Crispy Golden Air Fryer Scallops Recipe: Ocean’s Jewels

Cooking scallops to perfection can be tricky, but mastering this delicate air fryer scallops recipe changes everything.

Golden-brown edges and a tender center are within easy reach for home chefs.

These succulent sea treasures cook quickly and beautifully in the air fryer, creating a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Each scallop develops a delightful caramelized exterior while maintaining a silky, luxurious interior.

The secret lies in precise temperature and minimal handling, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of butter are all you need to enhance these ocean gems.

Get ready to impress with a seafood dish that looks and tastes like a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

Total Time: 18-20 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Air Fryer Scallops

• Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps seasonings stick to scallops.
• Olive Oil: Provides a light, heart-healthy alternative to butter with a subtle fruity note.
• Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic depth that complements the delicate seafood.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Introduces a classic maritime spice blend with a zesty kick.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances natural sweetness of scallops and balances overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Offers a warm, slightly spicy undertone to elevate the dish.

• Scallops: Sweet, tender seafood with a delicate texture best when fresh and sustainably sourced.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy scallop release from air fryer basket.
• Parchment Paper: Provides an optional non-stick surface for hassle-free cooking and cleanup.

Tools for Perfect Air Fryer Scallops

• Sharp knife: Essential for removing side muscle from scallops.
• Paper towels: Perfect for thoroughly drying scallops before seasoning.
• Medium bowl: Used for mixing scallops with butter and seasonings.
• Air fryer: Critical for cooking scallops quickly and evenly.
• Cooking spray or parchment paper: Prevents scallops from sticking to basket.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning scallops midway through cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Air Fryer Scallops

• Preparation

Remove any side muscle from scallops and rinse under cold water. Gently pat dry with paper towel to ensure crispy exterior.

• Seasoning Blend

Create a flavor mixture by combining melted butter, garlic, and spices. Gently coat scallops, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.

• Air Fryer Setup

Lightly coat air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange scallops in a single layer without crowding, allowing each piece space to crisp perfectly.

• Cooking Process

Heat air fryer to 400°F. Cook scallops for 6-8 minutes, flipping midway through cooking time. Look for golden-brown edges and translucent center, indicating perfect doneness.

• Serving Suggestion

Transfer scallops immediately to serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for bright, zesty flavor. Enjoy while hot and perfectly crisp.

Tips to Nail Air Fryer Scallops

• Check scallops a minute earlier to avoid rubbery texture; they should be slightly translucent in the center for perfect tenderness.
• Swap Old Bay for Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or a homemade spice mix to create exciting flavor profiles that complement the delicate scallop taste.
• Pair air fryer scallops with creamy risotto, roasted vegetables, or a fresh citrus salad to balance the rich, buttery seafood.

How to Serve Air Fryer Scallops

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair these golden, crispy air fryer scallops with creamy risotto for a luxurious dinner experience.
• Coastal Plate Partner: Serve alongside fresh lemon wedges and a vibrant mixed green salad to balance the rich, buttery seafood flavors.
• Gourmet Side Kick: Complement the scallops with roasted asparagus or garlic-sautéed spinach for an elegant and nutritious meal that highlights the delicate seafood texture.
• Wine & Dine Celebration: Match with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the scallops' delicate marine taste.

Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Scallops

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cooked scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They'll maintain the best texture when consumed quickly after preparation.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare seasoning mixture in advance and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for easy weeknight cooking. This technique saves time and reduces kitchen stress.
• Freezing Friendly: Raw scallops can be frozen for 3 months when placed in a freezer-safe bag with minimal air. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Leftover Love: Repurpose extra air fryer scallops by adding them to salads, pasta dishes, or making seafood tacos. Cold scallops can be gently reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their delicate texture.

Crispy Air Fryer Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Home cooks can master these air fryer scallops with simple techniques for perfectly golden, tender seafood. Restaurant-quality results emerge quickly, delivering delicate oceanic flavors you’ll savor with each bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) sea scallops
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil)
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp minced garlic (about 2 small cloves)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously inspect scallops, removing any tough side muscle with a sharp knife. Rinse under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to ensure optimal searing surface.
2. Seasoning: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Gently coat scallops, ensuring an even distribution of the aromatic blend.
3. Air Fryer Setup: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Arrange seasoned scallops in a single, non-overlapping layer to facilitate uniform heat circulation.
4. Cooking Process: Set air fryer to 400°F and cook scallops for 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Monitor closely, watching for a tender, opaque center and light golden-brown exterior that signals perfect doneness.
5. Serving: Immediately remove scallops from the air fryer to prevent overcooking, preserving their delicate, buttery texture and optimal flavor profile.

Notes

• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of perfect searing, so use paper towels to remove every droplet, creating a crispy golden exterior.
• Season Generously: Coat scallops evenly with butter and spices, ensuring each piece absorbs maximum flavor for a mouthwatering result.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Space scallops in a single layer to allow hot air circulation, preventing steaming and promoting ideal caramelization.
• Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Scallops cook quickly; 4-5 minutes per side is critical to maintain their tender, delicate texture without turning rubbery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg