Perfect Air Fryer BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: Easy Recipe & Quick Tips

Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these incredible Air Fryer BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Scallops! This dish is the epitome of a perfect appetizer, a delightful snack, or even a show-stopping dinner option. Imagine plump, tender scallops, expertly wrapped in crispy, savory bacon, then brushed with a rich, smoky BBQ sauce and air-fried to absolute perfection. The air fryer ensures a golden, crispy exterior on the bacon while keeping the scallops incredibly juicy and tender on the inside.

These aren’t just any scallops; they’re a flavor explosion that comes together quicker than you might think. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an impressive yet easy weeknight meal, or simply craving something extraordinary, these BBQ bacon-wrapped scallops are guaranteed to be a hit. Pair them with delicious sides like air fryer frozen vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a truly restaurant-quality meal right in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Scallop Recipe

Cooking scallops is one of my favorite kitchen activities because they are incredibly quick to prepare and exceptionally flavorful. While I adore classic recipes like lemon butter scallops and these creamy garlic scallops, these Air Fryer BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Scallops hold a special place as my all-time favorite! They offer a delightful trifecta of sweet, savory, and perfectly crunchy textures in every bite. Best of all, this impressive dish requires only 5 simple ingredients and cooks up beautifully in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

The air fryer truly shines here, transforming humble ingredients into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. The circulating hot air crisps the bacon to perfection without drying out the delicate scallops, ensuring a consistently delicious result. Say goodbye to greasy pans and long cooking times, and hello to a fuss-free, incredibly tasty meal or appetizer that will impress everyone.

Ingredient Notes and Selection Tips

Achieving perfect bacon-wrapped scallops starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some crucial tips for each:

• Scallops – For the best results, I highly recommend using dry sea scallops. Wet scallops are often treated with a sodium tripolyphosphate solution, which makes them absorb water, increasing their weight and sometimes giving them a slightly rubbery texture or off-flavor. Dry scallops, on the other hand, caramelize beautifully and have a naturally sweet flavor. If you’re using frozen scallops, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing them from steaming in the air fryer. Removing the small side muscle (if present) ensures an even cook and better texture.
• Bacon – The type of bacon you choose makes a significant difference. Thin-cut bacon is preferred for this recipe. It crisps up more effectively and wraps more easily around the scallops without overwhelming them. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it tends to take longer to cook and might not crisp fully by the time the scallops are perfectly done, leading to a chewy instead of crispy wrap.
• BBQ Sauce – This adds that irresistible smoky-sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the scallops and bacon. Feel free to use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. Whether you prefer a sweeter, spicier, or tangier variety, choose one that you love, as its flavor will be prominent in the final dish. You can even try a homemade BBQ sauce for an extra special touch!
• Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is a game-changer when it comes to seafood. It brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the bacon and BBQ sauce. While highly recommended for its complementary taste, it is completely optional if you prefer to omit it.
• Black Pepper – For seasoning, we’ll only use black pepper. It provides a subtle warmth and aroma. Do not use salt, as the bacon is already quite salty, and adding more would likely make the dish over-seasoned. Freshly ground black pepper will offer the best flavor.
• Toothpicks – These are essential for keeping the bacon securely wrapped around each scallop during the cooking process. Without them, the bacon might unravel, preventing it from crisping evenly around the scallop. Make sure to soak wooden toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before use to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.

Equipment You’ll Need

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the air fryer, which makes achieving perfectly crispy bacon and tender scallops incredibly easy. You’ll also need:

• An air fryer (basket or oven style)
• Paper towels for drying scallops
• Small bowl for BBQ sauce
• Pastry brush for applying sauce
• Toothpicks (preferably soaked in water)

Step-By-Step Air Frying Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly cooked BBQ bacon-wrapped scallops in your air fryer:

1. Pre-cook the Bacon: Begin by slicing your bacon strips in half. Place about 5-6 half-strips of bacon in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 4 minutes. This partial cooking is crucial; the bacon will be soft, not crispy, at this stage, making it pliable enough to wrap around the scallops and ensuring it crisps up properly without overcooking the scallops later.
2. Prepare the Scallops: While the bacon is getting its head start in the air fryer, thoroughly pat dry the scallops with paper towels. This step is vital to remove excess moisture, which helps the scallops achieve a nice sear and prevents them from becoming rubbery. Carefully check for and remove any small, tough side muscles attached to the scallops, as these can affect texture.
3. Wrap the Scallops: Once the bacon is partially cooked, remove it from the air fryer. Squeeze fresh lemon juice generously over the prepared scallops. Immediately after, take a strip of the partially cooked bacon and wrap it snugly around each scallop. Secure the bacon in place by piercing it with a toothpick.
4. Air Fry to Perfection: Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crisping. Using a pastry brush, generously brush each scallop with your favorite BBQ sauce and then season lightly with black pepper. Cook at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 3 minutes.
5. Flip and Finish: After 3 minutes, carefully flip each scallop. Brush the other side with more BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque throughout.
6. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, transfer the scallops to a serving platter. Remove the toothpicks before serving if desired, or instruct your guests to do so. Serve these delightful air fryer BBQ bacon-wrapped scallops immediately and enjoy their incredible sweet, savory, and crispy goodness!

Expert Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your Air Fryer BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Scallops turn out absolutely perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Timing the Lemon Juice: While lemon juice is fantastic for flavor, avoid coating the scallops in lemon juice too far in advance. The acidity can begin to “cook” the delicate scallop proteins (a process known as ceviche-style cooking) if left for too long, altering their texture. Squeeze it on just before wrapping.
• Pre-cooking Bacon is Key: Do not skip the partial cooking of the bacon! If you wrap raw bacon around the scallops, it will not crisp up sufficiently by the time the scallops are fully cooked, resulting in limp, undercooked bacon. The initial air fry gives the bacon a head start.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Always cook scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Check Scallop Doneness: Scallops cook very quickly. They are done when they turn opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. A slightly translucent center is acceptable for some, but fully opaque is generally preferred when wrapped in bacon.
• For Low Carb/Keto: If you’re looking to make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly, simply omit the BBQ sauce. The savory bacon and tender scallops are still incredibly delicious on their own, especially with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
• Use Thin-Cut Bacon: As mentioned in ingredient notes, thin-cut bacon is essential. Thick-cut bacon will not get crispy enough in the short cooking time required for scallops.
• Soak Toothpicks: If using wooden toothpicks, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before use to prevent them from burning or becoming overly brittle in the air fryer.
• Pat Dry Scallops Thoroughly: This step cannot be emphasized enough. Excess moisture on the scallops will prevent them from browning and caramelizing properly, leading to a less desirable texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Scallops are versatile enough to be served in many ways. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing them with:

• Classic Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Air fryer frozen vegetables, roasted asparagus, or broccoli florets tossed with garlic and olive oil make excellent complements.
• Grains: Quinoa or couscous can offer a healthy and light accompaniment.
• Dips & Sauces: A side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping, a garlic aioli, or a lemon-herb butter can enhance the flavors even further.
• As an Appetizer: Arrange them beautifully on a platter with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a stunning party appetizer.

Storage and Reheating

While these scallops are best enjoyed immediately, you can store and reheat leftovers:

• Storage: Place any leftover bacon-wrapped scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon re-crisps. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the scallops rubbery and the bacon soggy.

Can I Bake These In The Oven Instead?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer or simply prefer using your oven, you can certainly bake these BBQ bacon-wrapped scallops. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
3. Place the partially cooked and wrapped scallops (as per step 1-3 of the air fryer instructions) on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are opaque throughout.
5. At the 10-minute mark, brush the scallops with BBQ sauce to allow it to caramelize nicely without burning.
6. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making bacon-wrapped scallops:

What type of scallops are best for this recipe?

Dry sea scallops are highly recommended. They have a better flavor and sear more effectively than “wet” scallops, which are often treated with preservatives and can release excess water during cooking.

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed in the refrigerator overnight and then thoroughly patted dry before cooking. This will help prevent them from becoming watery and ensure the bacon gets crispy.

How do I know when scallops are cooked through?

Scallops are cooked when they turn opaque throughout their center. They should be firm but still tender. Overcooked scallops become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I prepare bacon-wrapped scallops ahead of time?

You can pre-cook the bacon and wrap the scallops with it a few hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend air frying them just before serving.

What if my bacon isn’t getting crispy?

Ensure your bacon is thin-cut. If it’s still not crisping, you might need to increase the pre-cooking time for the bacon slightly (by 1-2 minutes) or ensure your air fryer isn’t overcrowded, which can inhibit airflow and crisping.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other fantastic air fryer creations:

• Air Fryer Lobster Tails – A luxurious meal made simple!
• Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Salmon – Sweet, spicy, and perfectly flaky.
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Crispy and juicy, a family favorite.
• Air Fryer Tuna Melt – A classic comfort food with an air fryer twist.

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!