Air-Fryer Scallops: Perfect Timing For Tender Scallops

Air fryers are a great way to cook scallops, yielding juicy, tender, and flavourful results in just a few minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of scallop and whether they are fresh or frozen. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how long to air fry scallops, offering tips and tricks for achieving the best results.

How to cook scallops in an air fryer from frozen

Ingredients

• Scallops (sea or bay)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Lemon
• Parsley
• Garlic (optional)

Method

• Rinse the frozen scallops under cold water to remove any frost.
• Dry the scallops thoroughly with paper towels.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
• Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Place the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
• Set the air fryer to 390-400°F and cook for 6 minutes.
• Flip the scallops and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are opaque and slightly golden.
• Remove the scallops from the air fryer and brush with melted butter.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips:

• If using bay scallops, reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes per side as they are smaller.
• Make sure to pat the scallops dry before cooking to ensure they get crispy.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can affect the cooking time and texture.
• Scallops are cooked when they are opaque all the way through and have an internal temperature of 125-130°F.

How to serve scallops cooked in an air fryer

Preparation

Before cooking, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and trim any connective tissue. If you are using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them in your refrigerator overnight.

Seasoning

You can season the scallops with salt and pepper, or get creative with spices and sauces. Some suggestions include smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or soy sauce. You can also brush the scallops with butter before cooking to add richness and help with crisping.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F (198-204°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the scallops in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving

Scallops are best served hot and freshly cooked. They go well with rice or noodles, especially with a teriyaki sauce. You can also serve them with a pea puree, crispy bacon pieces, and potatoes, or over pasta with a light butter or lemon sauce. For a low-carb option, serve them over garlic parmesan zucchini noodles.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve with lemon slices or lemon juice on the side.

Storage and Reheating

Scallops are best consumed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, use the air fryer, stovetop, or microwave until warm.

How to store and reheat air-fried scallops

To store your air-fried scallops, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Once the scallops have cooled to room temperature, place them in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

To reheat your scallops, simply place them in the air fryer or microwave until warm. If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes.

How to know when scallops are cooked in an air fryer

To know when scallops are cooked in an air fryer, look for the following signs:

• Internal temperature: Scallops are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of between 125°F and 130°F (51.6°C and 54.4°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check this.
• Appearance: The scallops should be opaque all the way through.
• Texture: They should also feel firm to the touch.

Scallops are prone to overcooking and becoming rubbery, so it's important to keep an eye on them while they're cooking.

• Pat the scallops dry before cooking to prevent steaming and ensure they become crispy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can affect the cooking time and texture.
• Avoid cooking scallops in their shells, as the juices can pool and cause the scallops to boil.
• Rinse frozen scallops under cold water to remove any surface frost before cooking.

How to prepare scallops before air frying

Preparing scallops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this shellfish without the mess of deep frying or pan-searing. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare scallops before air frying:

Choosing the Scallops

Firstly, choose scallops that look bright, white and tender. Avoid any that are slimy or discoloured. Scallops come in different sizes, from small bay scallops to larger sea or king scallops. The size you choose will depend on your preference, but smaller scallops tend to cook more evenly and are naturally sweeter.

Defrosting Frozen Scallops

If you are using frozen scallops, you will need to defrost them before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. If you are short on time, you can place the frozen scallops in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.

Preparing the Scallops

Once your scallops are defrosted, it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as any remaining moisture will create steam in the air fryer, resulting in soft, rather than crispy scallops.

Next, you should remove the tough side muscle from the scallops. This muscle is edible but can be a little tougher than the rest of the scallop. Simply pull it off with your fingers and discard it.

Seasoning the Scallops

At this stage, you can season the scallops with salt and pepper, or get creative with other seasonings. Some popular options include lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, chipotle seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. You could also try making a garlic butter by whisking minced garlic into the butter and brushing it onto the scallops.

Breaded Scallops

If you want to add a crispy breading to your scallops, dip them in melted butter, then roll them in a mixture of cracker crumbs, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning. Make sure the scallops are completely coated before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking the Scallops

Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the scallops in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.

Cooking time will depend on the size of your scallops, but generally, they will take around 5-10 minutes. For bay scallops, 3 minutes should be enough, while larger sea scallops may need up to 6 minutes. Flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Your scallops are ready when they are opaque all the way through and feel firm to the touch. The internal temperature should be around 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving the Scallops

Air fryer scallops can be served as an appetizer, lunch, dinner, or snack. They go well with a variety of sides, such as creamy coleslaw, tartar sauce, rice, green beans, roasted potatoes, or asparagus. For a fancy touch, serve them with sliced lemon and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley.

Frequently asked questions