Air Fryer Magic: Frozen Scallops, Perfectly Cooked

Cooking frozen scallops in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and healthy way to prepare this seafood delicacy. The air fryer's high-speed hot air circulation cooks the scallops evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can transform frozen scallops into a succulent and impressive dish. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking frozen scallops in an air fryer, from preheating the appliance and preparing the scallops to the cooking time and temperature settings. We will also offer tips and tricks for ensuring perfect results and suggestions for serving and storing your air-fried scallops.

How to season scallops

Seasoning scallops is a simple process and can be done in a variety of ways. Firstly, it is important to pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will ensure that the scallops get a good sear in the air fryer.

A basic seasoning can be achieved with just salt and pepper, or lemon pepper seasoning. You can also add some butter to the scallops before cooking for extra flavour. For a more complex flavour profile, you could try adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a spicy, smoky kick. Alternatively, Cajun seasoning and Old Bay seasoning are classic choices.

If you want to get creative, you can marinate the scallops in sauces such as eel sauce or bulgogi sauce. You can also make garlic butter by whisking minced garlic with butter and coating the scallops in this mixture.

When placing the scallops in the air fryer, ensure that they are in a single layer with space between each one, so that they cook evenly and the hot air can circulate properly.

How to cook scallops from frozen

Air-frying frozen scallops is a quick, convenient, and efficient way to enjoy this seafood delicacy without the hassle of thawing or extensive cooking times. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook scallops from frozen:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes. This ensures that the scallops cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can melt a tablespoon of butter in a small bowl in the microwave or a small heatproof bowl in the air fryer.

Prepare the Scallops

While the air fryer is heating up, pat the frozen scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial in achieving a perfect crispy texture, as moisture can lead to steaming instead of searing.

Season the Scallops

Drizzle the scallops with olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, or your choice of spices, herbs, or marinades. Toss them gently to ensure an even coating. For a dairy-free option, you can use a neutral oil instead of butter.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this allows proper air circulation for even cooking and a crispy texture.

Air Fry

Cook the scallops in the preheated air fryer for 5-8 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness. For frozen scallops, it is recommended to add an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. Flip the scallops halfway through to ensure an even sear on both sides.

Serve

Scallops are cooked when they are slightly golden and firm to the touch. Remove them from the air fryer basket, and brush with additional butter if desired. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon juice.

Tips

• You can reheat scallops in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes, but they may not be as good as freshly cooked.
• If you prefer a crispier outer texture, you can slightly thaw the scallops in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cooking, which will also help them cook more evenly.
• Scallops are naturally packed with protein and have very little fat. They are also a great source of vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

How to reheat cooked scallops

While you can reheat cooked scallops in the microwave, it is not the best option as it can make the scallops soggy and unevenly heated. The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating scallops and maintaining their crispy texture.

Firstly, ensure your scallops are stored correctly in an airtight container and refrigerated for no more than two days.

To reheat your scallops in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) or 390°F, depending on the source. While the air fryer is preheating, arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

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 and restore their crispiness without further cooking. 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 for an additional minute, but be cautious not to overcook, as scallops can become rubbery when reheated excessively.

Once heated to your satisfaction, remove the scallops from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sauces or side dishes.

How to cook scallops without a tough texture

To cook scallops without a tough texture, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to start with high-quality scallops that are bright, white, and tender. If using frozen scallops, thaw them under refrigeration or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the scallops by drizzling them with oil and seasoning them with salt and pepper, or lemon pepper for extra flavour. You can also marinate the scallops in sauces like eel sauce or bulgogi sauce to add a fun twist. Additionally, you can coat the scallops with butter and breading for a crispy texture.

When the air fryer is preheated, place the scallops in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and leaving space between each scallop. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the scallops evenly. Air fry the scallops for 5-8 minutes for large sea scallops or slightly less for smaller bay scallops, flipping them halfway through. The scallops are done when they are opaque and have a slight caramelization on the outside. Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as this can make them tough.

Finally, serve the scallops immediately while they are still hot. You can brush them with additional butter and sprinkle them with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice for extra flavour. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, tender scallops!

How to cook scallops without a gritty texture

To cook scallops without a gritty texture, it's important to start with the right kind of scallops. Bay scallops, for example, are known to be gritty and have a strong fish taste. Sea scallops, on the other hand, are renowned for their sweetness and flavour.

When preparing your scallops, make sure to remove the side muscle, as this part of the scallop can retain sand and is also tough and chewy. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this is key to achieving a good sear. You can then season the scallops with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices.

If you're cooking your scallops in an air fryer, a quick drizzle of oil will help with browning and locking in moisture. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and spread the scallops out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the scallops are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Alternatively, you can sear your scallops in a skillet. Heat up the skillet until it's very hot, then add some cooking spray. Place the scallops in the pan, ensuring they have enough space to avoid steaming each other. Sear for about 2 minutes on each side, flipping them over and searing for an additional 1-2 minutes. The scallops are done when they are browned on both sides and firm to the touch.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, tender scallops without a gritty texture.

Frequently asked questions