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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

iamwinfred
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 265 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Silicone basting brush
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Cutting board and paring knife

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

Instructions
 

  • 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.

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 24gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 320mgVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg
Keyword air fryer scallops, bacon wrapped scallops, easy appetizer, low carb appetizer, seafood appetizer
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