Air-Fryer Scallops: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Cooking frozen scallops in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and delicious way to enjoy this seafood delicacy. Here's a simple guide on how to make juicy and tender scallops in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. While the air fryer is heating up, pat the frozen scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a perfect sear.

Next, drizzle the scallops with olive oil or brush them with melted butter, and season generously with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of garlic for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to arrange the scallops in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, leaving some space between each scallop to allow proper air circulation and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

Cook the scallops for 5-8 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the scallops and your desired level of doneness. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Once done, remove the scallops from the air fryer and serve immediately. They taste best right after cooking. You can serve them with lemon wedges, melted butter, or your favourite dipping sauce.

How to cook frozen scallops in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

Before cooking, pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps to ensure that your scallops get a beautiful sear.

Step 2: Season the Scallops

Drizzle the scallops with olive oil and season them with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like lemon zest, garlic, paprika, or herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance their flavor. Toss the scallops gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for 2-5 minutes. This step ensures that your scallops cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Arrange the Scallops 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 to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Scallops

Cook the scallops in the preheated air fryer for 5-8 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness. For smaller bay scallops, they will be ready quicker than larger sea scallops. Flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and a golden brown exterior.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and slightly caramelized on the outside. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. The ideal internal temperature for perfectly cooked scallops is between 115°F to 130°F.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Scallops are best enjoyed right after cooking to savor their delicate texture and flavor. They can become rubbery if left to cool for too long.

By following these steps, you will be able to cook frozen scallops in your air fryer, resulting in a delicious and perfectly cooked seafood dish.

Pat scallops dry and season

To make frozen scallops in an air fryer, start by patting the scallops dry with a paper towel. This step is important, as any remaining moisture can prevent the scallops from crisping up.

Next, season the scallops. A simple combination of salt and pepper is enough, but you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also marinate the scallops in sauces like eel sauce or bulgogi sauce for a fun twist. Drizzle the scallops with olive oil and toss them gently to ensure an even coating of oil and seasoning.

Now your scallops are ready for the air fryer!

Oil and air-fry for 5-8 minutes

Now that your scallops are prepared and seasoned, it's time to air-fry them to perfection! Here's a detailed guide on the air-frying process:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps develop a crispy exterior on your scallops.
• Arrange the Scallops: Place the seasoned scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Air-Fry: With the scallops nicely arranged, it's time to air-fry! Cook the scallops for 5-8 minutes, depending on their size and your desired doneness. For a perfect sear, it's crucial to flip them halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and attain that desirable golden brown colour.
• Monitor Doneness: Keep a close eye on your scallops as they cook. They are done when they turn opaque and slightly caramelized on the outside. Be cautious not to overcook them, as this can make them tough and rubbery. The internal temperature of perfectly cooked scallops should reach around 120°F (49°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Your air-fried scallops are now ready to be served and enjoyed! For an extra burst of flavour, consider squeezing some fresh lemon juice over them or serving them with a side of garlic butter. Bon appétit!

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an important step in cooking scallops in an air fryer, as overcooked scallops can become tough and rubbery. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your frozen scallops are perfectly cooked:

• Visual Inspection: Scallops are typically done when they turn opaque and develop a slight caramelization or golden brown colour on the outside. The edges should be lightly golden, and the flesh should be cooked through but still tender.
• Temperature Check: Using an instant-read thermometer, ensure the scallops reach an internal temperature of 120°F to 130°F. This is the ideal range to guarantee tender, juicy scallops.
• Prevent Overcooking: Scallops cook quickly and continue to cook even after being removed from the air fryer due to carryover cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, especially if you are cooking a large batch or have varied scallop sizes.
• Doneness by Feel: Properly cooked scallops will have a slightly firm texture and should not be rubbery or mushy. They should yield slightly when pressed but should not be too soft.
• Rest and Recheck: After removing the scallops from the air fryer, let them rest for a minute or two. During this time, carryover cooking will increase the internal temperature slightly. Then, check the temperature again to ensure they are within the ideal range.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out perfectly. Cooking scallops in an air fryer requires some practice to master. Adjust your timing and temperature slightly based on your air fryer model and the size of your scallops.

Serve immediately

Scallops are best enjoyed straight after cooking to savour their delicate texture and flavour. They can become rubbery if left to cool for too long.

• Rice and green beans
• Roasted potatoes and asparagus
• Mashed purple sweet potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Green beans
• Rice
• Pasta
• Salad
• Dipping sauces like tartar sauce or lemon-garlic aioli

You can also serve them with a simple butter sauce using ghee, chives, garlic and lemon zest.

Frequently asked questions