Juicy and tender, Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped scallops are marinated in a sweet-savory sauce then wrapped in smoky bacon (and who doesn't love bacon!) and air-fried to a crispy, flavorful finish. Perfect for an appetizer, date night, a fancy dinner party, or a busy weeknight.
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Easy air fryer seafood recipes
The air fryer makes cooking seafood so easy! When I want shrimp or fish the first thing I think of is the grill but when inclement weather hits or winter finally arrives, the air fryer is my favorite kitchen appliance. It cooks almost any seafood quickly, locks in the moistness, and cleanup is always a breeze.
Some of my favorite quick and easy air fryer recipes for busy nights are these crispy Coconut Shrimp, any kids' favorite Fish Sticks, and this delicious-enough-for-company Lemon Butter Salmon.
Why you'll love this recipe
I love a dish that is easy to make, super delicious, and impressive enough to wow my friends and family. This recipe? It’s got all that and more!
Off the chart flavor. We’re taking sweet, tender scallops and wrapping them in smoky, crispy bacon – I mean, what’s not to love?
Sweet maple syrup marinade. These scallops are soaked in a sweet marinade with maple syrup adding a touch of sweetness, soy sauce adding umami goodness, and the garlic… well, garlic just makes everything better, right?
Texture perfection. Cooking these babies in the air fryer means you get the best of both worlds – perfectly cooked scallops that are tender and juicy on the inside and bacon that’s crispy on the outside.
Easy to make. A quick marinade, a few minutes in the air fryer, and you’re done! No need to fuss over a hot stove or clean up a greasy mess.
Total crowd-pleaser. These scallops are perfect for everything from an appetizer to a dinner for two, a fancy dinner party, or just a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Get ready for some magic to happen in your kitchen! These irresistible scallops are so easy that you almost don't need a recipe. You'll find the exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.
- Pure maple syrup: This is where the sweetness comes in! Go for the real deal – pure maple syrup. It adds that rich, caramel-like flavor we all love.
- Soy sauce: A little salty, a little umami – soy sauce is the perfect partner to balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Minced garlic: Because garlic makes everything better. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this one.
- Large sea scallops: Fresh scallops are best if you can swing it, but frozen will work too. Just make sure to thaw them out completely and pat them dry before marinating. Sea scallops are nice and big, making them perfect for this dish. Avoid using smaller bay scallops as they are too small to wrap and the flavor would be lost wrapped in bacon.
- Smoked bacon or turkey bacon: Go with smoked bacon strips for that classic flavor, or opt for turkey bacon if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
- Brown sugar: A sprinkle of brown sugar over the bacon-wrapped scallops adds a touch of caramelized sweetness and helps everything get that perfect golden brown crispiness.
- Toothpicks: These are your trusty little helpers, keeping the bacon wrapped nice and snug around each scallop.
How to air fry bacon wrapped scallops
- In a large plastic resealable bag, combine maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic. Add scallops, seal, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Air fry bacon for 3-4 minutes. You want it partially cooked but still be malleable. This will help you achieve crisp golden bacon when cooking it around the scallops. Drain on a paper towel.
- To assemble, remove scallops from the marinade and dry scallops by patting them with a paper towel. Cut each slice of bacon either lengthwise or widthwise so that it will wrap around the scallop easily. Most bacon can be cut in half lengthwise for best results.
- Wrap each scallop with bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place scallops in the air fryer. Spray with a little cooking oil (I like to use avocado oil) then sprinkle brown sugar on top of each scallop.
- Air fry scallops at 400°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway through.
These scallops turn out moist and delicious, with a slightly sweet taste that contrasts well with the crispy salty bacon. It’s the kind of bite that’s so good you’ll find yourself doing a little happy dance.
Serve a plate of these perfectly crispy, sweet, and savory bacon-wrapped scallops over a bed of rice along with a side vegetable. Enjoy!
Recipe tips for the best results
Want to take your scallop recipe to the next level? Here are some simple tips to ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time:
Choose Fresh, Large Sea Scallops: If you can get your hands on fresh sea scallops, go for it! These jumbo scallops are meatier and more flavorful. But don’t worry if you’re using frozen scallops – just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade soak in better and prevents sogginess.
Partially Cook the Bacon First: Give the bacon a quick cook in the air fryer for a few minutes before wrapping the scallops. This little trick helps ensure the bacon crisps up nicely without overcooking the scallops. No one likes rubbery bacon, right?
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: For that perfect crispy texture, make sure to lay the bacon-wrapped scallops in a single layer with a little bit of space between each one. If they’re too close together, they might steam instead of crisp up – and we’re all about that crispy bacon!
Use Toothpicks to Secure the Bacon: This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning! Use toothpicks to keep the bacon wrapped snugly around each scallop. It makes flipping them easier and ensures they stay looking picture-perfect.
Keep an Eye on Them: Air fryers can vary in cooking times, so check your scallops a little before the cooking time is up. You’re looking for scallops that are opaque and bacon that’s golden and crispy. If they need more time, go ahead and add a minute or two, but don’t walk away – you want them just right!
Sprinkle on Some Brown Sugar: A light sprinkle of brown sugar over the top before air frying adds a lovely caramelized finish. It’s the perfect sweet touch to balance the salty bacon and savory scallops. Yum!
Serve Immediately for Best Texture: These scallops are at their absolute best when served fresh out of the air fryer. That’s when the bacon is crispiest and the scallops are the juiciest. Have everything else ready to go so you can enjoy them hot!
Recipe variations
Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the scallops before air frying. Perfect for those who like their appetizers with a bit of a zing!
Herb-Infused Goodness: Mix in some fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the marinade. These aromatic additions will give your scallops an earthy, gourmet flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for that extra pop of color and taste.
Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: After cooking, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top of the scallops for a sweet and tangy finish. This adds a fancy touch and extra depth of flavor.
Asian-Inspired Flavors: Mix some hoisin sauce and a dash of sesame oil into the marinade for an Asian twist. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious, restaurant-worthy appetizer.
What to serve with scallops
So you’ve got your perfectly crispy, sweet, and savory bacon-wrapped scallops fresh out of the air fryer – now what? Here are some delicious ideas:
Fresh and Light Salads: A crisp green salad is always a great idea! Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, or go for a classic Caesar salad for a bit more flavor.
Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Pair your scallops with some grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans. The smoky, earthy flavors of these veggies complement the sweetness of the maple syrup and the saltiness of the bacon.
Garlic Butter Pasta: A simple pasta dish tossed with garlic, butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven with these scallops.
Rice Pilaf or Risotto: Go a little fancy with a side of fluffy rice pilaf or creamy risotto. Both options are perfect for soaking up any extra marinade or juices from the scallops.
Crusty Bread: Sometimes, you just need a good piece of bread to mop up all that flavor! Serve your scallops with some warm, crusty bread or a soft baguette. It’s simple, but oh-so-satisfying.
Wine Pairings: The best wines will offer a light and zesty flavor along with a nice acidity that works best with these sweet and smoky scallops. Choose either Riesling, Vouvray, or Champagne. You may also pair with a medium-bodied white such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red, go for a light Pinot Noir.
How to store and reheat leftovers
If you somehow manage to have any of these delicious Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops left (good luck with that!), don’t worry – they store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty for later:
Storing: Before storing your scallops, let them cool down to room temperature. Place the cooled scallops in an airtight container. Pop the container in the refrigerator. Your leftover scallops will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F, then place the scallops in a single layer and heat for about 3-4 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again. If you’re reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the scallops rubbery and the bacon less crispy.
More air fryer recipes to make for dinner
- Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Frozen Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pulled Pork
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties
And take a look at these easy air fryer recipes for every meal.
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 slices smoked bacon or turkey bacon
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 12 toothpicks
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine maple syrup, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture into a large resealable plastic bag.
- Add the scallops, tossing to coat. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange bacon in the air fryer making sure the slices do not overlap. Cook for 4 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. Remove and set on a paper towel to soak up excess grease. (They will only be partially cooked to be pliable to wrap scallops.)
- Remove scallops from marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the slices of bacon in half, either lengthwise or widthwise, depending on bacon, and wrap each scallop with the bacon then secure with a toothpick.
- Place the scallops in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with an oil cooking spray then sprinkle with a little bit of brown sugar.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the scallops are opaque and the bacon is crisp.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with a new improved recipe, new photos, and more helpful information. It was first published January 5, 2014.
