Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs Recipe (Air Fryer and Oven Edition)
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, protein-packed snack or meal, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into the world of scotch eggs—with a twist! These bacon-wrapped scotch eggs are made with ground beef instead of traditional sausage, and they’re cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also a great option for keto, paleo, and high-protein lifestyles. Let’s get cracking!
What Are Scotch Eggs?
Scotch eggs are a classic British dish consisting of a hard-boiled egg encased in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown. While traditional scotch eggs are undeniably tasty, we’re taking a cleaner, more creative route with this recipe by swapping out breadcrumbs for bacon and cooking them in an air fryer instead of frying them in oil.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just four main ingredients (hard-boiled eggs, ground beef, bacon, and some seasoning), this recipe is as straightforward as it gets.
- Air Fryer Convenience: No messy oil splatters or deep-frying required. The air fryer makes these scotch eggs crispy on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
- Customizable: While we’ve kept the seasoning minimal for a clean flavor, you can easily add your favorite spices to make it your own.
- Keto and Paleo-Friendly: These scotch eggs are naturally low-carb and free from breadcrumbs, making them perfect for a variety of diets.
- Great for Meal Prep: They store well and can be reheated for an on-the-go snack or a quick breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs – Peeled and ready to go.
- 1 pound ground beef – You can use lean or regular ground beef based on your preference.
- 8 slices of bacon – Thin-cut bacon works best for wrapping.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spice blend.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by hard-boiling your eggs if you haven’t already. Peel them and set them aside. Next, season your ground beef with a pinch of salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions.
Step 2: Wrap the Eggs
Take one portion of ground beef and flatten it in your hand to form a thin patty. Place a hard-boiled egg in the center and gently mold the beef around the egg until it’s fully encased. Repeat this process with the remaining eggs.
Step 3: Add the Bacon
Wrap each beef-covered egg with two slices of bacon, ensuring that the bacon fully covers the surface. You can secure the ends with toothpicks if needed, but in most cases, the bacon will stay in place as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the bacon-wrapped scotch eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. For the last 3 minutes, flip them again to get that bacon extra crispy.
Oven Method
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these scotch eggs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the bacon-wrapped scotch eggs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate around them. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. For extra crispy bacon, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the scotch eggs from the air fryer or oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Slice them in half to reveal the beautiful layers inside, and enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs
- Choose the Right Ground Meat: While this recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute ground pork, chicken, or turkey if you prefer.
- Use Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin slices of bacon cook more evenly and crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Leave space between each scotch egg to allow hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your spices—this is your chance to add extra flavor.
- Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the beef is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped scotch eggs are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving them:
- Breakfast: Pair with a side of avocado and fresh greens for a balanced morning meal.
- Snack: Enjoy them on their own as a high-protein snack.
- Lunch or Dinner: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a hearty meal.
- Party Appetizer: Slice them into halves or quarters and serve with dipping sauces like spicy mayo or mustard.
Storage and Reheating
Scotch eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bacon rubbery.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While exact values may vary, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from one scotch egg:
- Calories: ~535
- Protein: ~31g
- Fat: ~44g
- Carbohydrates: ~0-1g (depending on seasoning)
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and cuts of meat used.
Why You Should Try Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are a timeless classic, but this bacon-wrapped, air fryer version takes them to a whole new level. They’re crispy, savory, and packed with protein—perfect for anyone following a keto, paleo, or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, they’re fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. Whether you’re a scotch egg aficionado or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up your air fryer and give these bacon-wrapped scotch eggs a try. You’ll be adding them to your regular recipe rotation in no time!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @beyondveganbites with your scotch egg creations—I can’t wait to see how yours turn out.
Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs Recipe (Air Fryer and Oven Edition)
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Baking Sheet optional
- 1 Wire Rack optional
Ingredients
- 4 eggs hard-boiled
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 bacon slices
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by hard-boiling your eggs if you haven’t already. Peel them and set them aside. Next, season your ground beef with a pinch of salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions.
- Wrap the Eggs: Take one portion of ground beef and flatten it in your hand to form a thin patty. Place a hard-boiled egg in the center and gently mold the beef around the egg until it’s fully encased. Repeat this process with the remaining eggs.
- Add the Bacon: Wrap each beef-covered egg with two slices of bacon, ensuring that the bacon fully covers the surface. You can secure the ends with toothpicks if needed, but in most cases, the bacon will stay in place as it cooks.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the bacon-wrapped scotch eggs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. For the last 3 minutes, flip them again to get that bacon extra crispy.
- Oven Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these scotch eggs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the bacon-wrapped scotch eggs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air to circulate around them. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning. For extra crispy bacon, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the scotch eggs from the air fryer or oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Slice them in half to reveal the beautiful layers inside, and enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
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