Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops – Crispy, Juicy, and Ready in 10 Minutes

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Perfect Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe

Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops are one of the easiest gourmet appetizers you can make at home. The combination of tender, juicy scallops wrapped in crispy bacon delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 10 minutes. After testing different temperatures and cooking times, this method guarantees bacon that’s golden and crisp while scallops stay perfectly tender.

Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops with crispy bacon edges served on lettuce

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large sea scallops (about 12 pieces), thawed and patted dry
  • 6 slices thin-cut bacon (halved crosswise)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray (optional)
  • Toothpicks, for securing

Ingredient Notes:

  • Thin-cut bacon is essential for crispiness; thick-cut bacon tends to stay chewy.
  • Frozen scallops should be thawed completely and dried well to prevent steaming.
  • Smoked paprika enhances flavor, but cayenne or chili flakes can be substituted for heat.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Place bacon slices in the basket and par-cook for 3–4 minutes until partially crisp. Remove and cool slightly.
  3. Pat scallops dry with paper towels, then season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
  5. Place wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
  6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bacon should be golden and scallops opaque and tender.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops with crispy bacon edges served on lettuce

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops – Crispy, Juicy, and Ready in 10 Minutes

Tender scallops wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon and cooked to perfection in the air fryer in just 10 minutes.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, main dish
Cuisine American, seafood
Servings 4 People
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Tongs
  • Mixing bowl
  • toothpicks
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

1 lb large sea scallops (about 12 pieces), thawed and patted dry

6 slices thin-cut bacon (halved crosswise)

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Olive oil spray (optional)

Toothpicks, for securing

Instructions
 

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

    Par-cook bacon for 3–4 minutes until partially crisp, then set aside.

      Pat scallops dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

        Wrap each scallop with bacon and secure with a toothpick.

          Arrange in a single layer in the basket.

            Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

              Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

                Notes

                • Cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
                • Use thin-cut bacon for best results.
                • Don’t overcook scallops — check at 8 minutes for doneness.
                • Store leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F.

                Nutrition

                Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 460mgPotassium: 260mgSugar: 1gIron: 1mg
                Keyword air fryer, appetizer, bacon-wrapped scallops, crispy, quick, scallops
                Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

                Air Fryer Settings & Tips for Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

                Temperature & Timing Guide

                • Standard air fryers (5–6 qt): 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
                • Smaller air fryers: May need 1–2 minutes longer due to tighter airflow.
                • Jumbo scallops: Up to 12 minutes total.
                • Doneness cue: Scallops should be opaque and lightly springy, bacon crisp but not burnt.

                Pro Tips for Best Results

                • Always par-cook bacon so it crisps before scallops overcook.
                • Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches for even air circulation.
                • For extra crispiness, give scallops a quick oil spray before cooking.
                • Avoid overcooking scallops; rubbery texture means they’ve gone too far.
                • Toothpicks make flipping easy and keep bacon in place.

                Serving & Storage for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

                Best Pairings

                • Garlic butter dip
                • Sweet chili sauce
                • Lemon aioli
                • Maple glaze

                Perfect Side Dishes

                • Air fryer asparagus or green beans for a light balance
                • Caesar salad for freshness
                • Mashed potatoes or risotto for a full surf-and-turf style dinner

                Storage & Reheating

                • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
                • Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
                • Not recommended for freezing, as scallops lose texture.

                Conclusion

                These air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops deliver the perfect balance of smoky, savory bacon and tender seafood in just 10 minutes. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re an easy appetizer or elegant dinner addition that never disappoints.

                Author

                • Smiling woman named Sarah Mitchell in a cozy kitchen wearing an apron

                  Sarah Mitchell is a Culinary Institute of America-trained pastry chef turned food writer who specializes in easy air fryer desserts. After working in bakeries from NYC to Portland, she discovered her passion for helping home bakers create bakery-quality treats in small kitchens with simple equipment.

                  Based in Portland, Oregon, Sarah develops and tests every recipe multiple times in her tiny apartment kitchen, documenting both successes and failures to help readers troubleshoot common baking problems. Her approach combines professional pastry techniques with practical shortcuts, making desserts accessible to bakers at any skill level.

                  When she's not creating recipes at odd hours or responding to reader questions, Sarah can be found exploring Portland's dessert scene for inspiration, always accompanied by her rescue cat Mochi who serves as chief taste-test supervisor.

                  Sarah learned to bake at age 6 in her grandmother's Ohio bakery, where she developed her philosophy: great desserts don't need to be complicated – they just need to bring joy.

                Leave a Comment

                Recipe Rating