Discover the secret to perfectly cooked, tender, and succulent scallops right in your own kitchen with this incredibly easy Air Fryer Scallops recipe. Seasoned with a bright lemon herb butter and a hint of olive oil, these scallops emerge from the air fryer with a beautiful golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals any restaurant dish. Whether you choose delicate bay scallops or plump sea scallops, and whether they’re fresh or frozen, this guide will walk you through creating an unforgettable seafood experience with minimal effort. The air fryer transforms these delicate treasures into a gourmet delight in minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant appetizer for special occasions.
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Table of Contents
How to Buy Scallops
Selecting the right scallops is the first step towards a truly exceptional dish. When shopping, you’ll typically encounter two main types: sea scallops and bay scallops. For this air fryer recipe, we highly recommend wild-caught sea scallops due to their larger size and meaty texture, which holds up beautifully to air frying. They tend to be more substantial, offering a satisfying bite and a more impressive presentation.
Bay scallops, while delicious, are much smaller and sweeter. They are fantastic for lighter preparations, like pasta dishes, salads, or quick sautés, but can easily overcook and shrink in the air fryer. If you do opt for bay scallops, keep a very close eye on them and reduce the cooking time significantly.
Beyond size, consider the packing method:
- Wet-Packed Scallops: These are usually soaked in a phosphate solution that helps them retain moisture, making them appear plumper. However, this added water can make it harder to achieve a good sear, as the water needs to evaporate first. They also tend to have a slightly altered flavor.
- Dry-Packed Scallops: These are not treated with any solution and are sold in their natural state. They are generally more expensive but offer superior flavor and caramelize beautifully, yielding a much better sear. Always choose dry-packed if available for the best results in your air fryer.
- Diver-Caught Scallops: Often the most premium option, these are hand-harvested, ensuring minimal environmental impact and often superior quality. They are always dry-packed and command a higher price.
Regardless of the type or packing, always look for scallops that are pearly white, firm, and moist. They should have a fresh, slightly sweet smell of the ocean, never fishy. You can find excellent quality fresh or frozen scallops at most grocery stores, specialty fish markets, or through reputable online seafood providers like Butcher Box, which delivers them frozen directly to your door.
How to Thaw Scallops Effectively
Proper thawing is essential for maintaining the delicate texture and flavor of your scallops. The best and most recommended method is to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Simply transfer the frozen scallops to a bowl, cover it, and place it in the fridge. This slow thawing process minimizes cell damage and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
If you’re short on time, a quick thawing method can be used:
- Place the frozen scallops in a sealed plastic bag or their original packaging.
- Submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water.
- Change the water every 15-30 minutes to ensure it stays cold and to speed up the thawing process.
- Depending on the quantity, scallops can thaw in 30 minutes to an hour using this method.
**Never thaw scallops in the microwave.** The intense, uneven heat of a microwave will cook the delicate edges while the center remains frozen, leading to a tough, chewy, and unpleasant texture. Scallops are small and delicate, making them particularly susceptible to overcooking or damage when exposed to rapid temperature changes. Always opt for gentle thawing methods to preserve their quality.
Cleaning and Prepping Scallops
Before cooking, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your air-fried scallops are perfect.
- Rinse: First, give your thawed scallops a quick rinse under cold water. This helps remove any grit or shell fragments that might be present.
- Remove Side Muscle: Many scallops will have a small, rectangular-shaped side muscle attached. This is a tougher piece of tissue that can become chewy when cooked. While edible, it’s best to remove it for a more uniform and tender result. Simply pinch it between your thumb and forefinger and pull it off. It should detach easily. Discard this muscle.
- Pat Dry: This step is arguably the most crucial for achieving that coveted golden-brown sear. Thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture on the surface will steam in the air fryer instead of searing, preventing the formation of a delicious crust. The drier the scallops, the better the sear and the more tender the interior will be.
Why Air Fry Scallops?
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook many dishes, and scallops are no exception. While pan-searing is a traditional method, air frying offers several distinct advantages that make it an appealing choice for seafood lovers:
- Effortless Perfection: The air fryer provides consistent, circulating hot air, ensuring even cooking on all sides without the need for constant flipping or monitoring. This hands-off approach makes it incredibly easy to achieve restaurant-quality scallops every time.
- Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior: The high heat of the air fryer creates a beautiful golden-brown crust on the scallops, while the interior remains incredibly tender and juicy. It’s a fantastic way to get that desirable sear without excessive oil.
- Reduced Oil: Compared to pan-searing, which often requires a generous amount of butter or oil, air frying uses significantly less. A light coating of olive oil is usually all that’s needed, making it a healthier cooking option.
- Quick Cooking: Scallops cook remarkably fast in the air fryer, often in under 10 minutes. This makes them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want a gourmet meal.
- Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup compared to scrubbing a greasy pan.
In short, air frying scallops offers a convenient, healthy, and consistently delicious way to enjoy this premium seafood with minimal fuss.
Mastering the Air Fryer Cooking Process
Cooking scallops in the air fryer is surprisingly straightforward, yielding perfectly tender results with a lovely exterior. Follow these detailed steps for success:
- Prepare the Scallops: After thawing and cleaning your scallops as described above, ensure they are thoroughly patted dry. This is a critical step for achieving a proper sear. In a medium bowl, combine the dry scallops with your chosen seasonings – in this recipe, that’s melted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic cloves, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to coat each scallop evenly.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: For the best results, always preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the scallops start cooking immediately upon contact with hot air, which helps create a better sear and more consistent cooking.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Place the seasoned scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Overcrowding the basket will steam the scallops instead of air frying them, preventing that desirable golden-brown crust. If necessary, cook the scallops in multiple batches to maintain proper spacing.
- Enhance Flavor (Optional): As you transfer the scallops from the bowl to the air fryer, you might notice some leftover marinade. Don’t let that flavor go to waste! Use a cooking brush to lightly glaze the tops of the scallops once they are arranged in the air fryer basket. This extra layer of seasoning will ensure optimal flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for the recommended time, which is typically 6-8 minutes for sea scallops. No need to flip them halfway; the circulating air will cook them evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryer models can vary in their cooking efficiency.
Optimal Cook Time for Air Fryer Scallops
The ideal cook time for scallops in the air fryer is remarkably fast, typically ranging from 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This short duration is precisely what helps to achieve a tender interior and a lovely, lightly browned exterior without overcooking.
It’s important to note that actual cook times can vary based on several factors:
- Scallop Size: Larger sea scallops will require closer to the 8-minute mark, while smaller ones might be done in 6-7 minutes. If using bay scallops, they will cook even faster, likely in 3-5 minutes, and should be monitored very closely.
- Air Fryer Model: Different air fryer brands and models have varying wattages and heating efficiencies. A more powerful air fryer might cook faster.
- Batch Size: While it’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, cooking a very small batch might sometimes reduce the overall cook time slightly due to more efficient air circulation.
Always consider these variables and begin checking for doneness at the lower end of the recommended cooking time to prevent overcooking, which can quickly turn your delicate scallops tough.
Achieving Perfection: Avoid Overcooking
The key to truly delicious scallops lies in not overcooking them. Overcooked scallops are notorious for becoming tough, rubbery, and chewy, losing their delightful, tender texture. Here’s how to tell when your air-fried scallops are perfectly done:
- Visual Cues: The top and bottom surfaces of the scallops should develop a delicate, slightly golden-brown hue. While air-fried scallops won’t have the deep, thick brown crust of a pan-seared scallop, they should definitely show some color.
- Opaque Sides: Look at the sides of the scallops. They should appear opaque all the way through, indicating that they are cooked from edge to edge.
- Texture: Gently press a scallop with your finger or a fork. It should feel firm to the touch but still have a slight give in the center. If it feels hard and resistant, it’s likely overcooked. The interior, when cut, should be uniformly white and opaque, without any translucent areas.
Pull them out of the air fryer as soon as they reach this stage. Remember, scallops continue to cook slightly for a minute or two after being removed from the heat (carryover cooking). It’s always better to err on the side of slightly undercooked than overcooked when it comes to scallops.
Creative Seasoning Ideas for Scallops
While the lemon herb butter and olive oil combination offers a classic, vibrant flavor profile, scallops are incredibly versatile and can be enhanced with a wide range of seasonings. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to suit your palate or complement your meal:
- Dry White Wine: A splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) added to your butter sauce can elevate the elegance and depth of flavor.
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning: For a savory, tangy twist, a sprinkle of homemade ranch seasoning adds an unexpected but delightful flavor.
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning: Craving a bold, spicy kick? Blackened seasoning will give your scallops a zesty, smoky edge.
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning: For a subtle smoky sweetness, BBQ seasoning can provide a unique and flavorful coating.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A quintessential seafood seasoning, Old Bay offers a classic blend of herbs and spices that perfectly complements scallops.
- Cajun Seasoning: Bring the flavors of Louisiana to your scallops with a robust Cajun spice blend, adding heat and complexity.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Enhance the natural brightness of scallops with a zesty lemon pepper seasoning, a simple yet effective choice.
- Jerk Seasoning: For an adventurous and aromatic experience, a good jerk seasoning can infuse your scallops with vibrant Caribbean flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: For added texture, toss scallops lightly in seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs along the top with a drizzle of oil or melted butter for a crispy topping.
Cooking Scallops From Frozen
One of the great conveniences of using an air fryer is its ability to cook certain foods directly from frozen, and scallops are no exception. While thawing is generally recommended for optimal texture, if you’re in a pinch, you can air fry frozen scallops.
When cooking frozen scallops, you will need to add an additional 2-3 minutes to the overall cook time. Here’s the modified process:
- Initial Air Fry: Place the frozen scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer without any seasoning. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 3-4 minutes to allow them to begin to thaw and release some moisture.
- Drain Moisture: Carefully remove the basket and drain any accumulated water. This step is crucial, as excess water will prevent browning.
- Season and Continue Cooking: Once the initial moisture has been removed, transfer the partially cooked scallops to a bowl, apply your chosen oils and spices (lemon herb butter, olive oil, garlic, etc.), and toss to coat.
- Final Air Fry: Return the seasoned scallops to the air fryer basket in a single layer and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are opaque throughout and lightly golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent overcooking, as frozen scallops can sometimes cook unevenly.
This method allows the scallops to gently defrost and then absorb the flavors, ensuring a delicious result even from frozen.
Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well
Air-fried scallops are a versatile dish that can be the star of an elegant meal or a delicious accompaniment to a variety of sides. Their delicate flavor and tender texture pair beautifully with both light and hearty dishes.
For a fresh and balanced meal, consider serving them alongside crisp salads, steamed green vegetables, or a light pasta dish. If you’re looking for something more substantial, roasted potatoes or a creamy risotto make excellent companions. Here are some specific recipe ideas that complement these Easy Air Fryer Scallops perfectly:
- Air Fryer Lamb Chops
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Brats
- Air Fryer Steak
- Shrimp Crab Quiche
- Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
- Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
More Delightful Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for preparing a wide variety of seafood, delivering crispy textures and tender results with ease. If you loved these air-fried scallops, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other seafood options that cook beautifully in your air fryer. Expand your culinary repertoire with these delicious recipes:
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
- Air Fryer Crab Legs
- Air Fryer Catfish
- Air Fryer Fish Sticks
- Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
- Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
- Air Fryer Lobster Tails
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Easy Air Fryer Scallops
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Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer frozen scallops, air fryer scallops
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 161kcal
Author Brandi Crawford
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter Melted, measured solid.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 3 garlic cloves Minced.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels. This ensures they will sear beautifully instead of steam. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry scallops with olive oil, melted butter, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss to coat all the scallops evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Once preheated, arrange the seasoned scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Crucially, do not overcrowd the basket; ensure there is space between each scallop for optimal air circulation. If necessary, cook the scallops in multiple batches. As you place them in the air fryer, you may use a cooking brush to glaze the tops with any remaining marinade for extra flavor.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes. Cooking times can vary based on the size of your scallops and the specific air fryer model. Start checking for doneness around the 6-minute mark.
- The scallops are perfectly cooked when their tops are slightly golden-brown and the sides appear opaque throughout. They should feel firm yet still slightly soft to the touch. Be careful not to overcook, as this will result in tough and chewy scallops. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Sea scallops are recommended for this recipe due to their size and texture. Bay scallops are smaller and best suited for pasta dishes or soups, requiring significantly less cooking time if used.
- Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the model and wattage. Always monitor your scallops closely and adjust cooking time as needed to prevent overcooking.
- Unlike pan-seared scallops, air-fried scallops will develop a delicate golden crust rather than a thick, deep brown sear. If your scallops have a very thick, dark crust, they are likely overcooked.
- Perfectly cooked scallops will have a slightly golden-brown exterior and be opaque all the way through the sides. They should be firm to the touch but still tender. Overcooking leads to a tough, chewy texture.
Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe
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Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
Calories: 161kcal |
Carbohydrates: 4g |
Protein: 17g |
Fat: 7g
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Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.