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

Air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops on toothpicks
  • Prep 15 min
  • Cook 12 min
  • Total 30 min
  • Yield 4 servings (about 16 scallops)

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Nutrition | Tips | Questions | Print recipe

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.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large dry sea scallops (about 16)
  • 8 slices thin-cut bacon, halved crosswise
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 16 toothpicks

New to an ingredient? See Dry-packed scallops in our kitchen glossary.

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.

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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