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Air Fryer Scallops Recipe

4.9 from 91 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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