Air Fryer Scallops

Tender, juicy, and perfectly seared, these Air Fryer Scallops are a fast and foolproof way to enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home. With a golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth center, they’re ready in under 15 minutes and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether served as an elegant appetizer or a light dinner, this recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – From prep to plate in just 15 minutes.
Beautifully Cooked – Golden exterior with a tender, buttery inside.
Healthy – Minimal oil and no breading make this a lean seafood option.
Flavorful – Lightly seasoned to enhance the natural sweetness of scallops.
Versatile – Great with rice, pasta, salad, or veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Scallops:
1 lb large sea scallops (about 10–12), thawed if frozen
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (optional, for a hint of color)

For Serving:
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Garlic butter or a simple lemon-butter drizzle (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Paper towels
Mixing bowl
Tongs
Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Scallops

1. Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels—this is key for a golden sear.
2. If they have the small side muscle attached, gently remove and discard it.
3. In a bowl, toss scallops with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Lightly oil the basket or tray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Scallops

1. Place scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
2. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Scallops are done when they’re opaque and springy to the touch, with a golden crust.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs.
2. Optional: Drizzle with melted garlic butter for extra richness.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Scallops
Dry Thoroughly – Moisture is the enemy of browning, so pat well with paper towels.
Use Large Scallops – They cook more evenly and stay juicy inside.
Don’t Overcrowd – Give them space to brown properly.
Check Early – Air fryers vary, so start checking at 6 minutes.
Serve Immediately – Scallops are best fresh and warm.

Serving Suggestions
Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or risotto.
Pair with a fresh arugula or citrus salad.
Toss into pasta with lemon-garlic olive oil.
Add to a grain bowl with quinoa and roasted vegetables.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
Stovetop: Lightly reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil.
Microwave: Not recommended, as it may overcook and toughen the scallops.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen scallops?
   Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.
2. Do I need to marinate them?
   Not necessary—simple seasoning brings out their natural flavor.
3. What’s the best dipping sauce?
   Garlic butter, lemon aioli, or a simple citrus vinaigrette are all excellent.
4. Can I bread them for extra crunch?
   Yes! Lightly coat with seasoned panko before air frying for a crispy texture.
5. Are bay scallops okay to use?
   They’re smaller and cook faster—reduce cook time to 3–4 minutes.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Scallops are the perfect way to enjoy elegant, delicious seafood with minimal effort. Quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or fancy date nights at home. Give them a try, and you’ll see just how easy gourmet cooking can be—right in your air fryer.

Try this recipe and share your favorite pairings—I’d love to see how you make these tender scallops shine!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American with Coastal Influence

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 190 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 420mg

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