Red Lobster Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe

If you love Red Lobster’s Bacon Wrapped Scallops, this recipe brings that same smoky, buttery flavor right to your kitchen. Tender scallops wrapped in crispy bacon are the ultimate seafood indulgence—perfect for a special dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into Red Lobster’s Bacon Wrapped Scallops, you know it’s the kind of dish that stops conversation mid-bite.

Sweet, tender scallops are wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon, then baked to perfection for a mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures. This copycat version is surprisingly easy to make at home, giving you that restaurant-quality taste without the price tag or wait time.

Whether you’re serving them as a dinner party starter, a holiday appetizer, or just treating yourself, these bacon-wrapped beauties are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Restaurant Quality at Home – Skip the bill and long waits while still getting that Red Lobster flavor.
• Perfect Flavor Combo – Sweet scallops meet salty, smoky bacon in every bite.
• Quick & Easy – From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – They vanish faster than you can make them.
• Versatile for Any Occasion – Ideal for parties, date nights, or holiday spreads.

Red Lobster Bacon Wrapped Scallops Ingredients

• Scallops – Large, fresh scallops are ideal for this recipe. Pat them dry to help them cook evenly.
• Bacon – I recommend using smoked, thin cut bacon. Cut the slices in half for easy wrapping.
• Olive Oil – A light spray helps crisp up the bacon and adds a touch of richness.
• Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the scallops and bacon.
• Toothpicks – Help keep the bacon wrapped snuggly around the scallops. Make sure you use metal or wooden toothpicks, not plastic. 

How to Make Red Lobster Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Step One: Pat dry the scallops with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. 

Step Two: Cut the bacon slices in half. Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat for all the remaining pieces. 

Step Three: Place the wrapped scallops in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re in a single layer without overlapping. Spray lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step Four: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F (190°C). Set the cook time for the scallops for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes The bacon should be crisp, and the scallops opaque and tender. Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. Plate the bacon wrapped scallops and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

Recipe Variations

• Garlic Butter Scallops: Brush the scallops with garlic butter after wrapping them in bacon for extra richness and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the scallops with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle maple syrup over the scallops before air frying for a caramelized flavor. 
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the toothpicks for a subtle fresh aroma.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the scallops during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy topping.

Red Lobster Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe Tips

• Use fresh scallops: Fresh scallops yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen scallops, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Don’t overcook: Scallops cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay tender and don’t become rubbery.
• Choose thin bacon: Thin-cut bacon wraps easily around the scallops and cooks evenly in the air fryer.
• Secure with toothpicks: Use toothpicks to keep the bacon in place during cooking. Do not use plastic toothpicks. Remove them before serving. 
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the bacon crisp up perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• Fresh Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or arugula for a light, refreshing side. 
• Coleslaw: This recipe works well with coleslaw, which adds extra creaminess. 
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dips like tartar sauce, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or balsamic glaze for added flavor.
  

Red Lobster Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe Faqs

Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops? Yes, but bay scallops are smaller, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly use smaller bacon slices.

Can I prepare these in advance? Absolutely! Wrap the scallops in bacon and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Cook them in the air fryer just before serving.

What dipping sauces go well with this recipe? Tartar sauce, lemon aioli, or a sweet chili sauce pair beautifully with the smoky, savory flavors.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain their crispness.

More Bacon Wrapped Recipes

• AIR FRYER BACON AND CRAB ROLLS
• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED PEACHES
• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED MEATLOAF
• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED DATES
• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED POTATOES
• AIR FRYER BACON WRAPPED PINEAPPLE

Don’t Forget to Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​