Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–27 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cooking Intensity: Low to Medium
Cuisine: American Seafood
Course: Appetizer, Starter
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 12 toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Toothpicks
- Paper towels
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for entertaining guests
- High in protein and low in carbohydrates
- Crispy bacon without deep frying
- Elegant presentation with minimal effort
Preparing the Scallops
Begin by patting the scallops completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is important because it helps the bacon crisp properly and prevents the scallops from steaming during cooking.
Inspect each scallop and remove the small side muscle if it is still attached. This tough piece can affect the texture when cooked.
Place the dried scallops into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss gently until each scallop is evenly coated.
Allow the scallops to sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the bacon.
Preparing the Bacon
Because scallops cook quickly, the bacon should be partially cooked before wrapping. This ensures both ingredients finish cooking at the same time.
Place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until they begin rendering fat but remain flexible. The bacon should not become crispy at this stage.
Transfer the bacon to paper towels and let it cool slightly.
Wrapping the Scallops
Take one bacon half and wrap it around the circumference of a scallop. Secure the bacon with a soaked toothpick.
Repeat with the remaining scallops until all are wrapped securely.
Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops on a plate while the air fryer preheats.
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer inside the basket. Leave a small amount of space between each scallop to allow proper air circulation.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 6 minutes.
Open the basket and carefully flip each scallop using tongs.
Continue cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes until:
- The bacon is crisp and golden brown.
- The scallops are opaque throughout.
- The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Avoid overcooking, as scallops can become rubbery when exposed to heat for too long.
Visual Doneness Guide
Perfectly cooked scallops should:
- Appear opaque rather than translucent.
- Feel slightly firm but still tender.
- Separate easily when cut.
- Release clear juices.
The bacon should have a deep golden color with crisp edges.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops are versatile and can be served in many ways.
For appetizers:
- Arrange on a platter with lemon wedges.
- Serve with garlic aioli.
- Pair with cocktail sauce.
For dinner:
- Serve alongside roasted asparagus.
- Add a fresh garden salad.
- Pair with rice pilaf or creamy risotto.
For entertaining:
- Present on a serving tray with fresh herbs.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
- Offer multiple dipping sauces for guests.
Flavor Variations
Honey Glazed
Brush the wrapped scallops with a thin layer of honey before air frying for a sweet and savory flavor.
Cajun Style
Add Cajun seasoning to the scallops before wrapping for a spicy kick.
Maple Bacon
Use maple-flavored bacon and finish with a light drizzle of maple syrup.
Garlic Butter
Brush cooked scallops with melted garlic butter immediately after air frying.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the scallops may change after thawing.
Expert Tips
- Use large sea scallops rather than small bay scallops.
- Dry the scallops thoroughly before seasoning.
- Partially cook the bacon first for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Monitor closely during the final minutes to prevent overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispier bacon.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can wrap the scallops several hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
What sauces pair well with bacon-wrapped scallops?
Garlic aioli, lemon butter sauce, spicy remoulade, cocktail sauce, and honey mustard are all excellent options.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (3 scallops)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Potassium: 360mg