This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops recipe turns two simple ingredients into the kind of appetizer people remember long after the party is over.
Sweet, tender scallops get wrapped in bacon and cooked until the outside is crisp and the inside is perfectly opaque.
No standing over a hot skillet, no splattering grease, and no fancy technique required. Just a hot air fryer and about fifteen minutes of hands-on time.
I make these whenever I need something that looks impressive but takes almost no effort, from holiday appetizer spreads to a lazy Friday night dinner for two.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 27 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings (16 scallops) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
This pairs beautifully with a bowl of Air Fryer Frozen Salmon if you want to build out a full seafood spread for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
Scallops have a reputation for being a restaurant-only splurge, but the air fryer makes them completely doable at home.
You get that golden, crisp bacon exterior without needing to babysit a pan or deal with grease splatters all over your stovetop.
The whole thing comes together in under thirty minutes, which makes it realistic for a weeknight dinner and not just a special occasion appetizer.
Best of all, it only takes two main ingredients plus a handful of pantry seasonings you probably already have on hand.
- Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
- Just two main ingredients: scallops and bacon
- No stovetop splatter or standing over a hot pan
- Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight
- Naturally low carb and high in protein
- Easy to scale up for parties or down for a quiet dinner
Another favorite for your next appetizer spread: Air Fryer Salmon Bites.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe, and most of the flavor comes from good scallops and good bacon, so buy the best quality you can find of both.
- 1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops (16 to 20 count), side muscle removed
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 16 wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for 10 minutes
Read Also: Baked Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
This recipe does not require much special equipment beyond your air fryer, but a few tools make the process smoother and help you get consistent results every time.
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Instant read meat thermometer
- Silicone basting brush
- Kitchen tongs
- Paper towels
- Cutting board and paring knife
If you love easy app-style bites like this one, you will want to keep our Air Fryer Snacks collection bookmarked for your next gathering.
Read Also: Air Fryer Turkey Cutlets Recipe
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally rely on to make this recipe come out right every single time.
None of these are required, but they solve the most common headaches people run into with this dish.
1. Instant Read Meat Thermometer
Scallops go from perfectly tender to rubbery in about sixty seconds, so a fast, accurate thermometer takes the guesswork out of the equation entirely.
Pull the scallops at 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and you will get that soft, buttery texture every time.
2. Large Capacity Air Fryer Basket
Overcrowding the basket is the number one reason people end up with soggy bacon instead of crispy bacon.
A larger basket lets the hot air circulate around each scallop so every piece browns evenly on all sides.
3. Dry Sea Scallops
Look for scallops labeled “dry” rather than “wet,” since wet scallops are treated with a preservative solution that adds excess moisture and prevents good browning.
Dry scallops sear and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without steaming instead of browning.
4. Silicone Basting Brush Set
A good basting brush makes it easy to coat every scallop evenly with oil and seasoning without tearing the delicate flesh.
Silicone bristles also clean up in seconds and will not shed like natural bristle brushes tend to over time.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
1. Prep the Scallops
- Remove the scallops from their packaging and check each one for the small, tough side muscle attached to the edge.
- Peel this little tab off with your fingers or a paring knife, since it turns rubbery when cooked and is unpleasant to bite into.
- Lay the scallops in a single layer on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Press another paper towel gently on top to blot away excess moisture, since wet scallops will steam instead of crisping up in the air fryer.
- Set the scallops aside while you prep the bacon.
2. Partially Cook the Bacon
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes.
- Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise so you end up with 16 shorter pieces, one for each scallop.
- Arrange the bacon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed so they do not overlap.
- Air fry the bacon for 3 minutes just to render some of the fat and make it pliable, not fully crisp.
- Remove the bacon and set it on a clean paper towel to cool slightly so it is easier to handle.
3. Season and Wrap the Scallops
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush this seasoned oil mixture over both sides of each dried scallop using your basting brush.
- Wrap one half slice of the partially cooked bacon around the outside edge of each scallop.
- Secure the bacon in place by inserting a soaked toothpick through the bacon and into the center of the scallop.
- Repeat with the remaining scallops and bacon until all 16 are wrapped and secured.
4. Air Fry the Scallops
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the wrapped scallops in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one so air can circulate.
- Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping each scallop gently with tongs at the halfway point.
- Start checking for doneness at the 8 minute mark using your instant read thermometer, pulling the scallops once they reach 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.
- The bacon should look golden and crisp and the scallops should look opaque and feel firm but slightly springy when pressed.
- If the bacon needs another minute or two to crisp up further, return the basket to the air fryer and check again in 1 minute increments.
5. Rest and Serve
- Transfer the cooked scallops to a serving plate and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
- Remove the toothpicks if you prefer, or leave them in place for easy serving at a party.
- Sprinkle the scallops with the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating.
I learned how forgiving this two step bacon technique is while working out the timing for my Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms, and it works just as well here.
Tips for The Best Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
A few small details make the difference between good bacon wrapped scallops and truly great ones, and most of them come down to moisture control and timing.
- Always pat the scallops completely dry before seasoning, since moisture is the enemy of crisp bacon and good browning.
- Use regular sliced bacon rather than thick cut, since thick bacon needs more time to crisp than the scallops need to cook.
- Do not skip par-cooking the bacon, since raw bacon will not fully crisp in the short time the scallops need to cook.
- Buy the largest scallops you can find and afford, since bigger scallops are more forgiving and less likely to overcook.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in two batches if necessary so hot air can reach every side of each scallop.
- Pull the scallops as soon as they hit 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, since they will continue cooking slightly as they rest.
You might also enjoy: Air Fryer Bacon Recipe
Serving Suggestions
These scallops are rich and savory, so I like to balance them with something bright or acidic on the side.
They also work well as a passed appetizer, a starter course, or even the main event alongside a simple salad or starch.
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic butter roasted asparagus
- Creamy risotto or a simple herbed rice pilaf
- A chilled glass of dry white wine for entertaining
- Crusty bread to mop up any extra glaze from the basket
- Alongside other appetizers like Shrimp Cocktail for a seafood party platter
For another easy shellfish starter, try our Shrimp Cocktail next time you are planning a party menu.
Read Also: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Variations of Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
This recipe is easy to customize once you have the basic technique down, so feel free to swap the seasoning or glaze to match your mood or the occasion.
- Maple soy glaze: Brush the scallops with a mixture of maple syrup, soy sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder before air frying for a sweet and savory version.
- Cajun style: Swap the garlic powder and paprika for a Cajun seasoning blend for a spicier, bolder bite.
- Old Bay version: Season the scallops with Old Bay seasoning instead of paprika for a classic East Coast seafood flavor.
- BBQ glazed: Brush the wrapped scallops with a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce before cooking.
- Honey Dijon dip: Skip the glaze and serve the finished scallops with a honey Dijon mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
- Skewered version: Thread several wrapped scallops onto a single skewer instead of individual toothpicks for easier serving at a party.
The same smoky, savory flavor profile also works wonderfully in Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks if you are building out a full appetizer board.
Storage and Reheating
Bacon wrapped scallops are absolutely best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but leftovers can still be saved and reheated with good results if you handle them carefully.
- Store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 minutes, just until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving if possible, since it tends to make the scallops rubbery and the bacon soggy.
- These do not freeze particularly well once cooked, since scallops can become watery and tough after thawing.
- If you want to prep ahead, wrap the raw scallops in bacon and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
Leftover bacon wrapped scallops also chop up nicely as a topping for a warm bowl of Seafood Stew the next day.
Read Also: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional values are estimated per serving of 4 bacon wrapped scallops and will vary slightly depending on the exact brands and portion sizes you use.
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
If you are watching sodium or fat, our Lemon Herb Baked Salmon is a lighter seafood option to add to your rotation.
Read Also: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Beyond being delicious, scallops and the seasonings in this recipe bring some genuine nutritional perks to the table.
They are a lean source of protein that fits easily into a variety of eating styles, from low carb to general balanced eating.
- Scallops are naturally low in fat and calories while being high in lean protein.
- Scallops provide vitamin B12, magnesium, and selenium, which support energy and immune health.
- Garlic powder contains compounds linked to heart health and immune support.
- Smoked paprika is made from dried peppers and contains antioxidants called carotenoids.
- Fresh parsley adds vitamin K and a small dose of vitamin C along with its bright flavor.
- Lemon juice adds vitamin C and helps balance the richness of the bacon.
For another protein-forward dinner idea, our Honey Garlic Salmon is worth adding to your weekly menu.
FAQs About Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
1. Do I need to thaw frozen scallops before cooking?
Yes, frozen scallops should be fully thawed before wrapping them in bacon.
Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or place them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 20 to 30 minutes if you are short on time.
2. Why is my bacon still soft after air frying?
This usually means the bacon was not par-cooked long enough before wrapping, or the basket was overcrowded.
Try par-cooking the bacon for an extra minute and leaving more space between each scallop in the basket.
3. Can I use small bay scallops instead of large sea scallops?
Bay scallops are much smaller and cook far faster, so they are not ideal for this particular wrapping method.
If that is all you have, skip the bacon wrap and simply toss the bay scallops in the seasoning and air fry them for just 4 to 5 minutes.
4. How do I know when the scallops are fully cooked?
Perfectly cooked scallops look opaque all the way through and feel firm but still slightly springy when pressed.
An instant read thermometer reading of 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit is the most reliable way to check.
5. Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
You can wrap the raw scallops in bacon and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before your event.
Simply air fry them right before serving so they come out hot and crisp for your guests.
These pair beautifully alongside other bite-sized favorites like Citrus Glazed Salmon on a shared appetizer table.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops 680g, 16-20 count, side muscle removed
- 8 slices applewood smoked bacon cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 30ml
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon cut into wedges, for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 16 wooden toothpicks soaked in water for 10 minutes
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Silicone basting brush
- Kitchen tongs
- Paper towels
- Cutting board and paring knife
Method
- Remove the side muscle from each scallop and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cut bacon slices in half and air fry for 3 minutes to render fat and make them pliable.
- Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of each scallop with the seasoned oil.
- Wrap a half slice of bacon around each scallop and secure with a soaked toothpick.
- Arrange wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer (125-130°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate and rest for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always pat scallops completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy bacon and good browning.
- Use regular sliced bacon rather than thick cut, as thick bacon takes longer to crisp than scallops need to cook.
- Do not skip par-cooking the bacon – raw bacon won’t crisp in the short time scallops need.
- Buy the largest scallops you can find; they’re more forgiving and less likely to overcook.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket – cook in batches if needed for proper air circulation.
- Remove toothpicks before serving or leave them in for easy party serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-4 minutes – avoid microwaving as it makes scallops rubbery.
- You can wrap raw scallops in bacon and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- For a sweet-savory version, brush with maple syrup and soy sauce before cooking.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops prove that impressive food does not have to be complicated food.
With just two main ingredients and a hot air fryer, you get restaurant quality results in your own kitchen in under thirty minutes.
I hope this becomes a regular in your appetizer rotation, whether that is for a holiday table or just a Tuesday night treat for yourself.
If you give this recipe a try, I would love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below or share a photo, and let me know which variation you tried first!
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