These frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer cook to crispy, golden perfection in just 12 minutes — no thawing, no fuss, no babysitting the stove. Tender sea scallops wrapped in smoky bacon make the easiest “fancy” appetizer you’ll ever pull off, and they go straight from the freezer to the basket.
I keep a bag of frozen bacon wrapped scallops in my freezer at all times for last-minute entertaining. Whether I’m pulling together a New Year’s Eve appetizer spread, putting out a surf-and-turf dinner, or just need a quick keto-friendly dinner on a Tuesday, this is my go-to. Twelve minutes from frozen to plate.
I’ve tested this recipe with frozen bacon wrapped scallops from Costco (Kirkland), Omaha Steaks, Sam’s Club, and Aldi in my Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer, and the timing below works for all of them. If you have a different air fryer model, you may need to adjust by a minute or two, but the method is the same.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes from frozen to table — no thawing required
- Naturally keto-friendly and gluten-free
- Crispy bacon, tender scallops every time thanks to the air fryer’s high-heat convection
- Works with any brand of frozen bacon wrapped scallops (Costco, Omaha Steaks, Aldi, Sam’s Club, Sea Best, Trader Joe’s)
- Crowd-pleaser for holiday parties, date nights, Feast of the Seven Fishes, or surf-and-turf dinners
- Almost no cleanup — just the air fryer basket
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb (about 12–16) frozen bacon wrapped scallops — any brand
- Cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for extra browning)
- Seasoning (optional) — Old Bay, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper
- Lemon wedges and dipping sauce for serving (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Brand Recommendations
- Costco (Kirkland) Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops — large sea scallops with thick-cut bacon. These run on the bigger side, so add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
- Omaha Steaks Bacon Wrapped Scallops — premium pricing, slightly smaller portions, often arrive individually wrapped. Cook as directed.
- Sam’s Club (Member’s Mark) — similar to Costco, generally great value, good bacon-to-scallop ratio.
- Aldi (Specially Selected) — seasonal, typically available around the holidays. Smaller scallops, may need 1 minute less.
- Sea Best — widely available in grocery freezer sections. Reliable and consistent.
- Trader Joe’s — when in season (usually late fall/winter), these are excellent quality.
- Want to make your own? Wrap a half-slice of bacon around a large sea scallop, secure with a toothpick, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Use within 3 months.
How to Cook Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating is the secret to crispy bacon — skip it and the bacon stays soft.
Step 2: Arrange the frozen scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Don’t overcrowd — proper air circulation is what makes the bacon crisp up. Cook in two batches if needed.
Step 3: Lightly spray with cooking spray (optional) and season with your choice of seasoning. I love a sprinkle of smoked paprika and black pepper.
Step 4: Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping the scallops halfway through (around the 6-minute mark). For larger Costco-style scallops, go 12–14 minutes.
Step 5: Check for doneness. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, and the scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for the scallop, per FDA seafood guidelines.
Step 6: Let rest for 1–2 minutes before serving — this lets the scallops finish cooking gently and the bacon crisp up further as it cools slightly.
Pro Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Scallops
- Always preheat the air fryer — this is the single biggest factor in getting crispy bacon. A cold start means soggy bacon every time.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — give each scallop at least ½ inch of space. If they touch, the bacon steams instead of crisps.
- Toothpicks are air-fryer-safe — leave them in during cooking; just warn guests before serving.
- No need to add oil — bacon renders plenty of fat on its own. A light spray helps browning but isn’t required.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy — scallops go from perfect to rubbery fast. Pull them at 145°F.
- Cook from fully frozen — partially thawed scallops will overcook in the time it takes the bacon to crisp.
- Larger scallops need more time — Costco scallops are noticeably bigger than Aldi or grocery-store brands. Add 1–2 minutes.
Best Dipping Sauces for Bacon Wrapped Scallops
These scallops are delicious on their own, but a good dipping sauce takes them over the top:
- Garlic herb butter — melt 4 tbsp butter with 1 minced garlic clove and chopped parsley
- Lemon aioli — mix ½ cup mayo with 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt
- Hot honey — drizzle warm honey mixed with a few dashes of hot sauce
- Maple bourbon glaze — reduce 3 tbsp maple syrup with 1 tbsp bourbon and a pinch of cayenne
- Sriracha mayo — combine ½ cup mayo with 1–2 tbsp sriracha
- Classic cocktail sauce for a more traditional pairing
- Balsamic reduction — sweet, tangy, and elegant
What to Serve With Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer or a main course, here are pairings that work beautifully:
As an appetizer spread:
- Air fryer twisted bacon and other bite-sized starters
- Buffalo chicken wontons
- A simple charcuterie board with cheese and olives
As a main course (surf and turf style):
- Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Cream of asparagus soup to start
- Grilled steak or pork tenderloin
- Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
- A crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Rice pilaf or wild rice
As part of a holiday spread:
- Perfect for Feast of the Seven Fishes
- Christmas Eve appetizers
- New Year’s Eve cocktail parties
- Valentine’s Day surf-and-turf
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Bacon Wrapped Scallops
To store: Place cooled leftover scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Do not refreeze cooked scallops — they’ll dry out and become rubbery.
To reheat in the air fryer (best method): Preheat to 350°F and air fry for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Watch closely — overcooking turns scallops rubbery fast.
To reheat in the oven: Place on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Avoid microwaving — it makes the bacon limp and the scallops tough.
Recipe FAQs
Can you cook frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer without thawing? Yes! This recipe is designed to cook them straight from frozen. In fact, thawing first can cause the scallops to overcook before the bacon crisps.
How long do frozen bacon wrapped scallops take in the air fryer? About 10–12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway. Larger scallops (like Costco’s) may need 12–14 minutes.
What temperature should the air fryer be for bacon wrapped scallops? 400°F (200°C) is the sweet spot — hot enough to crisp the bacon properly while cooking the scallop through. Lower temperatures (like 375°F) often result in soft, soggy bacon.
How do I know when the scallops are done? The bacon should be crispy and deeply golden brown, and the scallops should be opaque, firm to the touch, and registering at least 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer.
Can I cook fresh bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer instead of frozen? Yes — reduce the cook time to 8–10 minutes at 400°F since you’re not starting from frozen.
Do I need to remove the toothpicks before air frying? No, wooden toothpicks are safe in the air fryer. Just remind guests they’re in there before serving.
Are bacon wrapped scallops keto? Yes! Bacon wrapped scallops are naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb. Just be mindful of any sugary glazes or dipping sauces.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Absolutely. Cook them, then keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes, or reheat in the air fryer just before serving.
More Easy Air Fryer Scallop Recipes
- Air Fryer Frozen Scallops
- Red Lobster Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
- Air Fryer Scallops with Ritz Crackers
- Blackstone Griddle Scallops
- Air Fryer Scallops on the Half Shell
- The 6-Minute Air Fryer Scallop Recipes Roundup
More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen bacon wrapped scallops, about 12–16 scallops, any brand
- 1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray, optional, for extra browning
- ½ tsp seasoning of choice, optional — Old Bay, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- Dipping sauce of choice, optional — garlic butter, lemon aioli, or hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating is essential for crispy bacon.
- Arrange the frozen bacon wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving at least ½ inch of space between each scallop. Cook in batches if needed — do not overcrowd the basket.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with your chosen seasoning, if using.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping the scallops halfway through (around the 6-minute mark). For larger Costco-style scallops, cook for 12–14 minutes.
- Check for doneness. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, and the scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the scallop reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 1–2 minutes, then serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Air Fryer (5.8-quart or larger recommended)
- Meat Thermometer
- Cooking Spray,
- Tongs
Notes
- Always preheat the air fryer. This is the single most important step for getting truly crispy bacon. A cold start will leave the bacon soft and pale.
- Brand-specific timing guide:
- Costco / Kirkland — 12–14 minutes (larger scallops)
- Omaha Steaks — 10–12 minutes
- Sam’s Club / Member’s Mark — 10–12 minutes
- Aldi (Specially Selected) — 9–11 minutes (smaller scallops)
- Sea Best — 10–12 minutes
- Trader Joe’s (seasonal) — 10–12 minutes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air circulation is what makes the bacon crisp. If scallops are touching, the bacon will steam instead of crisp up.
- Toothpicks are air-fryer-safe. Leave them in during cooking and remove before serving.
- No additional oil required. Bacon renders enough fat on its own. The optional cooking spray just helps with browning.
- Cook from fully frozen. Partially thawed scallops will overcook before the bacon has a chance to crisp.
- Make-ahead: Cook the scallops, then hold them in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes, or reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes just before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not refreeze cooked scallops — they will dry out and become rubbery.
- Reheating: Air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes is the best method. Avoid the microwave, which makes the bacon limp.
- Dipping sauce suggestions: garlic herb butter, lemon aioli, hot honey, maple bourbon glaze, sriracha mayo, cocktail sauce, or balsamic reduction.
Nutrition
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