How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Bacon-wrapped scallops are a quintessential dish that combines the delicate, sweet flavor of fresh scallops with the smoky, crispy richness of bacon. Traditionally prepared in the oven or on a skillet, this dish has gained a modern twist thanks to air fryer technology. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food quickly, evenly, and with less oil, resulting in a beautifully crisp exterior without sacrificing the tender, juicy interior of scallops. Whether serving as an appetizer at a dinner party or a luxurious addition to a home-cooked meal, mastering bacon-wrapped scallops in an air fryer can elevate your culinary repertoire with minimal effort.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops In Air Fryer

The perfect temperature is crucial to achieve that delicate balance between a tender scallop and crispy bacon. Air fryers vary slightly in heat circulation, but generally, 400°F (205°C) is considered the ideal temperature. At this heat:

• The bacon renders fat quickly, producing a crispy exterior.
• The scallop cooks evenly without turning rubbery.
• The Maillard reaction occurs efficiently, enhancing the natural sweetness and umami flavors of both ingredients.

Temperatures lower than 375°F may result in undercooked or chewy scallops, while temperatures above 425°F risk burning the bacon before the scallop is fully cooked.

How Long To Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops In Air Fryer

Timing is equally critical. On average:

• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Flip or rotate halfway: At about 5-6 minutes, open the air fryer to turn the scallops for uniform crispness and browning.

Individual air fryer models vary in intensity, so using the lower end of this range (10 minutes) is ideal for smaller scallops or thinner bacon, whereas thicker cuts may need closer to 12 minutes. The goal is a golden, slightly caramelized bacon exterior with a plump, opaque scallop interior.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped scallops should be:

• Scallops: Opaque and firm but not rubbery. Press gently with a fork; they should yield slightly and spring back.
• Bacon: Crisp and slightly caramelized, without excessive charring.
• Internal Temperature: For precision, scallops should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C) internally.

Avoid overcooking, which results in tough, chewy scallops, and undercooking, which leaves the bacon greasy and scallops raw.

Ingredients Needed

To make 6-8 servings of bacon-wrapped scallops:

• 12-16 large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
• 6-8 slices of bacon (cut in half to wrap each scallop)
• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for brushing)
• Toothpicks, to secure bacon

• Seasonings (optional):

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garlic powder or paprika for added flavor

Optional garnish: lemon wedges or fresh parsley

How To Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops In Air Fryer

1. Prepare Scallops: Rinse and pat scallops dry to remove excess moisture. This ensures better browning.
2. Wrap Scallops: Wrap each scallop with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Season: Lightly season with salt, pepper, or preferred spices. Optional: brush with a small amount of olive oil for extra crispiness.
4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (205°C) for 3-5 minutes.
5. Arrange: Place scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
6. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for uniform browning.
7. Check Doneness: Verify scallops are opaque, tender, and bacon is crisp.
8. Serve: Remove toothpicks, plate, and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Adjusting the temperature changes the texture and cooking dynamics:

• Lower than 400°F: Longer cooking time may be required; bacon may be less crispy, and scallops might cook unevenly.
• Higher than 400°F: Bacon crisps faster, but scallops risk overcooking and becoming rubbery.

Always monitor progress closely when deviating from 400°F, and consider flipping more frequently to prevent uneven cooking.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

• Shorter Time: May result in undercooked scallops or chewy bacon. Check internal scallop color and firmness before serving.
• Longer Time: Increases the risk of tough scallops and burnt bacon. Use a meat thermometer to maintain internal temperature between 125-130°F.

When Things Go Wrong

• Bacon Not Crispy: Increase temperature slightly or finish cooking for 1-2 minutes longer, watching closely.
• Scallops Overcooked: Reduce cooking time in future attempts, or choose slightly smaller scallops.
• Uneven Cooking: Avoid overcrowding; flip or rotate scallops halfway.
• Bacon Shrinking Too Much: Partially cook bacon slices before wrapping to ensure it doesn’t overpower the scallop.

Expert Tips

• Dry Scallops Thoroughly: Moisture prevents crisping and creates steam in the basket.
• Use Thin Bacon: Ensures even cooking with the scallop. Thick-cut bacon may need pre-cooking.
• Do Not Overcrowd: Air circulation is essential for crisping.
• Flip Halfway: Promotes even browning and prevents one side from getting soggy.
• Serve Immediately: Bacon-wrapped scallops are best enjoyed fresh; the crispiness diminishes if left to sit.
• Optional Glaze: A touch of maple syrup or honey brushed on bacon halfway through cooking creates a caramelized, savory-sweet finish.

FAQs

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops?

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the bacon to crisp up while ensuring the scallops cook evenly without becoming rubbery.

How Long Should I Cook Bacon Wrapped Scallops In An Air Fryer?

Cook the bacon wrapped scallops for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the scallops and thickness of the bacon.

Do I Need To Oil The Air Fryer Basket Before Cooking?

It is not necessary to oil the basket because the bacon will release enough fat during cooking. However, you can lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking if desired.

Should I Use Toothpicks To Secure The Bacon On Scallops?

Yes, using toothpicks helps keep the bacon tightly wrapped around the scallops while cooking. Make sure to soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10-15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Can I Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops In An Air Fryer?

It is recommended to thaw the scallops and bacon first for even cooking. Cooking them frozen may result in unevenly cooked scallops and undercooked or overly crispy bacon.

How Do I Know When Bacon Wrapped Scallops Are Done In The Air Fryer?

The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch, and the bacon should be crisp and golden brown. Internal temperature of scallops should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Can I Season The Scallops Before Wrapping Them With Bacon?

Yes, lightly season the scallops with salt, pepper, or any preferred spices before wrapping them with bacon. Avoid over-seasoning, as bacon itself is already salty.