Air Fryer Scallops Recipe: Fast, Flavorful, and Healthy Seafood
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!
Advantages of Cooking Scallops in an Air Fryer
Cooking scallops in an air fryer offers several advantages, making it an excellent option for novice and experienced home cooks. Here are the key benefits:
1. Quick Cooking Time
- Air fryers cook scallops quickly, typically in just 6 to 8 minutes. This makes it an efficient method for preparing a gourmet meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
2. Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior
- The air fryer’s hot air circulation creates a beautifully crispy exterior on the scallops while keeping the inside tender and juicy. You can achieve that perfect restaurant-quality sear without needing a pan or extra oil.
3. Healthier Cooking
- Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods. You can enjoy scallops’ rich flavor and texture without the added fats, making it a healthier option.
4. Even Cooking
- Air fryers distribute heat evenly, ensuring that each scallop cooks consistently. This helps avoid undercooked centers or overly browned edges, which can sometimes happen when pan-searing.
5. Less Mess and Cleanup
- Cooking scallops in an air fryer eliminates the need for multiple pans and reduces splatter, leading to a cleaner cooking process. The air fryer basket is easy to clean, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze.
6. No Odor Lingering
- Frying scallops in a traditional pan can sometimes leave a lingering seafood odor in your kitchen. The air fryer contains much of that smell, so minimize it and keep your kitchen fresher.
7. Perfect for Small Batches
- If you’re cooking for one or two people, the air fryer is ideal for small batches of scallops, making it a convenient and energy-efficient option.
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:
1. Choose the Right Scallops
- Opt for dry scallops (unsoaked) instead of wet scallops (treated with preservatives). Dry scallops sear better and won’t release excess water, which can lead to a less crispy finish.
2. Pat Scallops Dry
- Thoroughly pat your scallops dry with a paper towel before cooking. Moisture prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming rather than crisping in the air fryer.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the scallops in. This helps achieve a quick, even sear that locks in the scallops’ natural juices.
4. Season Simply
- Keep the seasoning simple. A sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a little olive oil is all you need. You can add garlic powder or lemon zest for an extra flavor boost, but avoid heavy marinades that can cause the scallops to cook unevenly.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
- Give the scallops space to cook evenly. Arrange them in a single layer without overlapping so the hot air can circulate around each one.
6. Monitor Cooking Time Closely
- Scallops cook quickly in an air fryer. They should take 6 to 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C) depending on their size. Check after 4 minutes, and be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
7. Flip Halfway Through
- Flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time for an even sear on both sides. This ensures they get that golden-brown crust all around.
8. Rest Before Serving
- After removing them from the air fryer, let the scallops rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to settle, keeping them tender and flavorful.
By following these tips, you’ll create perfectly cooked, delicious air-fried scallops that are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, ready to be enjoyed in no time!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Scallops
How to prepare delicious scallops in your 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
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
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon garlic butter sauce if you like heat.
These air fryer scallops are light, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The lemon garlic butter adds a tangy richness that complements the scallops’ natural sweetness, making this dish an easy yet impressive meal to serve.
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