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    Home » Seafood Recipes

    Aug 19, 2024

    Air Fryer Scallops

    Published on Aug 19, 2024. Updated on Sep 5, 2024. By Tayo. This post may contain affiliate links. See Disclosure. Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    Air Fryer Scallops pinterest

    These air fryer scallops make a great seafood side dish or appetizer. This simple recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, and the results are always tender and delicious.

    Air Fryer Scallops ready to eat

    ❤️ Why you'll love it

    Air-fried scallops are absolutely packed full of flavor and take very little time to prepare. You don't need oil or butter to cook them, and you only need a few simple ingredients and spices.

    These scallops are much faster than pan-frying them on the stovetop. So, if you want a delicious seafood meal but don't want to spend a pretty penny at your local seafood restaurant, try making these air fryer scallops!

    🥘 Equipment Used

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    You can use any conventional air fryer on the market, though you might have to cook in more batches if your air fryer is small.

    My favorite brand is Ninja Air Fryer. You can also use a Ninja Foodi, which I've really come to love as it crisps up so fast! Of course, you can use any air fryer you have in your kitchen.

    🧾 Ingredients Used

    ingredients to make scallops in air fryer
    • Large scallops: You can use fresh or frozen scallops. If using frozen, you may want to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before preparing them for the air fryer. You can get scallops from your local grocery store or a seafood market.
    • Olive oil cooking spray: you can also use avocado oil spray.
    • Spices: garlic powder, cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
    • Optional garnish: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes.

    🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Scallops

    This easy air fryer recipe is ready in no time.

    1. Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
    2. Season the scallops with the spices.
    3. Spray the air fryer with olive oil, then place the scallops in it and arrange them in a single layer.
    4. Air fry for 6-8 mins, shaking the basket halfway.
    5. Garnish and enjoy!
    how to make scallops in air fryer

    🥫 Storing and Reheating

    Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the scallops on a baking sheet and bake at 350F until they reach your desired temperature.

    You can also air fry them again, but you may need to spray more oil as the scallops will likely be drier. Use tongs when handling hot scallops so you don't burn yourself.

    💭 Expert Tips

    • If you are using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them completely before air frying.
    • You can also try pan-searing the scallops before finishing them in the air fryer.
    • If you don't have an air fryer, you can easily make this recipe in your oven instead. Just bake at 400F for 8-10 minutes.
    • Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel before adding the seasonings so that they adhere well.
    • You can use a small sheet of parchment paper in your air fryer during the cooking process for easy cleanup.

    Recipe Variations

    • Add some melted butter and old bay seasoning for a richer flavor.
    • Try this homemade creole seasoning instead if you don't have cajun seasoning.
    • Serve your scallops with garlic butter, lemon zest, or lemon juice and fresh dill for extra flavor.
    • If desired, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish.
    • Try coating the scallops in some pork rind crumbs before air frying for a more crunchy texture.
    • If you are following a low-carb diet, try serving the scallops with roasted vegetables or a salad as a side dish.
    scallops cooking in the air fryer

    🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?

    These easy air fryer scallops are excellent as an appetizer or snack. However, you can also serve them as a main course with some delicious low-carb sides for a complete meal. 

    Some of my favorite simple sides to serve with a scallop dinner include mashed cauliflower, air fryer frozen okra, and instant pot steamed vegetables.
    These scallops also make a tasty Valentine's Day appetizer!

    👩‍🍳 Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you know when scallops are done in an air fryer?

    Don't wait for the scallops to have a golden brown crust to indicate they are done because they might not brown in the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to be sure the scallops have an internal temperature of about 130F.

    Can you put frozen scallops in an air fryer?

    Yes, you can. It will just take a bit longer to cook than fresh scallops. Place the frozen scallops directly into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400F on the air fryer setting, and flip halfway for about 10 minutes. Just check the temperature when finished cooking to make sure they are well done. If not entirely done, cook them for a few more minutes.

    📚 Related Recipes

    Check out these other air fryer recipes!

    Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Air Fryer Green Beans

    Air Fryer Pork Belly

    Air Fryer Cornish Hen

    Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage

    Air Fryer Scallops in a white plate

    📖 Recipe

    scallops made in air fryer

    Air Fryer Scallops

    These air fryer scallops make a great seafood side dish or appetizer. This simple recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, and the results are always tender and delicious.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    Course: Appetizers and side dishes
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 13 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 83kcal
    Author: Tayo Oredola

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb scallops large
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • olive oil spray
    • fresh parsley optional, garnish
    • red pepper flakes optional, garnish

    Instructions

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
    • Wash and pat dry the scallops.
      1 lb scallops
    • Season the scallops with the spices.
      1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt
    • Spray the air fryer with olive oil, then place the scallops in the air fryer and arrange them in a single layer.
      olive oil spray
    • Air fry for 6-8 mins, shaking the basket halfway.
    • Garnish and enjoy!
      fresh parsley, red pepper flakes

    Notes

    • If you are using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them completely before air frying.
    • You can also try pan-searing the scallops before finishing them in the air fryer.
    • If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can easily make this recipe in your oven instead. Just bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
    • Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel before adding the seasonings so that they adhere well.
    • You can use a small sheet of parchment paper in your air fryer during the cooking process for easy cleanup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 1027mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 252IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
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    tayo oredola

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