Air Fryer Bay Scallops: Quick Cooking Guide

Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops, making them better suited for stews or gumbos. However, they can also be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time for bay scallops in an air fryer varies depending on the source, with some recipes suggesting 3 minutes, others 5 minutes, and some even up to 8 minutes. The key to cooking bay scallops in an air fryer is to avoid overcooking them, as they can become rubbery.

Cooking time: 3-8 minutes depending on the size of the scallops

Cooking time for bay scallops in an air fryer depends on their size. Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops, so they take less time to cook. They can be cooked in as little as 3 minutes, but some recipes suggest cooking them for up to 8 minutes.

One recipe recommends cooking bay scallops in an air fryer for 3 minutes, while another suggests 6 minutes for sea scallops. Fresh, unfrozen sea scallops take about 5 minutes in the air fryer at 390 degrees F to cook all the way through. Frozen scallops may take a little longer, with one source recommending 4 minutes, then flipping and cooking for another 3 minutes.

It's important to keep an eye on bay scallops while they're cooking, as they can cook too quickly and become rubbery. They should be cooked until they are opaque and golden brown with a firm yet tender texture.

Temperature: 390 degrees F

If you're cooking bay scallops in an air fryer, it's important to keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook. Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops, so they cook much faster and can become rubbery if overcooked.

At 390 degrees F, fresh, unfrozen sea scallops will take about 5 minutes to cook all the way through. They should be opaque and golden brown with a firm yet tender texture.

Bay scallops will take less time to cook than sea scallops. One source recommends cooking bay scallops for 3 minutes instead of 6 minutes, while another suggests cooking them for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If your scallops are frozen, you will need to cook them for a little longer. Try air frying them for about 4 minutes, then flipping them and air frying for another 3 minutes.

Texture: Firm yet tender

Scallops are a great choice for air frying due to their size and texture. When cooked correctly, scallops will have a firm yet tender texture.

Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops, so they require less time in the air fryer. They can cook too quickly and become rubbery if not watched closely. It is recommended that bay scallops are cooked for 3 minutes, as opposed to the 6 minutes required for sea scallops.

Frozen scallops will also take longer to cook. It is recommended that frozen scallops are cooked for 4 minutes, flipped, and then cooked for a further 3 minutes.

To achieve a firm yet tender texture, it is important not to overcook the scallops. They should be cooked until they are opaque and golden brown. This will usually take 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of the scallops and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Seasoning: Cajun, lemon pepper, blackened, Old Bay, or chipotle

When cooking bay scallops in an air fryer, it's important to keep in mind that their small size means they cook much faster than larger sea scallops. While sea scallops can take up to 5 or 6 minutes to cook in an air fryer, bay scallops are typically done in 3 to 4 minutes. This shorter cooking time helps prevent overcooking, which can make bay scallops rubbery.

When it comes to seasoning, there are several options to consider. Cajun seasoning offers a bold, spicy kick, while lemon pepper adds a tangy, citrusy note. Blackened seasoning provides a charred, smoky flavour, and Old Bay is a classic blend of herbs and spices that pairs well with seafood. Chipotle seasoning contributes a smoky, slightly spicy taste.

To use these seasonings with bay scallops in an air fryer, simply combine the scallops with your chosen seasoning, along with a small amount of olive oil, in a bowl. Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed, then transfer the scallops to the air fryer basket. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the scallops are opaque and golden brown with a firm yet tender texture.

For a spicier dish, you can also try a combination of smoked paprika, chilli powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This blend of seasonings will give your bay scallops a more intense flavour that pairs well with the mild sweetness of the scallops.

Serving suggestions: Pasta, risotto, or rice

Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter than sea scallops, so they're better suited for stews or gumbos. They can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as three minutes, but some recipes suggest cooking them for up to eight minutes.

When serving bay scallops with pasta, risotto, or rice, you could try a spicy recipe. Combine bay scallops, smoked paprika, chilli powder, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl, then stir until evenly combined. Transfer to the air fryer basket and cook for around eight minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

For a simpler recipe, season your bay scallops with salt-free lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or chipotle seasoning. Air fry for three minutes, then serve with your choice of pasta, risotto, or rice.

If you're using frozen scallops, you'll need to cook them for a little longer – try air frying for four minutes, then flipping and cooking for another three minutes.

Frequently asked questions