Air Fryer Scallops Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer scallops are a quick and delicious way to enjoy perfectly cooked seafood with a tender, juicy bite. This simple recipe uses basic seasonings and cooks scallops to perfection in just minutes.
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
- Step 1: Remove any side muscle from the fresh scallops with a sharp knife. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Step 2: Place scallops in a medium bowl. Add melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat all the scallops evenly.
- Step 3: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper designed for air fryers. Arrange the scallops in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: Air fry the scallops at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking. Cook until the scallops are opaque and tender.
Tips & Variations
- Use dry scallops if possible, as they sear better and produce a nicer crust in the air fryer.
- Swap out Old Bay seasoning for smoked paprika or lemon pepper for a different flavor twist.
- For extra richness, drizzle a little lemon juice or melted butter over the scallops right before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or briefly in the air fryer to avoid overcooking and drying them out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water from steaming the scallops instead of searing them.
How do I know when scallops are cooked properly?
Cooked scallops will be opaque and firm to the touch but still tender. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch the time closely.
PrintAir Fryer Scallops Recipe
This easy recipe for Air Fryer Scallops delivers perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful scallops with a delightful hint of garlic and Old Bay seasoning. Ready in just around 10 minutes, this method uses the air fryer to achieve a juicy texture with minimal effort and cleanup, making it ideal for a quick yet elegant seafood dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound sea scallops
Seasoning & Fat
- 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
- Prepare Scallops: Remove any side muscle from the fresh scallops with a sharp knife. Rinse them under cold water to clean, then pat dry thoroughly using a paper towel. This ensures scallops cook evenly and don’t steam in the air fryer.
- Season the Scallops: Place the scallops in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter (or olive oil), minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all sides of the scallops with the mixture for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. This makes cleanup easier and helps maintain scallop shape.
- Air Fry the Scallops: Arrange scallops in a single layer in the basket so they cook evenly. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8-10 minutes, turning the scallops halfway through cooking. The scallops are done when they are tender, opaque, and slightly firm to the touch.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure scallops cook evenly and get a nice texture.
- Use fresh or fully thawed scallops for the best results.
- If using frozen scallops, pat them extra dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.
- Turning scallops halfway through helps them cook evenly and develops a better crust.
- Serve immediately after cooking for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Keywords: air fryer scallops, easy scallop recipe, quick seafood, garlic scallops, Old Bay scallops, healthy scallop dish
