Air-Fried Scallops: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking scallops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. It's a simple method that yields restaurant-quality scallops with a slightly seared exterior and tender bite. The key to success is patting the scallops dry before cooking, coating them in a bit of oil, and ensuring the air fryer basket is not overcrowded. Seasoning is also important – a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning and garlic salt will do the trick, or you could use lemon pepper seasoning and coat them in butter. You can serve air-fried scallops with a simple salad or your favourite dipping sauce.

Choosing the right scallops

Freshness and Quality:

First and foremost, always aim for the freshest scallops available. Look for scallops that are firm to the touch, have a sweet aroma reminiscent of the ocean, and exhibit a bright yellow or orange hue. These characteristics indicate optimal freshness and quality. Don't hesitate to ask your fishmonger to assist you in selecting and inspecting the scallops.

Dry-Packed Scallops:

Opt for dry-packed scallops, which are free of additives and have not been treated with water and chemicals to increase their weight and shelf life. Dry-packed scallops are preferred by chefs and savvy home cooks alike, as they yield a superior sear and minimise shrinkage during cooking. Remember to pat the scallops dry before cooking, regardless of whether they are dry-packed or wet-packed.

Sustainability:

When it comes to sustainability, it's best to choose farmed scallops or U.S. wild-caught scallops. Avoid contributing to over-harvesting by steering clear of scallops that show signs of discoloration, ice crystals, or oxygen exposure. Freezer burn or broken seals on frozen scallops are red flags, indicating potential deterioration in quality due to oxygen exposure.

Size:

Scallops come in various sizes, such as bay scallops and sea scallops. Bay scallops are smaller and found in shallow waters, while sea scallops are larger and harvested from deeper waters. Size doesn't equate to quality, but it does impact price. Sea scallops, also known as diver scallops, tend to be more expensive due to their larger size.

Male vs. Female Scallops:

Male and female scallops differ in colour, with male scallops displaying the classic white hue, while female scallops exhibit a bright pinkish-peach tone. However, when cooked, there is no discernible difference in taste between the two.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to choosing the right scallops for your air fryer creation. Remember to use your senses, inspect for freshness, and consider the sustainability and size of the scallops to ensure the best results for your culinary endeavours.

Preparing the scallops

Choosing the Right Scallops:

Start by selecting the right type of scallops. Sea scallops are larger and ideal for air frying, while bay scallops are smaller and better suited for salads. Choose sea scallops that have a nice sheen, avoiding any that look dull or have a strong fishy smell. Ensure they are firm to the touch and not mushy.

Thawing Frozen Scallops:

If you're using frozen scallops, it's best to thaw them before cooking. The recommended method is to place them in the refrigerator overnight to defrost slowly. If you're short on time, you can also place the frozen scallops in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.

Rinsing and Drying:

Once you have your scallops, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as moisture can affect the cooking process and the final texture of the scallops.

Removing the Side Muscle:

Sea scallops often have a small muscle attached to their side, which is edible but can be a bit tougher than the rest of the scallop. To ensure the best texture, it's recommended to remove this muscle by simply pulling it off with your fingers.

Seasoning:

Now it's time to season your scallops. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like Old Bay, Cajun, lemon pepper, or blackened seasoning. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic salt or minced garlic for extra flavour.

Coating (Optional):

For an extra crispy texture, you can coat your scallops before air frying. One option is to dredge them in melted butter, followed by a coating of breadcrumbs (Italian or panko). Make sure to pat the scallops dry before coating to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 390-400°F and preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step ensures your scallops cook evenly and efficiently.

Arranging the Scallops in the Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the scallops in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded and have enough space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and cook the scallops evenly.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your scallops and your air fryer model. As a general guideline, cook the scallops at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For smaller bay scallops, reduce the cooking time to 3-4 minutes.

Checking for Doneness:

Scallops are cooked when they turn opaque and have a firm yet tender texture. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check their internal temperature, which should be between 125-130°F when done.

Remember to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and always keep an eye on your scallops while they're cooking to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your perfectly prepared air-fried scallops!

Cooking the scallops

To cook scallops in an air fryer, start by patting the scallops dry with a paper towel. If your scallops have a small muscle on the side, you can remove it by pulling it off with your fingers, but this is not necessary as it is still edible.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, spritz or spray the scallops with oil or butter and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like Cajun seasoning, chipotle seasoning, paprika, or garlic salt.

Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the scallops in the air fryer, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook the scallops for 6-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The scallops are done when they are opaque all the way through and have a light golden brown colour around the edges.

While the scallops are cooking, you can make a butter sauce to serve with them. Melt butter in a small skillet and add ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, and chives. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

When the scallops are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the butter sauce on top and serve immediately.

Making a sauce

While the scallops are in the air fryer, you can make a sauce to go with them. Here are some ideas:

Chive Lemon Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a small skillet with garlic, lemon zest, and chives. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant. Drizzle over the scallops and serve.

Garlic Butter Sauce

Combine ghee, garlic, lemon zest, and chives in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Drizzle over the scallops and serve with lemon wedges.

Lemon-Herb Sauce

Combine extra-virgin olive oil, very finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped capers, finely grated lemon zest, and finely chopped garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle over the scallops.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer scallops are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, main course, or even tossed into pasta. Here are some ideas to elevate your scallop dish:

• Salads and Vegetables: Scallops pair well with light and refreshing side dishes such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans.
• Starch: For a heartier meal, serve scallops with mashed potatoes, rice (like a nice linguine or jasmine rice), or even lemon couscous.
• Dipping Sauces: Take your scallops to the next level with a side of garlic butter for dipping or drizzling. You can also serve them with a classic tartar sauce or a homemade Chipotle sauce.
• Bread: For a crunchy texture, serve your scallops with air fryer hush puppies or even some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious garlic butter.
• Corn: For a summery feel, pair your scallops with Cajun corn on the cob.
• Appetiser: Scallops can be served as a tasty appetiser before a main course. Try them with a glass of sparkling wine or a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Frequently asked questions