Air-Fried Scallops: A Quick, Crispy Delight

If you're a seafood lover, you'll definitely want to try making fried scallops in an air fryer. Not only is it a quick and easy way to cook scallops, but it also results in tender, juicy, and flavorful scallops without the mess and grease of traditional frying. In this article, we'll walk you through the simple steps to make delicious air-fried scallops, along with some tips and serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Choosing the right scallops

Freshness and Quality:

Look for scallops that appear bright, white, and tender. Avoid any scallops that seem slimy or discoloured, as these may not be fresh. Opting for the freshest scallops available is ideal, but if you're not located near the coast, frozen scallops are a good alternative. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Size:

Scallops come in different sizes, such as bay scallops and sea scallops. For more even cooking and a sweeter taste, choose smaller or medium-sized scallops. However, if you prefer larger scallops, go for sea scallops, but keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Texture:

When selecting scallops, choose those that are tender to the touch. This texture indicates that the scallops are fresh and of good quality. Stay away from scallops that feel slimy, as this could be a sign of deterioration.

Dry Scallops:

For this particular recipe, it is recommended to choose dry scallops from your market. Dry scallops are typically more affordable by weight. They should be firm and smell fresh. If you can't find dry scallops, frozen scallops can be used as well, but be sure to thaw them before cooking.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Scallops are highly perishable, so it's best to cook them within one or two days of purchase. If you need to store them for a more extended period, freezing is recommended. To freeze scallops, place them in a shallow container and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

Remember to pat dry the scallops with a paper towel before cooking, as any excess moisture can affect the cooking process and texture. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right scallops for your air-fried scallop dish!

Seasoning and coating

Choosing the Right Scallops:

Before you start seasoning, it's important to select the right scallops. Look for scallops that are bright, white, and tender. Avoid any that appear slimy or discoloured. If you're using bay scallops, keep in mind that they are smaller and will require a shorter cooking time.

Patting Dry:

Before you begin seasoning, it's crucial to pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will ensure that the scallops cook evenly and develop a nice crust. This step is often overlooked but is essential for achieving the desired texture.

Salt and Pepper:

Salt and pepper are the basic seasonings you'll need for your scallops. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of the scallops. This will enhance the natural flavour of the scallops without overpowering them.

Other Seasoning Options:

While salt and pepper are essential, you can also experiment with additional seasonings to add extra flavour to your scallops. Some popular options include:

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
• Cajun seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Chipotle seasoning

Coating with Oil:

After seasoning, coat the scallops lightly with oil. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the scallops and also promotes even cooking. You can use a variety of oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil.

Optional Coatings:

For an extra layer of flavour and texture, you can coat your scallops with a breading or batter before placing them in the air fryer. One option is to dip the scallops in melted butter and then roll them in a mixture of crushed buttery crackers, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning. This creates a delicious, crispy coating.

Final Touches:

Once your scallops are cooked, you can add some final touches to enhance their flavour. Consider topping them with garlic herb butter, lemon juice, or a drizzle of chive lemon butter sauce. These additions will elevate the taste and make your scallops truly mouthwatering.

Air fryer settings

To make fried scallops in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, usually between 390–400°F. The exact temperature will depend on your air fryer model and the specific recipe you're following, so always check the instructions for your air fryer and recipe.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's important to prepare the air fryer basket. Most recipes recommend spraying the basket with cooking spray to prevent the scallops from sticking. Some recipes also suggest greasing the basket generously with cooking oil.

When arranging the scallops in the air fryer basket, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. Place the scallops in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the scallops in batches.

The cooking time for fried scallops in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the scallops and the desired level of doneness. On average, scallops will take around 5–7 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but larger scallops may take up to 10 minutes. It's important to flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

To check if the scallops are done, look for a golden brown colour and a slightly firm texture. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be between 125–130°F for medium-rare to medium doneness.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for fried scallops in an air fryer is generally agreed upon by sources to be around 400°F (200°C). However, there is some variation, with one source suggesting 390°F (198°C).

For the cooking time, there is a range of suggestions. One source recommends cooking scallops for 9 to 10 minutes, while another suggests 5 to 7 minutes. A third source says to cook scallops for 3 minutes on each side, and a fourth source suggests 6 minutes, flipping after 3 minutes. It is worth noting that the cooking time will depend on the size of the scallops, with smaller scallops requiring less time. Bay scallops, for example, are recommended to be cooked for 3 minutes instead of 6. It is also important not to overcook scallops, as they can become rubbery. They are ready when they are golden brown and slightly firm at the edges. An instant-read thermometer can be used to check if they have reached an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C).

Serving suggestions

Air-fried scallops are best served with a light and refreshing side dish to avoid overpowering their delicate flavour. Scallops are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, lunch, dinner, or snack.

A simple green salad is a great option to accompany the scallops, keeping the dish light and fresh. You could also try roasted vegetables, such as crispy Brussels sprouts or spicy-sweet roasted broccolini. Mashed potatoes or pasta are other good choices, but be sure to avoid anything too heavy or rich, as this will affect the taste of the scallops.

For a more substantial meal, serve the scallops with rice and your favourite steamed or roasted vegetables. Drizzle some extra chive lemon butter over the rice and vegetables to bring the whole dish together.

If you're looking for an appetizer to serve before the scallops, caprese bruschetta is a great option. It's a creamy take on the classic Italian recipe and is sure to impress your guests.

For a special date night meal, scallops are a perfect choice. Serve them with a light butter sauce or lemon sauce and a side of linguine. You could also try a classic risotto as a side dish for a touch of elegance.

Don't forget to add some garlic herb butter or lemon juice to your scallops for an extra flavour boost!

Frequently asked questions