Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops in the Air Fryer
Description
These frozen bacon wrapped scallops cook to crispy, golden perfection in the air fryer in just 12 minutes — no thawing required! Tender sea scallops wrapped in smoky bacon make the easiest elegant appetizer you'll ever make. Naturally keto-friendly and gluten-free, this recipe works with any brand of frozen bacon wrapped scallops, including Costco (Kirkland), Omaha Steaks, Aldi, Sam's Club, and Sea Best.
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
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 180mgIron: 0.5mg