Secure with Toothpicks: This seemingly small step is vital. Toothpicks ensure the bacon stays tightly wrapped around each scallop throughout the cooking process, allowing it to crisp up beautifully and infuse the scallop with its savory flavor. Remember to remove them before serving!
• Ensure Scallops are Dry: This cannot be stressed enough. Patting your scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels before cooking is the secret to achieving that coveted golden-brown sear. Moisture on the surface will cause the scallops to steam rather than caramelize, leading to a less desirable texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If the basket is too full, the air can’t flow properly, resulting in unevenly cooked and less crispy scallops. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each scallop has ample space around it. Patience here pays off in crispness!
• Perfect Doneness: Scallops cook quickly. They are done when they turn opaque throughout and feel slightly firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. The internal temperature should reach 120-130°F (49-54°C) for perfect tenderness.
• Crispy Bacon Every Time: The pre-cooking step for the bacon is essential. This helps render out some of the fat, ensuring the bacon gets crispy at the same time the scallops finish cooking, preventing undercooked bacon or overcooked scallops.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Variations to Savor

While this classic recipe is a winner, feel free to experiment with these variations to customize your bacon-wrapped scallops:

• Add a Sweet Glaze: For a delightful sweet and savory contrast, brush the scallops with a light glaze during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Maple syrup, balsamic reduction, or a honey-garlic glaze works wonderfully. This creates a beautiful caramelized crust.
• Try Different Seasonings: Beyond Old Bay, the possibilities are endless! Experiment with a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat, or even a citrus-herb blend. Fresh lemon zest can brighten the flavors beautifully.
• Herb Infusion: Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill can be sprinkled over the scallops just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, a touch of sriracha in a dipping sauce, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a pinch of chili powder can elevate the spice level.
• Gourmet Bacon Options: While center-cut is recommended, don’t shy away from trying other bacon varieties like applewood smoked bacon for a richer flavor, or even turkey bacon for a lighter alternative (though cooking times might vary slightly).

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

When searching for effortlessly delicious air fryer seafood recipes, bacon-wrapped scallops stand out as an exceptional choice. They’re not only enjoyable to prepare but also bursting with such an amazing flavor that will have everyone reaching for more!

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Try:

Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Appetizers

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Dinner

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

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