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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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