I’ll be honest—this recipe feels like the kind of dish you’d expect at a fancy seafood restaurant, but the best part is you can pull it off at home with just a handful of ingredients. I love how the sweet, buttery taste of scallops pairs with smoky, salty bacon—it’s a match that feels both luxurious and comforting at the same time. And when the air fryer is in the mix, it turns into an easy weeknight recipe that still feels like a special occasion.
I’ve made these bacon-wrapped scallops for everything from family dinners to small gatherings, and they always disappear from the plate within minutes. The bacon crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, the scallops stay tender and juicy, and the whole thing comes together in less than 20 minutes. If you’re looking for a quick seafood recipe that tastes gourmet without a lot of effort, this is the one.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Scallops: Large sea scallops are the star of this dish. They’re naturally sweet and tender, and when cooked properly, they have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Try to get dry scallops if you can—those without added water or chemicals—because they’ll sear and caramelize better.
Bacon: Choose thin-cut bacon for this recipe so it cooks through and crisps up quickly without overcooking the scallops. The smoky, salty flavor from the bacon perfectly balances the scallops’ sweetness.
Olive oil: A light brush of olive oil ensures the scallops cook evenly and get a slight golden color. It also helps prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the natural flavor of both the scallops and bacon without overpowering them. It’s a simple seasoning that adds depth.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the scallops just enough bite to contrast with the rich, smoky bacon. It’s a subtle touch, but it makes a big difference.
Toothpicks: Not a flavor ingredient, but absolutely essential. They keep the bacon in place as it cooks so everything stays perfectly wrapped and neat.
Ingredients List
- 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 6 slices thin-cut bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Step 1: Prepare the scallops
Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. This is important because it helps them sear better and prevents excess moisture from steaming them.
Step 2: Season the scallops
Brush each scallop lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper. Keep the seasoning simple—you want the natural flavor of the scallops to shine.
Step 3: Wrap with bacon
Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it around the scallop. Secure the bacon with a toothpick so it stays in place while cooking.
Step 4: Arrange in the air fryer
Place the wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t touching so the air can circulate and crisp the bacon evenly.
Step 5: Cook until golden and crisp
Air fry the scallops at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon should be golden and crisp, while the scallops remain tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Remove the toothpicks and serve the scallops immediately. They’re amazing on their own, but also pair beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light dipping sauce.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use dry scallops if possible—they cook better and have superior flavor compared to wet (soaked) scallops.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The bacon needs space to crisp properly.
- Thin-cut bacon works best. Thick bacon takes longer to cook and may leave the scallops overdone.
- Flip halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides get evenly crisp.
- Pat scallops dry before seasoning. This prevents steaming and helps create a golden exterior.
- Serve immediately. Scallops are best eaten fresh out of the air fryer, while the bacon is still crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture will keep them from caramelizing.
What dipping sauce goes well with these scallops?
A light garlic butter sauce, lemon aioli, or even a sweet chili sauce pairs beautifully.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can wrap the scallops in bacon a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. Just air fry right before serving for the best texture.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked?
They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch, not rubbery. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye on them.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, though the flavor will be lighter and it won’t crisp up quite as much. Still delicious if you prefer a leaner option.