Air-Fryer Scallops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Scallops are a delicious seafood treat, but cooking them can be intimidating. The air fryer is a great way to cook scallops to perfection every time, and it's quick and easy. You can season them with salt, pepper, and paprika, or get creative with sauces and spices. They can be served as a main with pasta or rice and vegetables, or as a starter or canape.

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 impressive. It's a great way to get perfectly cooked scallops every time.

Ingredients:

• Scallops (fresh or frozen)
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Chives
• Lemon
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking spray

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 and pepper on both sides. Place the scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove the scallops from the air fryer and plate them. Drizzle the chive lemon butter over the scallops and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If using frozen scallops, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• For smaller bay scallops, reduce the cooking time.
• Avoid overcooking the scallops as they will become rubbery.
• Serve with rice, roasted or steamed vegetables, or a classic risotto on the side.

How to season scallops for the air fryer

To season scallops for the air fryer, start by patting them dry with a paper towel. Scallops should be bright white and tender to the touch, so avoid slimy or discoloured ones. Next, season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Some recipes call for lemon pepper seasoning, which can be found in most grocery stores.

If you want to get creative, you can make a butter sauce to brush on the scallops after they're cooked. One option is to combine butter, ghee, garlic, lemon, and chives in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then drizzle over the cooked scallops. You can also sprinkle the scallops with finely chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon juice.

Scallops are best served immediately after cooking, but if you have leftovers, store them in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warm.

How long to cook scallops in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook scallops in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of scallop you are cooking and whether they are frozen or not.

If you are cooking frozen scallops, you will need to cook them for a little longer. One source recommends cooking frozen scallops for 4 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking them for another 3 minutes. Another source recommends cooking frozen scallops for 3 minutes longer than you would cook fresh scallops.

For fresh scallops, the cooking time will depend on the type of scallop you are using. Sea scallops are larger than bay scallops. Therefore, bay scallops will cook faster and may only need 3 minutes in the air fryer. Sea scallops may need 6 minutes in the air fryer, flipping them after 3 minutes. Other sources suggest cooking scallops for 5–7 minutes, 8–10 minutes, or 9–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

You can tell if scallops are cooked as they will be golden brown and slightly firm at the edges. They should also be opaque and have an internal temperature of 115°F–145°F.

Frozen scallops in the air fryer

Frozen scallops can be cooked in an air fryer and it is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. It is a healthy option, as scallops are packed with protein and have very little fat. They also contain high levels of vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

To cook frozen scallops in an air fryer, first, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important, as any remaining liquid will create steam in the air fryer, making the scallops soft instead of crispy. Then, season the scallops. You can sprinkle them with salt and pepper, or try something more complex, like lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a spicy, smoky kick. You can also coat the scallops in butter before adding any seasonings.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 390 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Place the scallops in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it, as this can affect the cooking time and texture.

Cook the scallops for around 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For smaller frozen scallops, 5 minutes may be sufficient, while larger scallops may need up to 8 minutes. The scallops are done when they are golden brown and slightly firm at the edges. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become rubbery. You can use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the scallops reach an internal temperature of 125-130°F.

Finally, brush the cooked scallops with more butter and sprinkle them with finely chopped parsley. Serve with sliced lemon and enjoy!

Reheating scallops in the air fryer

Reheating scallops in an air fryer is a great way to retain their crispy texture and delicious flavour. It is recommended to reheat scallops in an air fryer or stovetop instead of a microwave, which can make them soggy and unevenly heated.

To reheat scallops in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, arrange the scallops in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even heating. Place the scallops in the preheated air fryer and cook for 2-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. The goal is to reheat the scallops without further cooking them. After 2-5 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 them, as scallops can become rubbery when reheated excessively.

You can also reheat scallops wrapped in bacon in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bacon-wrapped scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes, checking them halfway through. The cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and the size of the scallops. Once heated through and the bacon is crispy, remove the scallops from the air fryer and serve immediately.

When reheating scallops in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the scallops, as well as the air fryer's wattage. It is recommended to use a thermometer to monitor the scallops' internal temperature during reheating, which should reach 125-130°F, to safeguard against overcooking.

Reheated scallops are versatile and can be served with various sides or incorporated into dishes such as pasta, salads, or soups. You can also experiment with different seasonings, sauces, or herbs to enhance their flavour.

Frequently asked questions