Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Sea scallops wrapped in partly cooked bacon and air fried until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are just opaque, brushed with a little maple and black pepper. About 16 pieces.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbPaleo

Contains: shellfish. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 15 min
  • Cook 12 min
  • Total 30 min
  • Yield 4 servings (about 16 scallops)
  • Level Easy

Updated

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Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops on toothpicks

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a party classic. The trick is to cook the bacon partway first, so it crisps in the time it takes the scallops to cook through.

Serve them as an appetizer or with rice and a salad as dinner for four.

Instructions

  1. Heat the air fryer. Heat the air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Par-cook the bacon. Lay the bacon pieces in the basket and cook 3 minutes, until they start to render but are still soft. Let cool slightly.
  3. Wrap. Pat the scallops dry. Wrap each in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  4. Air fry. Brush with maple syrup, sprinkle with pepper and cook in a single layer 8 to 10 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the scallops are opaque (145°F).

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

320Calories
8 gCarbohydrates
0 gFiber
8 gNet carbs
21 gProtein
23 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbPaleo

Tips

  • Buy dry-packed scallops; wet-packed ones release water and will not brown.
  • Thick-cut bacon will not crisp in time; use thin-cut.

Storage and leftovers

Best eaten right away; the bacon softens as it sits. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days, and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, just until hot, so the scallops do not toughen.

Questions about this recipe

Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
Yes, for a few minutes. Raw bacon takes longer to crisp than scallops take to cook.
Can I make them without maple syrup?
Yes. Skip it, or brush with a little melted butter and lemon instead.

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