Air Fryer Scallops Recipe: Fast, Flavorful, and Healthy Seafood
Think scallops are too fancy for an air fryer? Think again. These tender, sweet little gems can go from fridge to dinner plate in under 10 minutes, with no splatter, no fuss, and shockingly delicious results.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, the air fryer turns out scallops with a perfectly golden edge and buttery interior. Here’s how to get it right every time.
Cooking scallops can seem intimidating, but achieving that perfect restaurant-quality sear at home with an air fryer is easier. Air fryer scallops are a game-changer, combining simplicity, speed, and a deliciously crispy finish without excessive oil.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, scallops in the air fryer are sure to impress. This guide will walk you through making perfectly cooked scallops in your air fryer, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering cooking times and temperatures.
You’ll learn how to achieve that tender, buttery interior with a beautifully crisp exterior, making this dish a true showstopper. Plus, air frying cuts down on the cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans.
Pair your scallops with a light lemon-butter sauce, garlic aioli, or a fresh salad for an elegant and effortless meal. Ready to dive into the world of air-fried seafood? Let’s start creating a dish that will wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it with you!
Air Fryer Scallops
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops preferably dry scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Prep the Scallops
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Toss the scallops with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl to evenly coat them.
Cook the Scallops
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the scallops are golden brown on the outside and opaque in the center.
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- While the scallops are cooking, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. If desired, add fresh parsley.
- Serve
- Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over them.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest and parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking Tips
Cooking scallops in an air fryer can be quick and easy, but there are a few essential tips to ensure you achieve perfect results every time. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:
Tip | Description |
| Ideal Cooking Temperature | Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal scallop cooking—hot enough to sear but gentle enough to keep them tender. |
| Cooking Time | Cook scallops for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. |
| Preheat the Air Fryer | Preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes before adding scallops to achieve a crispy crust quickly. |
| Season Simply | Lightly season scallops with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter before air frying. |
| Add Herbs or Spices | Enhance flavor by sprinkling fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, or spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder. |
| Use a Light Oil Spray | If desired, lightly spray scallops with cooking oil to encourage browning without excess fat. |
| Avoid Overcrowding | Arrange scallops in a single layer with space between to allow hot air circulation for even cooking. |
Advantages of Cooking Scallops in an Air Fryer
Benefit | Description |
| Quick Cooking Time | Air fryers cook scallops in just 6 to 8 minutes, making it an efficient method for preparing a gourmet meal fast. |
| Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior | Hot air circulation gives scallops a crispy outside and tender inside—achieving a restaurant-quality sear without a pan. |
| Healthier Cooking | Air frying uses much less oil than traditional frying, preserving flavor while reducing fat for a healthier dish. |
| Even Cooking | Air fryers distribute heat evenly, ensuring scallops are cooked consistently with no undercooked centers or burnt edges. |
| Less Mess and Cleanup | No need for multiple pans or oil splatter; the air fryer basket is easy to clean, simplifying post-cooking cleanup. |
| No Odor Lingering | The enclosed air fryer helps contain seafood odors, keeping your kitchen fresher than pan-frying would. |
| Perfect for Small Batches | Ideal for cooking one or two servings, the air fryer is both convenient and energy-efficient for small meals. |
