Tillie Doyle
Scallops are a delicious seafood treat, but cooking them can be intimidating. Luckily, air fryers provide a quick, easy, and fail-proof way to cook scallops to perfection. With an air fryer, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and flavourful scallops without the mess and grease of traditional frying. In just a few minutes, you can have restaurant-quality scallops with a slightly seared exterior and a tender bite, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 5-10 minutes |
| Temperature | 390-400°F |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, lemon pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper |
| Sauce | Butter, chives, lemon, parsley, garlic |
| Scallop type | Sea scallops, bay scallops, king scallops, queen scallops |
| Scallop size | Smaller/medium scallops are sweeter and cook more evenly |
| Scallop preparation | Pat dry, remove side muscle, spritz with cooking spray |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 2 days, freeze for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer scallops with chive lemon butter
Yes, you can cook scallops in an air fryer! This method of cooking scallops is quick, easy, and healthy. It also reduces the grease associated with frying.
Ingredients:
- Scallops (preferably large and fresh)
- Butter (unsalted or salted)
- Chives
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Parsley (optional)
Method:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400˚F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place the scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. If your scallops are very thick, you may need to add an extra minute to the cooking time.
While the scallops are cooking, make the chive lemon butter sauce. Melt butter in a small skillet or saucepan with garlic, lemon zest, and chives. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Remove the scallops from the air fryer and plate them. Drizzle the chive lemon butter sauce over the scallops and serve immediately.
You can also serve these scallops with rice, pasta, or your favourite roasted or steamed vegetables. Drizzle some extra chive lemon butter over the sides to bring the whole dish together. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Sea scallops with lemon pepper seasoning
Yes, you can cook scallops in an air fryer. Sea scallops with lemon pepper seasoning is a tasty and quick dish that can be served as an appetizer, lunch, dinner, or snack. It is also low carb and can be made in under 10 minutes.
To make sea scallops with lemon pepper seasoning in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400˚F. Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and salt-free lemon pepper seasoning on both sides. Place the scallops in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the scallops are done, they should be slightly golden and firm to the touch. Remove them from the air fryer and toss them with some softened butter.
You can also add other seasonings and ingredients to this dish, such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or parsley. Some people also like to serve their scallops with a lemon butter or chive lemon butter sauce. If you want to add a sauce, you can make it while the scallops are cooking. Simply melt some butter in a small skillet with garlic, lemon zest, and chives. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant. Drizzle the sauce over the scallops before serving.
When choosing scallops for this recipe, look for ones that are bright white and tender to the touch. Avoid any that are slimy or discolored. If you are using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
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How to air fry frozen scallops
Yes, you can cook scallops in an air fryer! It's a quick, simple, and healthy way to prepare scallops, and you can go from frozen to a golden, tender, and juicy scallop in just a few minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to air fry frozen scallops:
Prepare the Scallops:
Start by patting the frozen scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps to achieve a beautiful sear and prevent the scallops from becoming waterlogged. You can also thaw the frozen scallops overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes if you have more time.
Season the Scallops:
Drizzle olive oil over the scallops and toss to coat. Then, sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the scallops. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or other spices and herbs of your choice.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set the air fryer to 390-400°F (198-204°C). It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. This should take around 5 minutes.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray or oil to prevent the scallops from sticking. Make sure the basket is hot before adding the scallops.
Cook the Scallops:
Place the seasoned scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking. Air fry for 7-8 minutes for large sea scallops, flipping them halfway through. The scallops are done when they are slightly caramelized on the outside and opaque, with a golden sear and a tender texture. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the scallops tough and rubbery.
Serve:
Serve the scallops immediately with a lemon wedge on the side. You can also drizzle them with melted butter, chive lemon butter, or a simple butter sauce made with ghee, chives, garlic, and lemon zest. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried scallops!
Storing and Reheating:
You can store leftover scallops in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a stovetop skillet over medium-low heat or pop them back into the air fryer at 350-390°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
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How to reheat cooked scallops
Yes, you can cook scallops in an air fryer! Not only that, but it's also a great way to reheat cooked scallops.
To reheat cooked scallops in an air fryer, start by ensuring that the scallops have been stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than two days. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, arrange the leftover scallops in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even heating.
Place the scallops in the preheated air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. The goal is to reheat them and restore their crispiness without further cooking. After 2-3 minutes, check the scallops for doneness. They should be heated through and have regained some of their original crispiness. If necessary, cook them for an additional minute, but be cautious not to overcook, as scallops can become rubbery when reheated excessively.
Once heated to your satisfaction, remove the scallops from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sauces or side dishes.
You can also reheat scallops on the stovetop over medium-low heat in a skillet, or in the oven, with careful temperature control.
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Air fryer scallops with pasta
Air fryers are a great way to cook scallops, and they can be served with pasta for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Here is a recipe for air fryer scallops with pasta:
Ingredients:
- Scallops (fresh or frozen)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Lemon pepper seasoning (or Cajun seasoning/chipotle seasoning)
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Chives (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
- Lemon (optional)
- Parsley (optional)
- Your choice of pasta
Method:
- If your scallops are frozen, be sure to thaw them in your refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400˚F.
- Rinse and pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is important, as it ensures the scallops will be crispy rather than soft.
- Season the scallops generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon pepper seasoning (or your chosen alternative). You can also add a coating of oil for extra crispness.
- Grease an air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking time and texture.
- Air fry at 400˚F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Smaller bay scallops will take less time to cook, so adjust accordingly.
- While the scallops are cooking, prepare your pasta according to the packet instructions.
- Once the scallops are golden brown and slightly firm at the edges, they are ready to be served.
- Remove the scallops from the air fryer and brush with more butter. You can also sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon juice.
- Plate the scallops with your chosen pasta and enjoy!
Tips:
- Scallops are best served with light and refreshing side dishes to avoid overpowering their natural flavor.
- When choosing scallops, look for ones that are bright white and tender to the touch.
- Avoid overcooking the scallops, as they will become rubbery.
- Leftover scallops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook scallops in an air fryer.
It takes between 5 to 10 minutes to cook scallops in an air fryer.
First, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Then, grease an air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the scallops inside. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air-fried scallops can be served with a simple butter sauce using ghee, chives, garlic, and lemon zest. They can also be served with lemon wedges, pea puree, crispy bacon pieces, and potatoes.
