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This air fryer scallops recipe is such an easy way to prepare this dish. And you only need a few simple ingredients. In less than ten minutes you will be savoring this yummy appetizer or quick meal.
Table of Contents
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE
I love this air fryer scallops simple recipe because they are quick to cook and I only need a few ingredients to make them. I love how I can make them an appetizer, or add a side dish on the plate and make them a nice dinner too.
Scallops are a family favorite seafood recipe and they are done in minutes. These scallops finish with a rich buttery flavor that the whole family loves. And best of all, they are full of protein and low in carbohydrates.
If you are looking for more air fryer seafood recipes, you will love air fryer crab cakes, air fryer frozen fish sticks, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, or air fryer cod.
INGREDIENTS
- Sea or Bay scallops
- Butter, melted- or olive oil
- Minced garlic-fresh minced garlic to enhance the flavor of scallops
- Old Bay Seasoning– or your favorite seasonings like McCormick’s seasonings
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
HOW TO CHOOSE SCALLOPS
When making this recipe, it’s important to have the right scallops. Here are a few important things I look for when buying scallops:
Appearance and Smell: Fresh scallops will have a sweet smell and will have a pink, shiny look. I stay away from scallops that smell fishy, or are turning brown. This could mean they are already turning and are no longer fresh.
Texture: Fresh scallops should be firm and should not feel slimy. That’s another good indication they aren’t fresh!
Size: I try and pick scallops that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If using smaller scallops, the air frying time will be less, while larger scallops can take longer. As long as they are the same size, they will be done around the same time.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER SCALLOPS
STEP 1
Before cooking scallops, remove any side muscle from the fresh scallops with a sharp knife. Rinse them under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
STEP 2
Place the scallops in a medium bowl, then add the butter, garlic, and seasonings. Toss the ingredients together until the scallops are fully coated.
STEP 3
Spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Then place the scallops in a single layer, without overlapping, into the air fryer basket.
STEP 4
Air fry the scallops at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes turning halfway through the cooking process, until scallops are tender and opaque.
TIPS
Patting the scallops dry after giving them a quick rinse, will help remove excess moisture, which helps them turn golden brown during air frying.
Scallops cooks quickly in the air fryer so check them after a few minutes. They will be an opaque/white color and will be slightly firm when done.
Serve while hot for best flavor. And remember cooking times may vary depending on the size of the scallops.
STORING AND REHEATING
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, drizzle with a little bit of fresh lemon juice, a lemon butter sauce, or olive oil, and air fry at 350 degrees F for 2-4 minutes until warm.
FAQ’s
Scallops go well with a beautiful acorn squash, butternut squash, crispy eggplant or sweet corn on the cob. You can’t go wrong with a surf and turf night with a juicy filet mignon or ribeye steak, or pair them with Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp.
If using an instant read thermometer, once the internal temperature reaches at least 120 degrees F, they are ready to eat!
If cooking straight from frozen, add a few minutes to the total air frying time.
MORE SEAFOOD AIR FRYER RECIPES
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Air Fryer Crab Legs
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Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Dinner
Air Fryer Salmon
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Air Fryer Keto Coconut Shrimp
Scallops are a family favorite seafood recipe and they are done in minutes. Everyone loves these scallops!
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Air fryer Scallops
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted, or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic, about 2 small cloves
- 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Remove any side muscle from the fresh scallops with a sharp knife. Rinse them under cold water and then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place scallops in a medium bowl, then add the butter, garlic, and seasonings. Toss together until the scallops are fully coated.
- Spray basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Then place the scallops in a single layer into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the scallops 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes turning halfway through the cooking process, until scallops are tender and opaque.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My 1st time cooking scallops and they turned out DELICIOUS!! I served over angel hair pasta with a light sauce. I’m def keeping this on my rotation!!