Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops: A Perfectly Crispy, Sweet and Savory Delight

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Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked scallop: the delicate seafood flavor contrasted with the rich saltiness of crispy bacon. Then, you get hit with the sweet, slightly tangy burst from the maple soy glaze. It’s a bite you won’t soon forget.

These bacon-wrapped scallops are not just mouthwatering—they’re incredibly easy to make! With the air fryer, you get all the crispy, tender goodness without the fuss. No need to spend time tending to a hot stove or dealing with greasy pans. The air fryer makes the process nearly foolproof, ensuring perfectly cooked scallops every time.

Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking arsenal. It’s fast, flavorful, and gives you that indulgent restaurant experience, right at home.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

The Benefits of Making Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for This Dish

If you’ve never used an air fryer to cook scallops before, you’re in for a treat. The air fryer’s magic lies in its ability to cook food quickly while retaining moisture. Here’s why it works so well for this recipe:

• Healthier Cooking: The air fryer uses minimal oil, so you get all the crispiness of deep frying without the excess calories. It’s the perfect solution for those who love indulgent foods but want to cut back on fat.
• Crispy Bacon, No Mess: Traditional bacon-wrapped scallops can be messy, especially when frying. The air fryer crispifies the bacon beautifully without splattering grease all over your kitchen, making cleanup much easier.
• Fast and Convenient: With an air fryer, you get crispy bacon-wrapped scallops in just 24 minutes. No need to preheat the oven or babysit a hot pan. The air fryer does all the work, and you’re free to focus on other tasks.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer cooks the scallops quickly while keeping them tender and juicy. No more overcooked, rubbery scallops!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Before you dive into making this delectable dish, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity
Large scallops, patted dry	24
Bacon (cut into thirds)	8 slices
Maple syrup	¾ cup
Soy sauce	4 tablespoons
Garlic powder	¾ teaspoon
Dried parsley	1 tablespoon
Coarse ground salt or freshly ground salt	¾ teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper	¾ teaspoon

Key Ingredients Breakdown:

• Scallops: Look for fresh, large scallops. They should be firm and translucent. If using frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for the best balance of crispiness and chewiness. The bacon needs to wrap the scallop snugly, so cutting it into thirds ensures the right proportions.
• Maple Syrup & Soy Sauce: This combination creates the perfect balance of sweetness and umami, enhancing the flavor profile of both the scallops and bacon.
• Seasonings: The garlic powder, parsley, and freshly ground black pepper give the dish a savory complexity, while the salt helps balance the richness of the bacon.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple process of making these air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops.

1. Prepare the Scallops

Start by ensuring your scallops are completely dry. Excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up in the air fryer, so use a paper towel to pat them dry thoroughly.

• Wrap the scallops: Take each scallop and wrap it tightly with one-third slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick to keep it in place as it cooks. The bacon should encase the scallop completely to ensure even cooking.

2. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:

• Maple syrup
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• Coarse ground salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

This glaze will be brushed onto the scallops to infuse them with flavor while they cook.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat. This high temperature will help the bacon crisp up nicely while keeping the scallops tender inside.

4. Arrange the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place your bacon-wrapped scallops in the basket or on the tray, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows the hot air to circulate around each scallop, cooking it evenly.

5. Brush with Glaze

Using a pastry brush, brush half of the maple soy glaze onto the scallops. Be sure to coat each one evenly to infuse them with the delicious sweet-savory flavor.

6. Cook

Cook the scallops at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and brush the scallops with the remaining glaze to enhance the flavor further.

• For extra crispy bacon: If you want the bacon extra crispy, allow the scallops to cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness.

7. Final Touches

Once the scallops are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. If you like, brush them with any additional glaze that may have collected in the bottom of the air fryer basket for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bacon Wrapped Scallops

1. Perfect Scallop Texture

The key to a tender scallop is not overcooking it. Scallops cook very quickly, so keeping a close eye on them is essential. You’ll know the scallops are done when they are opaque and firm to the touch.

• Ideal Cooking Time: For perfectly cooked scallops, stick to the 12-minute cook time and check them at the halfway point. If they look golden and crispy, you’re on the right track.

2. Achieving the Perfect Bacon Crispness

While the air fryer is fantastic for crisping the bacon, you might need a couple of extra minutes for that extra crispy finish. Keep an eye on the bacon, and feel free to extend the cooking time by 1–2 minutes if you prefer a crunchier bite.

3. Customizing the Glaze

Feel free to play with the glaze! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or use honey instead of maple syrup for a more subdued sweetness. The glaze is versatile, and making it your own is part of the fun.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

1. Ideal Pairings

These scallops make a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Here are some great pairings to serve alongside:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts complement the scallops beautifully with their earthy flavors.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the scallops and bacon.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

2. Presentation Tips

Serve these bacon-wrapped scallops on a sleek platter or rustic wooden board for a stunning visual. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a bright touch.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of these mouthwatering bacon-wrapped scallops:

• Calories: 210 kcal per serving (1 scallop with bacon)
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 2g

Feel free to swap turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, or reduce the maple syrup for fewer calories.

FAQs About Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops

1. Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen scallops, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before wrapping them in bacon.

2. What air fryer temperature should I use for bacon-wrapped scallops?

Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for the best results.

3. Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the scallops and wrap them in bacon ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, just pop them into the air fryer.

4. How do I know when the scallops are done cooking?

Scallops should be opaque and firm when cooked. If they’re still translucent in the center, they need a few more minutes.

5. Can I make the glaze spicier?

Yes! If you love heat, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze for an extra kick.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops Today

With minimal prep and cooking time, air fryer bacon-wrapped scallops deliver a deliciously crispy, savory, and sweet treat that will impress your family, friends, or guests. Whether you’re making them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to steal the show. Try this recipe today, and you’ll discover just how easy it is to create a gourmet meal with your air fryer.

Ready to make your own? Grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself to this delightful dish tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!

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