Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Herb Scallops Recipe
These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Herb Scallops are an irresistible appetizer featuring tender sea scallops marinated in fresh herbs and garlic, wrapped in crispy bacon, and quickly cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ready in just 30 minutes, they offer a delicious combination of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors that make a perfect starter or party dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Scallops and Bacon
- 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks or skewers for wrapping
Marinade
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the scallops and gently toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let the scallops marinate for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Air Fryer: While the scallops are marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the scallops and crisping the bacon.
- Wrap Scallops with Bacon: Take each marinated scallop and wrap a half slice of bacon around it. Secure the bacon with a toothpick or skewer to hold it tightly in place. Repeat this process for all scallops.
- Air Fry the Scallops: Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching or overcrowded for even cooking. Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to crisp the bacon evenly and cook the scallops until they become opaque and firm.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the scallops from the air fryer and let them rest for about a minute. Serve immediately, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and extra fresh herbs if desired for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Choose large sea scallops that are dry-packed (not soaked in water) for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can air fry for an additional 1–2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking the scallops.
- Use fresh herbs when possible to maximize flavor in the marinade.
- These scallops are best served immediately after cooking to enjoy the contrast of tender seafood and crispy bacon.
Keywords: bacon wrapped scallops, air fryer scallops, herb scallops, easy appetizer, seafood appetizer, party food, quick scallops recipe
