Air-Fryer Sea Scallops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Sea scallops are a luxurious meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. They are larger than bay scallops, which makes them great for air frying and less likely to be overcooked. Sea scallops are also naturally packed with protein and have very little fat. They can be seasoned with lemon pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. They are best served with a light and refreshing side dish such as a salad or pasta.

How to cook sea scallops in an air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, and it's especially crucial when cooking scallops, as they are prone to becoming rubbery if overcooked. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you ensure that your scallops cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious, well-cooked dish.

When preheating your air fryer to 400°F, it's essential to allow sufficient time for the appliance to reach the desired temperature. Depending on the model and brand of your air fryer, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to upwards of 5 minutes. It's important to refer to your air fryer's user manual or instructions to determine the exact preheating time required for your specific model.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare the scallops. Start by patting the scallops dry with a paper towel. Removing any excess moisture is crucial, as it helps ensure that your scallops develop a crispy texture during cooking. After patting them dry, season the scallops generously with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, or even garlic powder to add flavour to your scallops.

Additionally, you can use this preheating time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that will accompany your scallops. Scallops pair well with light and refreshing side dishes, such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta. For an extra flavour boost, consider making a garlic herb butter or a lemon butter sauce to drizzle over your scallops before serving.

Pat scallops dry and season

To make juicy and tender sea scallops in an air fryer, it is important to pat the scallops dry before seasoning them. Use a paper towel to pat them dry. This step is crucial as any remaining liquid on the scallops will create steam in the air fryer, making them soft and not crispy.

After patting the scallops dry, season them generously. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, and salt-free lemon pepper seasoning on both sides of the scallops. You can also add smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a spicy, smoky kick. Alternatively, you can use Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or Italian seasoning. If you want to add a crunchy texture to your scallops, coat them in breadcrumbs before seasoning. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs.

For a more straightforward approach, season the scallops with salt, pepper, and oil. You can also add some minced garlic to the oil to infuse it with flavor. Brush some butter over the scallops before cooking for an extra layer of flavor.

Cook for 5-7 minutes

Now it's time to cook the scallops! Place the seasoned scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Set the air fryer to 390-400˚F and cook for 5-7 minutes. For thicker scallops, you may need to add an extra minute of cooking time. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the scallops. You can use tongs to do this gently and avoid removing the coating if you have used one.

While the scallops are cooking, you can make a lemon butter sauce by melting butter with garlic, lemon zest, and chives in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

You will know the scallops are done when they are golden brown and slightly firm at the edges. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the scallops have reached an internal temperature of 125-145˚F.

Flip halfway through

Flipping scallops halfway through the cooking process is an important step in ensuring they cook evenly. The timing of the flip depends on the total cooking time and the size of the scallops. For example, if the total cooking time is 6 minutes, flip the scallops after 3 minutes. If cooking for 7 minutes, flip halfway through at the 3-minute and 30-second mark.

When flipping the scallops, use a pair of tongs to gently grip each scallop. This will help to avoid removing any coating. Tongs are a useful tool to have on hand when air-frying scallops, as they allow for easy flipping and removal from the air fryer.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the scallops. Smaller bay scallops will cook faster and may become rubbery if overcooked, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. On the other hand, thicker scallops may require an additional minute of cooking time.

Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking scallops. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate properly and cook each scallop evenly.

Serve with lemon and butter

Air Fryer Scallops with lemon and butter are a delicious and quick meal that can be served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. The scallops are seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked in the air fryer for 6-7 minutes. While the scallops are cooking, you can make a lemon butter sauce by melting butter with garlic, lemon zest, and chives in a saucepan over medium heat. The scallops are then served with the lemon butter drizzled on top and a side of your choice.

To make the lemon butter sauce, start by zesting a lemon and juicing half of it. Slice the other half into rounds for serving. Combine 4 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set this aside.

Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Place the scallops in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The scallops are done when they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Once the scallops are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle the lemon butter sauce on top. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped parsley over them for added freshness. Serve the scallops with the sliced lemon rounds and your choice of side dish. Some side dish options include a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

This recipe is perfect for those who love the flavor of shellfish but don't want to deal with the grease and mess of traditional frying. It's quick, tender, and succulent, and the lemon butter sauce adds a delicious complement to the delicate scallops.

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