Air Fryer Scallops Recipe

BySoha

Scallops are one of the few luxury ingredients that reward precision more than complexity. When cooked correctly, they’re sweet, tender, and delicately crisp on the outside. This air fryer scallops recipe is designed for cooks who value control, efficiency, and restaurant-level results at home. With minimal ingredients and exact technique, this method delivers perfectly cooked scallops in minutes,no stovetop splatter, no guesswork.

Ingredients List

  • Large sea scallops (dry-packed preferred)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter
  • Fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Fresh lemon (for finishing)
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

air fryer scallops
Prepare the Scallops

Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels. Removing surface moisture is critical for proper browning and texture.

Season Thoughtfully

Lightly coat the scallops with olive oil or melted butter. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Avoid over-seasoning; scallops shine when their natural sweetness is respected.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot cooking environment ensures immediate searing.

Arrange for Optimal Airflow

Place the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Crowding will cause steaming instead of browning.

Cook Precisely

Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Scallops should be opaque, slightly firm, and lightly golden on the outside.

Finish and Rest

Remove immediately, finish with a light squeeze of fresh lemon, and allow them to rest for one minute before serving.

Cook Time

  • Preheat: 3–5 minutes
  • Cooking time: 6–8 minutes
  • Total time: approximately 10–13 minutes

Servings

  • Serves 2 as a main course
  • Serves 3–4 as an appetizer

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg

Storage Instructions

Scallops are best enjoyed immediately. If necessary, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Suggestions

Serve these air fryer scallops over a light lemon risotto, alongside grilled asparagus, or on a crisp fennel salad. For a sauce, a brown butter drizzle or a restrained citrus beurre blanc pairs beautifully without overpowering the scallops.

Seasonal Relevance

Scallops are available year-round, but their sweetness is most pronounced in late fall and winter. This recipe works equally well in warmer months when a fast, no-stovetop method is ideal.

Conclusion

Air fryer scallops represent modern cooking at its best,precise, efficient, and elegant. By focusing on ingredient quality and disciplined technique, this recipe delivers results that rival high-end restaurants. It’s proof that exceptional seafood doesn’t require complicated tools, only respect for the ingredient and attention to detail.

Air Fryer Scallops Recipe
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Air Fryer Scallops Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

8

minutes
Calories

180

kcal
Total time

13

minutes

Tender, juicy, and lightly crisp on the outside, these air fryer scallops deliver restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. A fast, elegant seafood recipe made with simple ingredients and precise cooking for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large sea scallops (dry-packed, if possible)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Directions

  • Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels.
  • Lightly coat with olive oil or melted butter.
  • Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Place scallops in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each.
  • Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until opaque and lightly golden.
  • Remove, rest for 1 minute, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Use dry-packed scallops for best browning and flavor.
  • Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper searing.
  • Best enjoyed fresh; reheating may affect texture.
  • Pair with light sides such as salad, risotto, or grilled vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but they must be fully thawed and thoroughly dried before seasoning to prevent excess moisture.

Why didn’t my scallops brown properly?
This usually happens when scallops are wet, overcrowded, or the air fryer wasn’t preheated sufficiently.

Can I cook bay scallops instead of sea scallops?
Bay scallops cook much faster and are smaller; reduce cooking time to 4–5 minutes and monitor closely.

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