Air-Fryer Breaded Clams: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

If you're craving breaded clams but don't want the hassle of deep-frying, then an air fryer is your answer. You can cook breaded clams in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, with minimal preparation and no need for oil. The result is a delicious, crispy and tender treat that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The convenience and speed of cooking breaded clams in an air fryer make it a quick and easy option for a satisfying meal or snack.

Cooking time and temperature

When it comes to cooking breaded clams in an air fryer, the temperature and timing will depend on whether you are cooking frozen or fresh clams, and whether they are stuffed or in strips.

For frozen, breaded clam strips, cook from frozen—do not thaw first. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 3 minutes. Then, place the frozen clam strips in the air fryer basket and cook for 9–10 minutes. Halfway through, remove the basket and toss the clam strips to ensure even cooking. You can spray some oil on the strips at this point if you want a crispier texture.

If your clam strips are fresh (not pre-breaded), the cooking time will be slightly longer, at about 10 minutes. The process remains the same: preheat the air fryer, place the clam strips in the basket, and halfway through, flip the strips and spray with oil.

For frozen, breaded, and stuffed clams, the cooking time is a little longer than for strips. Place the frozen stuffed clams in the air fryer basket and cook for 12–15 minutes at 370°F (188°C). You don't need to defrost them first, and there is no need to cover the bottom of the basket with an air fryer liner. Shake the basket after 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

It is important not to overcook stuffed clams, as they will become dry. If you are unsure if they are cooked, use a digital thermometer—seafood should be at least 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked. If you have thawed the stuffed clams before cooking, they will cook much faster—5–6 minutes at 390°F (199°C).

Using frozen vs. fresh clams

Frozen and fresh clams can be cooked in an air fryer, but there are some differences in the preparation and cooking time.

Using Frozen Clams

Frozen clams are a convenient option for air frying as they can be cooked directly from frozen, without the need for defrosting. This helps to reduce the overall cooking time and ensures a crispy texture. It is important to note that frozen clams should not be thawed before cooking, as this can lead to a watery end product.

When using frozen clams, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the frozen clams by spraying some oil on the air fryer basket or using an air fryer liner. The clams are then arranged in a single layer in the basket to ensure even cooking.

The cooking time for frozen breaded clams in the air fryer can range from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the brand and your desired level of crispness. It is important to shake the basket several times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Using Fresh Clams

If you are using raw clam strips or bellies, the preparation may differ slightly. Fresh clams are typically already breaded by the store or company, but they need to be cooked. When using fresh clams, it is recommended to spray some cooking spray on them before placing them in the air fryer to ensure a crispy texture.

The cooking time for fresh clams may be longer than that of frozen clams. The temperature setting for fresh clams is typically around 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cooking time can range from 6 to 10 minutes. As with frozen clams, it is important to shake the basket during the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Both frozen and fresh clams can be successfully cooked in an air fryer, with frozen clams offering a quicker and more convenient option. The key differences lie in the preparation and cooking time, with frozen clams requiring less preparation and a shorter cooking time. By following the recommended temperatures and cooking times, you can achieve crispy and delicious breaded clams using either frozen or fresh clams.

Oil or no oil

Breaded clams can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil or even with no oil at all.

Some recipes suggest using a spray oil on the air fryer basket or on the clams themselves before cooking. This can help the clams to brown and crisp up. However, other recipes suggest that oil is not necessary, particularly if the clams are frozen and pre-cooked, as they will already have been cooked in oil.

If you are making the breaded clams from scratch, you may want to add a drizzle of olive oil to the clams before placing them in the air fryer. One recipe suggests coating the clams in a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, creole seasoning, and flour before placing them in the air fryer basket.

If you are looking for a healthier option, you can cook the clams without oil. One recipe suggests that you simply place the frozen, pre-cooked, and pre-breaded clams directly into the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes. Another recipe for frozen, stuffed clams suggests cooking for 12-13 minutes with no oil required.

Air frying breaded clams is a quick and easy way to enjoy this dish with less oil and less mess than traditional frying methods.

Seasoning suggestions

Breaded clams cooked in an air fryer can be seasoned and flavoured in various ways. The seasoning can be added to the breading or sprinkled on top of the clams before or after cooking.

A common seasoning mix for breaded clams includes flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add cornmeal to the breading for extra crunch. For a spicy kick, include some paprika or hot sauce. Alternatively, you can drizzle a hot honey sauce over the top of the clams for a sweet and spicy combination.

If you're looking for a pop of flavour, sprinkle some Cajun seasoning or seasoned salt on top of the clams. You can also try Creole seasoning, which is commonly used in Southern Air Fried clams.

For a refreshing contrast, serve your air fryer clams with a side of creamy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad. French fries or potato wedges are also a great pairing, adding a satisfying carb element to the meal.

Side dishes

There are several side dishes that you can serve alongside breaded clams cooked in an air fryer to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:

• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance out the richness of the clams. You can opt for a simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted slices of baguette, brushed with garlic-infused butter, add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the meal.
• Coleslaw: The creamy and tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy texture of the clams.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are a beloved pairing with fried seafood. You can serve classic French fries, potato wedges, or even baby potatoes cooked with garlic butter and dill.
• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, offer a healthy and flavorful side dish to balance the meal.
• Lemon: The tangy freshness of lemon is a classic accompaniment to seafood, brightening up the flavors of the clams.
• Seafood Sauce and Tartar Sauce: These condiments add savory umami depth and a delectable contrast to the crispy, breaded clams.

Frequently asked questions