Air-Fried Scallops: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryer scallops are a quick and easy dish to make, with most recipes taking under 10 minutes to cook. They are also healthy, being packed with protein and containing very little fat. The first step is to pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and then season them with salt and pepper. You can also add butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley to taste. After this, place the scallops in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking time and texture. Once they are golden brown and slightly firm at the edges, they are ready to be served.

Choosing the right scallops

Freshness and Quality

Look for scallops that are bright, white, and tender. Avoid those that appear slimy or discoloured. Check for any signs of deterioration, such as ice crystals, freezer burn, or broken seals if buying frozen scallops. Fresh scallops should have a sweet aroma with a hint of the sea. Avoid any with a strong fishy odour. Opt for scallops that are firm, freshly washed, and dry to the touch.

Type of Scallops

The two most common types of scallops are bay scallops and sea scallops. Bay scallops are smaller, sweeter, and more tender, while sea scallops are larger, firmer, and slightly saltier. Sea scallops are typically used in restaurants and are ideal for pan-searing, grilling, and baking. Bay scallops, on the other hand, are perfect for quick-cooking methods like sautéing and broiling.

Source and Sustainability

Consider the source and sustainability of the scallops. Diver scallops, which are harvested by scuba divers, are more sustainable but pricier. Dayboat scallops, harvested by dredging, can be more harmful to the ocean floor. Choose farmed or U.S. wild-caught scallops to ensure sustainability.

Wet vs. Dry Scallops

Dry scallops are the preferred choice for chefs and home cooks. Wet-packed scallops are treated with a sodium-based brine, which impacts their flavour and makes them harder to cook properly. Dry scallops are untreated and will give off very little water, resulting in a better sear.

Size

If using bay scallops, which are smaller, reduce the cooking time accordingly. Sea scallops, being larger, will take longer to cook.

By considering these factors when choosing scallops, you can ensure that your air-fried scallops turn out juicy, tender, and flavourful.

Preparing the scallops

Next, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. This step is important as any remaining moisture can create steam in the air fryer, affecting the texture of the scallops. Once dry, you can season the scallops. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is effective, but you can also add other seasonings like Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or garlic powder for extra flavour. You can also brush the scallops with butter before cooking to add richness.

After seasoning, it's time to cook the scallops. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. While it's preheating, you can prepare a butter or oil-based sauce to cook the scallops in. For example, a mixture of butter, garlic, lemon zest, and chives can be used to cook the scallops and also serve as a sauce. Place the scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have space around them. You may need to cook the scallops in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Cook the scallops for around 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time will depend on your preference for doneness, but generally, scallops are cooked when they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. An instant-read thermometer can also be used to check the internal temperature, which should be around 125-130°F for perfectly cooked scallops.

Once cooked, you can serve the scallops with your choice of sauce or seasoning. They go well with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Scallops are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Cooking the scallops

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you're using an air fryer basket, spray it with cooking spray. If you're using an oven model, line the mesh trays with aluminium foil. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the side muscle with your fingers if you prefer—it's edible but a little tougher than the rest of the scallop.

Brush the scallops with butter, then season them with salt and pepper, and perhaps some paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper. Place the scallops in the air fryer, ensuring they're in a single layer with space between each scallop.

Air fry for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The scallops are cooked when they're golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. You can also check their internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer—they're cooked when they reach 125-130°F.

Once the scallops are cooked, brush them with more butter and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges or slices.

Making a sauce

While the scallops are cooking in the air fryer, you can make a sauce to serve with them. Here are some ideas:

Chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce

Combine 1 tablespoon of ghee (or grass-fed butter) with 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of minced chives, and the zest of 1/2 a lemon in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Drizzle the sauce over the scallops and serve with lemon wedges.

Lemon-herb sauce

Combine 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, 2 teaspoons of finely chopped capers, 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the scallops.

Tartar sauce

Serve your air fryer scallops with a side of tartar sauce.

Garlic butter

Make garlic butter by whisking one tablespoon of minced garlic with butter. Brush this over the scallops before cooking.

Serving suggestions

Scallops are best served with a light and refreshing side dish to avoid overpowering their natural flavour. Some good options include a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

If you're serving scallops as a main course, four to six scallops per person is typical. For a light and quick dinner, scallops can be served with a side of pasta or salad.

For a more substantial meal, scallops can be served with rice and green beans, or with roasted potatoes and asparagus. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try serving them with mashed purple sweet potatoes.

If you're cooking for a crowd, it's best to cook the scallops in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can affect the cooking time and texture.

For an extra flavour boost, try serving your air fryer scallops with a simple butter sauce using ghee, chives, garlic, and lemon zest.

For a fancier meal, scallops can be wrapped in bacon or served with a side of creamy coleslaw and tartar sauce.

If you're short on time, a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper is all the seasoning you need. However, if you want to get creative, there are plenty of other seasoning options to explore. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper will give your scallops a spicy, smoky kick, while Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning are classic choices.

For a fun flavour twist, marinate the scallops in sauces like eel sauce or bulgogi sauce before air-frying.

And finally, don't forget that scallops are best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer while they're still hot!

Frequently asked questions