Air-Fryer Scallops: Perfectly Cooked In Just Minutes

Air fryer scallops are a quick and easy dish to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time. They are just as good as classic pan-seared scallops, with the added benefit of being healthier and less greasy. The cooking time for scallops in an air fryer depends on the type of scallops being used and the desired level of doneness, but generally ranges from 5 to 15 minutes. By following a few simple steps, you can easily cook juicy and tender scallops that are seasoned to perfection.

How long do you cook scallops in an air fryer?

Cooking times for frozen scallops

Frozen scallops can be cooked in an air fryer, but they will need to be cooked for longer than fresh scallops. One source recommends cooking frozen scallops for about 4 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for another 3 minutes. Another source suggests cooking frozen scallops for about 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you want to thaw frozen scallops before cooking them, you can do so by following these steps: Take the frozen scallops out of the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Once they are thawed, you can cook them in the air fryer at 390 degrees F for about 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

The cooking time for frozen scallops in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the scallops and the desired level of doneness. It is important to note that scallops should not be overcrowded in the air fryer basket as this can affect the cooking time and texture.

When cooking frozen scallops in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are properly thawed and dried before cooking. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and don't become rubbery. It is also important to preheat the air fryer before adding the scallops, as this will help ensure that they cook properly and don't stick to the basket.

Pre-heating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your scallops cook evenly and efficiently, and it can also impact the taste and texture of your final dish. Here is a comprehensive guide to pre-heating your air fryer for cooking scallops.

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a consistent instruction across many recipes and is considered the ideal temperature for cooking scallops. The preheating process should only take a few minutes, so it is a quick step that makes a big difference to your cooking. It is important to note that this temperature is for fresh scallops, and if you are using frozen scallops, you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time.

The reason preheating is so important is that it ensures your scallops cook evenly. Scallops are delicate and prone to overcooking, so achieving an even cook is crucial to getting the right texture. An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, and if the air is not hot enough from the start, your scallops may cook too slowly or unevenly. This can result in a rubbery or chewy texture, which is not desirable for this type of seafood.

Additionally, preheating helps to ensure your scallops are cooked safely. By bringing the air fryer up to the correct temperature, you can be sure that your scallops will reach the necessary internal temperature to be safe to eat. This is especially important for seafood, which can carry a higher risk of foodborne illness if undercooked.

Finally, preheating your air fryer can also impact the taste of your scallops. A preheated air fryer will help to create a crispy exterior on your scallops, which is often desired in this style of cooking. It also helps to ensure that any seasonings or coatings you have applied will stick to the scallops and not fall off during cooking.

In conclusion, preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is a crucial step in cooking scallops. It ensures even cooking, food safety, and can impact the taste and texture of your final dish. By following this guide, you can be sure that your scallops will turn out perfectly every time.

Spices and seasonings

While some prefer to keep the seasonings simple when cooking scallops in an air fryer, you can also jazz them up with different spices and seasonings.

Some recipes suggest seasoning scallops with salt and pepper, along with salt-free lemon pepper seasoning. You can also add paprika for a kick of spice. Before cooking, brush some butter over the scallops. After cooking, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and serve with sliced lemon.

For a more complex flavor, you can marinate the scallops in sauces like eel sauce or bulgogi sauce. You can also infuse garlic by making garlic butter with minced garlic.

If you want to add a crunch to your scallops, you can lightly bread them with Italian breadcrumbs. To do this, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Then, dredge each scallop through melted butter, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.

Other spices and seasonings you can use include:

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning
• Chipotle seasoning

Serving suggestions

Air fryer scallops can be served as an appetiser or a main course. They can be tossed into pasta with olive oil or butter, or served with rice, lemon couscous, potatoes, green beans, and asparagus. They also pair well with a simple salad or your favourite dipping sauce, such as homemade Chipotle sauce.

For a light and refreshing side dish, consider roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Scallops can also be served with a pea puree, crispy bacon pieces, and potatoes.

If you're looking for a complementary main dish, scallops go well with pasta, risotto, or rice. They can also be served on top of salads or with simple veggies, such as air fryer asparagus, carrots, or sliced potatoes.

For a fancier option, scallops are great for canapes or starters, especially during the holidays. They can be served with a side of garlic butter for dipping or drizzling, or with creamy coleslaw and tartar sauce.

Reheating scallops

To reheat scallops in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175-180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, arrange the leftover 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 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. The goal is to reheat the scallops without further cooking them. 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 them, as scallops can become rubbery when reheated excessively.

You can also reheat scallops in the microwave until warm, or bake them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. However, the air fryer is the best option to retain the crispy texture of the scallops.

Frequently asked questions