Air Fryer Scallops

Tender on the inside, golden on the outside, these Air Fryer Scallops are a foolproof way to cook restaurant-quality seafood at home—in under 15 minutes! With a crisp, caramelized sear and a buttery finish, this recipe brings out the sweet, delicate flavor of scallops without the fuss of stovetop splatter. Whether you’re making a quick appetizer or an elegant main course, these scallops are a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly Seared – Crispy edges with juicy centers
Fast & Easy – Cooks in 10 minutes or less
Light & Healthy – No breading or heavy oils
Great for Any Occasion – Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for weeknights
Versatile – Pairs well with pasta, salads, or veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb sea scallops (large, dry-packed if possible)
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Paper towels
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Meat thermometer (optional, for perfect doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Scallops
Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for a good sear and to avoid steaming.
Remove the small side muscle (a firm piece on the edge) if present.

Step 2: Season
In a bowl, toss scallops with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Scallops
Arrange scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket—do not overcrowd.
Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Scallops are done when they are opaque and have a light golden crust (internal temp should reach 120–125°F for medium).

Step 5: Serve
Plate the scallops and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Scallops
Use Dry Scallops – Avoid the “wet” kind that are treated with preservatives
Don’t Skip Drying – Moisture prevents browning
Avoid Overcooking – Scallops turn rubbery when overdone
Add Flavor – Brush with garlic butter or drizzle with lemon-herb sauce after cooking
Make It a Meal – Serve over risotto, pasta, or a fresh salad

Serving Suggestions
Over creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree
With garlic lemon butter pasta
Tossed with sautéed spinach or arugula salad
As an appetizer with dipping sauce or aioli

How to Store & Reheat
Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat gently in the air fryer or skillet for 2–3 minutes—do not microwave
Avoid freezing cooked scallops for best texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, but thaw completely and dry very well before air frying.

Do I need to marinate them?
No, scallops are naturally sweet and tender—simple seasoning is enough.

Can I add breading?
You can coat lightly in breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch, but they taste amazing without it!

What’s the difference between bay and sea scallops?
Sea scallops are larger and ideal for air frying. Bay scallops are smaller and better for quick sautés or pastas.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Scallops are a simple way to impress with minimal effort. Perfectly seared with a tender bite, they’re fast, flavorful, and incredibly elegant. Whether you’re new to seafood or a scallop superfan, this recipe will become a go-to in your air fryer lineup.

Try them tonight and enjoy gourmet scallops with none of the hassle!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American / Seafood

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 4 servings):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 18g | Carbs: 1g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 300mg

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