Crispy Air Fryer Scallops Recipe: Sea-Sweet Magic in Minutes

Air fryer scallops craft ordinary seafood into a restaurant-quality delicacy that’s surprisingly simple to master.

These delicate marine morsels boast a golden exterior with an incredibly tender center that melts in your mouth.

Culinary magic happens when high-heat circulation creates a perfectly caramelized crust without excess oil or complicated techniques.

Each succulent bite promises a luxurious texture that balances crisp edges with a smooth, silky interior.

Professional chefs have long celebrated these shellfish for their elegant flavor and delicate composition.

Home cooks can easily replicate gourmet results using modern kitchen technology that streamlines cooking processes.

The secret lies in precise timing and understanding how hot air circulation impacts protein structure.

Reheating Scallops Without Losing Tenderness

• Refrigerate: Store leftover scallops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm scallops in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture and maintain their delicate flavor.
• Best Practice: Consume refrigerated scallops quickly for optimal taste and texture. Discard if they develop an off smell or appearance.

Sauce and Side Suggestions for Scallops

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the delicate seafood flavor, cutting through the buttery richness with their bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Lemony Risotto: A creamy, citrus-infused risotto creates a stunning side dish that enhances the scallops' subtle sweetness and provides a luxurious texture contrast.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: A light, peppery salad with arugula, fresh dill, and a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness and cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, garlic-seasoned scallops.
• Add Chilled Champagne: Sparkling wine's effervescence and crisp acidity elevate the elegant seafood dish, making it feel like a gourmet restaurant experience right at home.

Seasoning Ideas to Elevate Your Scallops

• Zesty Citrus Splash: Enhance the marinade by adding fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of orange juice to brighten the scallops' natural sweetness.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace Old Bay seasoning with a homemade Cajun spice blend featuring paprika, cayenne, and dried herbs for a bold, fiery flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the butter mixture, then finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after cooking for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Swap the current seasoning with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and a touch of sesame oil to create a savory-sweet Asian-style coating that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.

Perfectly Seared Scallops in Your Air Fryer

• Quick and Effortless Seafood Delight: Air frying transforms scallops into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs.
• Perfectly Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior: The high-heat air fryer method creates a beautiful golden-brown crust while maintaining the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of fresh scallops.
• Flavor-Packed Seasoning Magic: Old Bay and garlic blend seamlessly to elevate the natural sweetness of scallops, delivering a powerful taste experience in just minutes of preparation.
• Speedy Weeknight Gourmet Solution: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 15 minutes, offering a quick, impressive meal that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen.

Scallop‑Ready Ingredients for Quick Cooking

• Scallops: Fresh, sweet seafood that cooks quickly and has a delicate texture; look for dry-packed, not water-added scallops for best searing.

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• Old Bay Seasoning, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Classic seafood spice blend that adds warmth and depth to the scallops.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic and savory undertones to enhance the scallops' natural sweetness.

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• Butter or Olive Oil: Helps conduct heat, adds richness, and ensures even coating of seasonings; butter provides additional flavor while olive oil offers a lighter option.
• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: Prevents scallops from sticking to air fryer basket and ensures easy release after cooking.

Mastering Air Fryer Scallops in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Scallops

Remove any side muscle from scallops using a sharp knife. Rinse under cold water and thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season Scallops

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Old Bay seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper

Gently toss until scallops are evenly coated with seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare Air Fryer

Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Arrange scallops in a single layer without overlapping.

Step 4: Cook Scallops

Place basket in air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip scallops halfway through cooking time. Scallops are ready when they turn tender and opaque with a golden exterior.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer cooked scallops to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicate, perfectly cooked seafood.

Secrets to Juicy, Tender Scallops Every Time

• Pat Dry Perfectly: Remove excess moisture completely with clean paper towels to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior when air frying.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Space scallops evenly in a single layer to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization on all sides.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for a slight translucent center and opaque edges- overcooking makes scallops tough and rubbery.
• Season Strategically: Gently coat scallops with seasoning just before cooking to help spices adhere and prevent moisture buildup.
• Use Fresh Scallops: Select fresh, clean-smelling scallops with a slightly moist, pearly white appearance for the best flavor and texture.

Air Fryer Scallops Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent air fryer scallops bring ocean-fresh flavors to your dinner plate with minimal effort. Perfectly golden and delicate, these tender seafood gems offer a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sea scallops

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 small cloves)

Cooking Fat:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil)

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Instructions

1. Inspect the scallops and remove any tough side muscle using a sharp knife for clean preparation.
2. Thoroughly rinse the seafood under cold water, then meticulously dry each scallop with paper towels to ensure optimal searing.
3. Transfer the scallops into a mixing bowl and incorporate melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
4. Gently toss the ingredients, ensuring each scallop is uniformly coated with the aromatic seasoning blend.
5. Prepare the air fryer basket by lightly coating with cooking spray or placing a parchment liner to prevent sticking.
6. Carefully arrange the seasoned scallops in a single, non-overlapping layer within the basket to promote even heat circulation.
7. Configure the air fryer to 400°F and cook the scallops for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, totaling 8-10 minutes of cooking time.
8. Monitor the scallops closely, looking for a tender, opaque appearance and light golden exterior as indicators of perfect doneness.
9. Once cooked, remove the scallops immediately to prevent overcooking and preserve their delicate texture.

Notes

• Remove the side muscle from scallops to ensure tender, smooth texture and prevent chewiness.
• Thoroughly pat scallops dry to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming in the air fryer.
• Use melted butter or olive oil to enhance flavor and help seasonings adhere to the delicate seafood.
• Arrange scallops in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee even cooking and crispy exterior.
• Flip scallops midway through cooking to develop uniform color and prevent uneven heat distribution.
• Check doneness by ensuring scallops are tender, opaque, and have a light golden-brown crust without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 274mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 50mg