Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are one of those dishes that instantly turn any meal into a celebration. Picture this: tender, juicy scallops wrapped in smoky strips of bacon, crisped to perfection in your air fryer with no fuss and no mess. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors—salty, savory, and slightly sweet—making it one of the best seafood appetizers you can serve.
What makes this recipe even better is how quick and easy it is. Instead of dealing with the stovetop or oven, the air fryer gives you evenly cooked scallops with bacon that’s irresistibly golden and crisp. In just 10–12 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that works just as well for an elegant dinner party as it does for a casual weeknight treat. Pair them with a drizzle of maple glaze, fresh parsley, and bright lemon wedges, and you’ll see how simple ingredients can transform into something unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a holiday spread, looking for a romantic dinner idea, or craving a fun seafood recipe that delivers big on flavor, these Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are guaranteed to impress. They’re easy, delicious, and absolutely stunning on the table. Once you make them, you’ll never go back to baking or pan-searing scallops again!
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
12 large sea scallops, patted dry
6 slices bacon, cut in half
2 tbsp maple syrup (optional for glaze)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prep scallops:
Pat scallops dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This step is important for crisp bacon and tender scallops.
2. Season well:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush over scallops for an even coating.
3. Wrap with bacon:
Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick so it stays snug.
4. Air fry:
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange bacon-wrapped scallops in a single layer, leaving space between each. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is golden and scallops are opaque. For best results, check with a thermometer—scallops are fully cooked at an internal temperature of 120–125°F (49–52°C).
5. Optional glaze:
During the last 2 minutes, brush scallops lightly with maple syrup for a sweet-savory caramelized finish.
6. Garnish and serve:
Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Dry the scallops: Moisture is the enemy of crisp bacon. Always pat scallops dry before seasoning and wrapping.
- Don’t overcrowd: Space them out in the air fryer so hot air can circulate, giving even crispiness.
- Choose large scallops: Bigger sea scallops cook evenly with bacon and stay juicy inside.
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