Cooking scallops in the air fryer is a fast, foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy seafood without having to hover over a smoky stovetop skillet. Because scallops cook exceptionally fast, the air fryer’s intense circulating heat locks in their natural juices in under 10 minutes.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large sea scallops (fresh, thawed if frozen, and ideally “dry-packed” without added salt solutions)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or kosher salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional seasoning twist: A pinch of Cajun seasoning, old bay, or lemon pepper
- For serving: Melted garlic butter and fresh lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Inspect the scallops to make sure the small, tough side muscle (adductor muscle) has been removed. Rinse the scallops gently, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Place the dry scallops into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil or melted butter, tossing gently to coat. Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper (or your preferred seasoning blend) over the scallops, tossing again to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange the seasoned scallops in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or crowd each other. (Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small).
- Cook at 390°F–400°F for 5 to 7 minutes total. If desired, you can flip them carefully around the 3-to-4-minute mark. The scallops are done when they turn opaque white throughout and feel firm yet tender.
- Transfer the cooked air fryer scallops to a serving plate immediately. Drizzle with warm garlic butter and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
Notes
Look for “dry” sea scallops at the seafood counter, as “wet” scallops are treated with a sodium solution that forces them to release excess water while cooking. Do not overcook, as scallops transition from perfectly tender to tough and rubbery quickly. Keep a close eye on them during their final 2 minutes in the air fryer.
Nutrition
Calories: ~130 kcal · Total Fat: 6g · Saturated Fat: 1.5g · Cholesterol: 40mg · Sodium: 380mg · Total Carbohydrates: 1g · Dietary Fiber: 0g · Sugars: 0g · Protein: 18g
