Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops are the elegantly easy appetizer recipe you’ve been looking for!
Not only are air fryer scallops easy to prepare, but they are also the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Serve with a side of cocktail sauce or your favorite dip.
Easy Appetizer Recipe
All the fanciness of an appetizer you’d see at a fine dining restaurant made right at home in your air fryer.
An air fryer is my favorite kitchen appliance because it cooks food without added fat and is quick and easy to use (I’m obsessed with mine, I have this one here)!
These Air Fryer Scallops are wrapped in bacon, and who doesn’t love bacon? Why not serve a skewer or two of bacon wrapped scallops on a bed of mixed greens for a special occasion salad?
Ingredients
SCALLOPS
Choose large sea scallops over bay scallops because bay scallops are too small and soft to be wrapped in bacon and threaded on a skewer. Save those bay scallops for creamy seafood chowder!
BACON
Slices of bacon are slightly cooked in the air fryer before wrapping the scallops, this allows it to crisp up without overcooking the scallops. You can use precooked bacon from the store but it doesn’t have the same flavor.
SYRUP
A little brush of real maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and helps the scallops to caramelize. If you don’t have maple syrup, a pinch of brown sugar will do the trick.
How to Cook Scallops in Air Fryer
The air fryer makes cooking scallops so easy!
- Cook bacon in the air fryer until soft, not crispy. Set bacon aside & wipe out air fryer.
- Pat scallops dry with a paper towel & season (per recipe below).
- Wrap bacon slice around each scallop & thread onto a skewer to secure them. Brush with maple syrup,
- Set scallops in air fryer & cook until bacon is crisp & scallops are cooked.
Helpful Tips & Tricks
- Choose scallops that are evenly sized, firm, and fresh-smelling. If using frozen scallops, ensure they’re completely defrosted before cooking.
- Some scallops will need a full piece of bacon, some might only need 1/2 a piece depending on the size of the scallops. Be sure you have a little extra on hand just in case.
- These can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. If making ahead, cool the partially cooked bacon completely before wrapping the scallops.
Try These Amazing Appetizers!
- Pretzel Bites – perfect for game day
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – ready in 15 minutes
- Pizza Rolls – easy to make
- Taco Ring – great for parties
- Jalapeno Poppers – with cream cheese filling
- Grilled Scallops – quick & easy
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp – sweet & spicy
Did you love these Air Fryer Scallops? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon or as needed, *see note
- 8 large sea scallops not bay scallops
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon old bay seasoning
- salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Place bacon in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until just slightly cooked and some of the fat has rendered out. Bacon should not be crisp.
- Remove bacon from the air fryer and wipe out any grease in the bottom.
- Dab scallops dry with paper towels and season with olive oil, old bay seasoning and salt & pepper to taste.
- Cut bacon in half (unless your scallops are really large) and wrap each half around one of the scallops. Seal with a toothpick or thread onto short skewers.
- Brush scallops with maple syrup.
- Place scallops into an air fryer at 350°F for 11-13 minutes. Cook just until bacon is crisp and scallop is cooked. Do not overcook.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Snack
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Is the bacon thin or thick – which is better to use for this recipe?
I use regular bacon for this recipe. I hope this helps Ellen!
Did my bacon on stove top to not over cook. Prepared a couple of hours ahead and cooked in air fryer when company arrived. Even those who had never had scallops or thought they did not like scallops, loved these.
Under Bacon Heading: “Slices of bacon are used slightly cooked”. I think you meant, “Slices of bacon used are slightly cooked”
Thank you so much Jon, I’ve updated it. Enjoy the recipe.
Really enjoyed this recipe. Nice flavors and easy to make.
Do you turn the scallops half-way through?
The scallops do not need to be rotated when cooking them.
Is there something other than maple syrup that can be used? Not a fan of maple syrup.
You could use a little bit of brown sugar or even just leave it off. It adds a touch of sweetness and helps wit the caramelization.
Honey works well!