Dinner

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Herb Scallops Recipe

Byreem everly November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Herb Scallops are a delicious and elegant appetizer that’s quick to prepare. Perfectly cooked scallops are wrapped in crispy bacon and infused with fresh herbs, making them an impressive dish for any occasion.

The image shows a white plate filled with 12 round bacon-wrapped scallops, each pierced vertically in the center by a wooden toothpick. Each scallop has two main layers: the outer bacon layer is golden brown and crispy with some charred edges, while the inner scallop is smooth, pale, and slightly seared with a shiny texture. On top of each scallop is a thin layer of melted herb butter, speckled green with finely chopped herbs. The plate is decorated with bright green parsley and thyme sprigs around the scallops, and wedge slices of golden yellow lemon positioned at the edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light, creating a warm and fresh feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 large sea scallops, patted dry
6 slices bacon, cut in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Toothpicks or skewers for wrapping

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the scallops and gently toss to coat. Let them marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while the scallops are marinating. Prepare the bacon halves for wrapping.
Step 3: Wrap each marinated scallop with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick or skewer. Repeat for all scallops.
Step 4: Arrange the wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and scallops are opaque.
Step 5: Carefully remove the scallops and let them rest for a minute. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a squeeze of lemon and extra fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the scallops lightly with a garlic butter before air frying.
Try substituting fresh rosemary for thyme for a different herb aroma.
If you prefer less smoky flavor, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
Make sure to pat the scallops very dry to help the bacon crisp up nicely.

Storage

Store leftover bacon-wrapped scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The dish shows a single layer of seared scallops wrapped in crisp bacon, browned and glistening with herbs on top, arranged in a neat row on a white rectangular plate. Behind the scallops, there are wedges of yellow lemon and bright orange orange slices peeking over the top, adding vibrant color contrast. Small green herb sprigs sit at the front side of the plate, enhancing the fresh look. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with warm light softly illuminating the glossy textures of the scallops and bacon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and a crispy bacon wrap.

How do I know when the scallops are cooked?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch. The bacon should be crispy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model.