Bacon-wrapped scallops are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—or honestly, even a full dinner. Imagine plump, tender scallops hugged by crispy, savory bacon, all cooked perfectly in the air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party or just craving something special, this Bacon Wrapped Scallops Air Fryer recipe will make your taste buds dance!
Why St. Patrick’s Day?
Seafood is often enjoyed in Irish celebrations, especially during Lenten Fridays. These golden bacon-wrapped scallops feel indulgent and festive, while still being easy to prepare—perfect for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 12 slices of bacon (regular cut)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks
- Lemon wedges (optional for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- Garlic butter drizzle for an extra rich finish
- Dash of smoked paprika for a subtle heat
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the Scallops: Wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly.
- Season: Lightly season the scallops with salt and pepper.
- Air Fry: Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove scallops from the air fryer, let them cool slightly, and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
Pro Tip: For even crispier bacon, try pre-cooking it for 2-3 minutes before wrapping the scallops.
Scallops Dinner Ideas
Looking to turn these bacon-wrapped scallops into a full meal?
- Surf and Turf: Serve alongside a juicy air fryer steak.
- Scallop Pasta: Toss the scallops with a light lemon garlic butter sauce over linguine.
- Seafood Platter: Pair with bacon-wrapped shrimp or asparagus for a seafood feast.
- Elegant Salad: Serve on a bed of mixed greens with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Elegant but Simple: Feels gourmet with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Parties: A great finger food option for special occasions.
- Versatile: Works for both appetizers and dinner ideas.
Nutrition Information (Per Scallop)
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 0g
Picture This:
Imagine a rustic serving platter set on a wooden table, showcasing perfectly golden bacon-wrapped scallops with crisped edges. The scallops glisten under soft lighting, while sprigs of fresh parsley add a pop of green. Lemon wedges rest nearby, and the bacon’s smoky aroma fills the air.
Call to Action:
Ready to impress with this crowd-pleasing dish? Try these Bacon Wrapped Scallops Air Fryer tonight and make your next dinner unforgettable! Let me know how they turn out in the comments or tag me on Instagram with your delicious results.
