These bacon wrapped scallops turn out crisp, juicy, and perfectly seasoned in the Air Fryer for an easy, elegant appetizer. Simple prep and quick cooking make them ideal for weeknights or entertaining.
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I've always believed that the best appetizers are the ones that feel fancy but take barely any effort, and that's exactly why I like to air-fry scallops wrapped in bacon. They look impressive on the plate, but behind the scenes, they're incredibly quick and straightforward. Whenever I'm hosting, these are the first bites to disappear, and people always assume I spent way more time on them than I actually did.
I started making them at home after ordering something similar at a restaurant and realizing I could easily recreate the same flavor without the hefty price tag. When using an air fryer, the scallops stay tender while the bacon turns perfectly crisp. I also like to prep them ahead by wrapping the scallops in bacon and having them ready to go in the refrigerator or freezer.
Over the years, these little bites have become one of my go-to "I need something impressive fast" recipes, just like my bacon-wrapped shrimp and bacon-wrapped onion rings. They work for holidays, small gatherings, or even date nights when I want to make something special without spending all evening in the kitchen. If you love simple, crowd-pleasing appetizers with big flavor, this recipe is one you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Ingredients
- Bacon - Adds a smoky flavor and crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the tender scallops.
- North Atlantic large sea scallops - Provide a sweet, delicate seafood base that cooks quickly.
- Kosher salt - Enhances the natural flavor of the scallops without overpowering them.
- Ground black pepper - Adds a subtle heat and balances the richness of the bacon.
- Fresh lemon wedges - Brightens the dish with acidity and helps cut through the richness for a fresher flavor.
- Fresh chopped dill - Offers a light, herbal finish that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Toothpicks soaked in cold water - Secure the bacon to the scallops and resist burning during cooking.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Get scallops dry on all sides with layers of paper towels. Remove the scallop's "foot" or abductor muscle. Season with salt and pepper.
Partially cook the bacon strips in the air fryer for 2 minutes on each side at 325°F (163°C). Then remove the pre-cooked bacon, pat it dry with paper towels, and allow it to cool.
Once the bacon is cool to the touch, tightly wrap each scallop with bacon around the outside.
Secure bacon with a minimum of 2 toothpicks. Place scallops in a single layer on parchment paper lined air fryer tray or basket.
Cook bacon wrapped scallops in air fryer with a cook time of 15 minutes at 375°F (191°C). Remove when the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque and slightly soft, flipping halfway through for an even sear. The center of the scallops should have an internal temperature of 115°F with a final carryover temperature of 125°F to 130°F.
Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over, sprinkle chopped dill, and serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.
Hint: Pre-cook the bacon on a parchment-lined basket, tray, or baking sheet just until it starts to render but isn't crisp yet. This makes it flexible enough to wrap around the scallops without overcooking them later, ensuring both the bacon and scallops finish perfectly at the same time.
Variations
Here are some easy, visitor-friendly ways to customize the recipe so it fits different tastes, dinner guests, or cultural cuisines:
- Switch up the seasoning: Add Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or a garlic herb blend for a different flavor profile.
- Use flavored bacon: Try maple, peppered, or applewood-smoked bacon to introduce subtle but delicious variations.
- Add a glaze: Brush the bacon with a little honey, soy sauce, or teriyaki during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet or savory finish.
- Try fresh herbs: Swap dill for parsley, chives, cilantro, or thyme, depending on the meal you're serving.
- Serve with a dipping sauce: Offer garlic aioli, spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, chimichurri, or lemon butter to match your guests' preferences.
- Create a cultural twist: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for Spanish flair, drizzle with ponzu for a Japanese touch, or serve with chimichurri for an Argentinian-inspired version.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or brush the bacon with hot honey for heat lovers.
Tips
Top tip: Bring the scallops to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking-this helps them cook evenly so the centers stay tender instead of coming out tough or rubbery.
More Cooking Tips:
- Pat the scallops extremely dry as moisture prevents browning and can make the bacon steam instead of crisp.
- Make sure the scallops are uniform in size so they cook at the same rate; larger ones may need an extra minute or two.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray to ensure proper airflow and crisp bacon.
- Flip halfway through cooking to help both sides crisp evenly.
- Use thinner bacon whenever possible because it wraps more easily and crisps faster without overcooking the scallops.
- Remove the small side muscle ("foot") on each scallop to avoid a chewy texture.
- Allow to rest for 1 to 2 minutes after cooking so the carryover heat finishes the centers perfectly.
- Plan for 3 to 4 bacon-wrapped scallops per person and make in smaller batches so they air fry evenly.
Serving suggestions
These seafood bites make an impressive appetizer on their own, but they shine even more when paired with simple side dishes that highlight their rich flavor. I like to serve them with fresh lemon wedges for a bright pop of acidity that cuts through the smokiness. They are great paired with bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts for game nights, holidays, or any get-together.
If you'd like to turn them into a more complete meal, pair them with light vegetable sides that balance the richness. A crisp green salad or oven-baked asparagus works beautifully. If you're craving something comforting, my scalloped potatoes make an elegant and hearty addition. .
Storage
You can store leftover bacon-wrapped scallops by letting them cool completely, then placing them in an airtight container and refrigerating them for up to 2 days. Make sure they're arranged in a single layer or separated with parchment to keep the bacon from getting soggy. When you're ready to reheat them, pop them back into the Air Fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, just until warmed through, and the bacon crisps up again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops rubbery and the bacon soft.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before wrapping them so the bacon can crisp properly.
Use at least two toothpicks per scallop to secure the bacon, and pre-cook the bacon just enough to make it flexible without getting crispy.
They're ready when the bacon is crisp, and the scallops are opaque, slightly firm, and reach an internal temperature of about 125°F-130°F after carryover cooking.
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Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients
- 7 strips bacon
- 7 pieces North Atlantic sea scallops 190 grams (6.7 ounces)
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 fresh lemon cut into wedges
- ½ teaspoon fresh chopped dill
Other:
- toothpicks soaked in cold water
Instructions
- Completely dry scallops on all sides with layers of paper towels and remove the scallop's "foot" or abductor muscle. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pre-cook the strips of bacon in the Air Fryer for 2 minutes on each side at 325°F (163°C). Then remove the pre-cooked bacon, pat them dry with paper towels, and allow to cool.
- Once the bacon is cool to the touch, tightly wrap each scallop with the pre-cooked bacon. Then secure the bacon-wrapped scallops with a minimum of 2 toothpicks.
- Place each bacon-wrapped scallops on a parchment-lined Air Fryer tray and lightly sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Slowly insert the Air Fryer tray with the bacon-wrapped scallops into the middle cooking chamber, near the rotisserie catch.
- If the Air Fryer uses a basket, place the bacon-wrapped scallops onto the parchment paper lined crisper plate and basket.
- Air Fry in a pre-heated Air Fryer for 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F (191°C) or until the bacon is crisp, and the scallops are opaque and slightly soft, flipping halfway through. The center of the scallops should have an internal temperature of 115°F with a final carryover temperature of 125°F to 130°F.
- Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over, sprinkle chopped dill, and serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.
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