Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Name: Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 large fresh scallops; 8 slices bacon; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper

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Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops take scallops to a whole new level with bacon! Sweet, tender air fryer scallops are wrapped in salty, crispy bacon for a mouthwatering taste that can’t be beat.

Surf and turf is great, but steak and lobster can feel a bit too heavy at times. For a lighter fare, give these air fryer scallops a try. Here’s the scoop on scallops. They’re considered to be one of the best shellfish around. The bacon brings out the best in these mild, delicate scallops. Follow this scallop recipe and the results won’t disappoint.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops individually skewered by toothpicks and served on a white bowl.

Up until the age of 40, I enjoyed eating shellfish, especially scallops. Then I had a severe allergic reaction and couldn’t eat shellfish any more. But it’s never stopped me from making it for the two main men in my life. That would be my husband and son. They adore bacon-wrapped air fryer scallops so much, it seems they can never get enough of them. I’m amazed at how many of them they can put away. So I watch them eat these delicate, tasty morsels with pleasure and just a touch of envy. Sigh!

Air Fryer Scallops

This dish was inspired by my other scallop recipe on this site, and for a side that pairs well with these air fryer scallops, follow this amazing sidedish recipe. This cheesy bread goes perfectly with air fryer scallops as they’re quite similar to Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits. Now that’s perfection!

Ingredients

With only five ingredients, following this recipe is a cinch.

Large fresh scallops
Bacon
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities and cooking times.

Instructions

With an ingredient list this short, it should come as no surprise that making this dish is dead easy. It takes very little effort to put together such an amazingly delicious meal.

Step 1: Air Fry the Bacon

Place the bacon in the air fryer and air fry until it just begins to cook. Remove the bacon, and wipe out any excess grease in the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Season the Scallops

Blot scallops with paper towel to dry. Then, place them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper and stir until the scallops are evenly-coated.

Step 3: Wrap the Scallops

Wrap a slice of bacon around each scallop, cutting it to fit, if necessary, and securing it with a toothpick.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in the air fryer basket and air fry until the scallops are cooked through and the bacon is crisp.

Hint: Use heavy-duty paper towels to dry the scallops, so you don’t end up with paper towel residue on them.

close up image of a bacon wrapped scallop with a toothpick inserted into the center.

Substitutions

If you don’t have the correct ingredients on hand or want to switch things up, here are some helpful tips that will slightly alter these air fryer scallops.

Turkey Bacon – For a healthier version, use turkey bacon in place of pork bacon.
Vegetable Oil – If you don’t have olive oil, vegetable oil will work.
Low-Salt – If watching your salt intake, simply omit the extra salt.

Variations

Want to personalize this air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops recipe? Here are a couple of my tried and true tips that will change the taste of this dish.

Spicy – Add red pepper flakes to rev up the flavor and kick up the heat.
Garlic – Add some garlic powder to the oil when coating the scallops to give them a distinct and flavorful aroma.

If you love shellfish recipes, you may also enjoy this air fryer coconut shrimp.

image of a bacon wrapped scallop with a bite taken out of it. the toothpick still inserted into the center.

Equipment

To make these delicious scallops, it doesn’t takes much in the way of equipment. You only need a few basic items.

Air fryer
Spoon
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons

Storage

Store these scallops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Tips

To ensure you’re going to end up with the best-tasting scallops, here are a couple of easy tips to follow:

Preheat the air fryer to ensure proper cooking.
Keep a close eye on the scallops so you can remove them as soon as they’re ready.

close up side view image of plate of bacon wrapped scallops stacked in a pyramid.

More Air Fryer Recipes

Do you love your air fryer? Here are some other air fryer recipes you may also want to try.

zoomed in image of bacon wrapped scallops with a toothpick inserted.

FAQ

If you have questions about bacon air fryer scallops, we’ve got the answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions.

How long are cooked scallops good for?

You can store them in the refrigerator for three to four days or the freezer for up to three months.

How do I freeze scallops?

Individually wrap each bacon-wrapped scallop in cling wrap and then place them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

How do I defrost cooked scallops?

Place the scallops in the refrigerator overnight to defrost them.

How do I reheat cooked scallops?

You can microwave them until heated through or place them in an oven at 275 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes.

What can I serve with these scallops?

Brussels sprouts, asparagus, salads and pasta go well with this dish.