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These air fryer bbq bacon-wrapped scallops are the ultimate appetizer, snack, or dinner option. Tender scallops wrapped in bacon then brushed with bbq sauce and air fried to perfection!

Serve these crispy scallops with air fryer frozen vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a restaurant-quality meal.

I love cooking scallops because they cook quickly and are super tasty. Some of my favorite recipes include lemon butter scallops and these creamy garlic scallops. Although these air fryer bbq bacon-wrapped scallops may be my all-time favorite! They are sweet, savory, and crunchy. It requires only 5 ingredients and cooks perfectly in under 30 minutes!

Ingredient Notes

• Scallops – I highly recommend dry sea scallops instead of wet scallops. Wet scallops are brined in water and chemicals. If using frozen scallops, make sure to thaw completely before cooking.
• Bacon – Thin cut bacon is preferred, avoid thick-cut bacon for this recipe.
• BBQ Sauce – Adds a smoky-sweet flavor. Use your favorite brand.
• Lemon – It goes great with seafood, I highly recommend it but it’s completely optional.
• Black Pepper – Only use pepper for seasoning, don’t use salt because the bacon is very salty.
• Toothpicks – These will help the bacon stay in place.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Slice the bacon strips in half and place about 5 strips in the air fryer. Cook for 4 minutes at 400 degrees F. After 4 minutes it will be soft, not crispy.
2. While the bacon partially cooks in the air fryer, pat dry the scallops with a paper towel and remove any side muscles.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the scallops and then wrap each scallop with a strip of partially cooked bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped scallops in the air fryer and then brush with bbq sauce and season with black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes at 400 degrees F. then flip, brush with bbq sauce, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Top Tips

• Don’t coat the scallops in lemon juice ahead of time, otherwise, they will begin cooking.
• Make sure to partially cook the bacon otherwise it will be too soft and won’t crisp up.
• Want to make this low carb and keto-friendly? Omit the bbq sauce.

Can I Bake These In The Oven Instead?

Yes, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. and cook bacon-wrapped scallops for 12-15 minutes or until the scallops are opaque. Brush the scallops with bbq sauce at the 10- minute mark.

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

• Air Fryer Lobster Tails
• Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Tuna Melt

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