When it comes to creating an appetizer that’s both elegant and effortless, Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops take the spotlight. This recipe is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, featuring tender scallops wrapped in smoky, golden-brown bacon. Using an air fryer not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures consistent results every time. Whether you’re preparing these for a festive gathering, a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself, they are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire. Get ready to wow your taste buds with this simple yet spectacular dish!
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
To make these delicious bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Scallops (fresh or frozen)
- Bacon strips (regular cut works best for even cooking)
- Toothpicks (to hold the bacon in place)
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
- Garlic powder or paprika for seasoning
- Maple syrup or honey for glazing
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Buying high-quality scallops and bacon is key. Larger, fresher scallops tend to hold their texture better while cooking and pair beautifully with crispy bacon.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Preparation is essential to ensure your bacon-wrapped scallops turn out perfectly. Here’s how to prepare them like a pro:
- Thaw the Scallops (if frozen): Allow the scallops to thaw completely in your refrigerator.
- Season the Scallops (Optional): Lightly season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Pre-Cook the Bacon (Key Step!): Partially cook the bacon in a skillet for a couple of minutes, just until the edges start to brown. This ensures the bacon crisps up without overcooking the scallops.
- Wrap and Secure: Wrap each scallop with a bacon strip, securing it with a toothpick through the center.
How to Cook Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops to Crispy Perfection
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange the Scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap to allow even cooking.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are tender.
- Check Doneness: The internal temperature of the scallops should reach 125-130°F for perfect doneness.
The result? Juicy, flavorful scallops wrapped in perfectly crisp bacon that’s full of smoky goodness.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in an Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set it to 400°F for about 2-3 minutes.
- No Need to Thaw: You can cook bacon-wrapped scallops directly from frozen, saving time and effort.
- Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Properly: Place the scallops in a single layer without overlapping so the air can circulate around them evenly.
- Check Halfway Through: Flip the scallops midway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Monitor Closely: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so check for doneness around the 10-minute mark. The bacon should be crisp, and the scallops should be tender with an internal temperature of 125-130°F.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re cooking a larger batch, cook in multiple smaller batches for best results.
These tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked scallops with minimal hassle and maximum flavor!
How Long to Cook Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in an Air Fryer
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and portion size.
- Fresh Scallops with Pre-Cooked Bacon: 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
- Frozen Scallops (unthawed): 13-15 minutes at 375-390°F.
Keep an eye on your scallops as air fryers tend to cook faster than traditional ovens.
Making Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Maple Syrup Glaze
This recipe combines the savory taste of bacon-wrapped scallops with the sweet finish of a maple syrup glaze. Follow these simple steps to prepare this flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- Large scallops (fresh or frozen)
- Thinly sliced bacon
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Toothpicks (soaked in water to prevent burning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops and Bacon
- If using frozen scallops, thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Cut bacon strips in half to match the size of the scallops.
- Wrap and Secure
- Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Make the Maple Syrup Glaze
- Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a small bowl to form the glaze.
- Brush with Glaze
- Lightly brush each bacon-wrapped scallop with the maple syrup glaze.
- Air Fry
- Place the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Serve
- Once cooked, drizzle with additional glaze if desired and serve immediately.
Enjoy these perfectly caramelized bacon-wrapped scallops with maple syrup glaze as an irresistible appetizer or snack!
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Recipe: Ninja Air Fryer Edition
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Glaze
- Combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap each scallop with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Brush with Glaze
- Lightly coat each bacon-wrapped scallop with the prepared glaze using a brush.
- Arrange in Air Fryer
- Place the scallops in a single layer in the Ninja air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap.
- Cook the Scallops
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping the scallops halfway through for even cooking and browning.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Optionally drizzle with additional glaze before serving.
- Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
To ensure your bacon-wrapped scallops turn out as delicious as possible, consider the following tips inspired by Daily Yum:
- Pre-cook the Bacon
- Partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the scallops. This ensures the bacon crisps up perfectly without overcooking the scallops.
- Use Toothpicks
- Secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it tightly wrapped during the cooking process. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
- For even cooking and crispy bacon, make sure the scallops are spaced out in the air fryer basket and not touching.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your scallops and the air fryer model. Larger scallops may require an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Experiment with Seasoning
- While the glaze adds a delightful touch, feel free to experiment with seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Enjoy these easy and flavorful bacon-wrapped scallops, a surefire hit for any occasion!
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in the Oven: A Comparison to Air Frying
| Feature | Air Fryer | Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Time | Typically faster, around 10-12 minutes. | Longer, usually 18-22 minutes at 400°F (200°C). |
| Texture | Crispy bacon with tender scallops. | Crispier exterior but may dry out if overcooked. |
| Convenience | Requires less preheating and energy consumption. | Can cook larger batches all at once. |
| Flavor | Glaze caramelizes well in quick, circulated heat. | Even caramelization, but flavors can mellow. |
| Cleanup | Smaller basket means quicker cleanup. | Baking sheets may require more scrubbing. |
Both methods yield delicious bacon-wrapped scallops, but your choice may depend on resources, batch size, or texture preference!
Costco Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Cooking Guide for the Air Fryer
Costco makes an excellent pre-prepped version of bacon-wrapped scallops. Here’s how to cook them in your air fryer:
- Cook frozen at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- The result? A satisfying mix of convenience and indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors to guarantee perfect results:
- Skipping the Pre-Cook for bacon often leads to undercooked or rubbery results.
- Overlapping in the Basket prevents even cooking; keep the scallops spaced out.
- Ignoring Cooking Time leads to overcooked scallops, which become dry and tough.
The Secret to Achieving Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Every Time
The secret is simple:
- Pre-cook your bacon until it begins to brown but is still pliable.
- Use a high heat setting, ideally 400°F, for extra crispness.
- Brush a glaze (like maple syrup) in the final minutes to prevent burning.
Pairing Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with the Perfect Sides
Round out your meal with these complementary sides:
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
- Parmesan Risotto
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- A Glass of Chardonnay (because why not?)
These sides complement the rich and smoky flavors of the scallops beautifully.
Conclusion
Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops are a winning choice for any occasion, offering the perfect combination of savory flavors and elegant presentation. Easy to prepare and bursting with taste, this dish is bound to impress your guests or elevate a quiet night in. Pair them with the suggested sides and a delicious glass of wine, and you have a meal that’s both effortless and unforgettable. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A: Absolutely! Just keep in mind that turkey bacon will cook and crisp faster, so adjust your time accordingly.
Q2: Can I skip the toothpicks?
A: While it’s possible, toothpicks ensure the bacon stays securely wrapped during cooking.
Q3: What dipping sauces go with bacon-wrapped scallops?
A: Garlic aioli, lemon butter sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo pair beautifully.
