Air-Fryer Scallops: The Perfect Temperature For Succulent Results

Cooking scallops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this seafood dish. With a variety of seasoning options, scallops can be cooked in an air fryer in under 10 minutes, making them a convenient and tasty meal. The key to achieving the perfect texture and taste is to ensure the scallops are patted dry before cooking, and to cook them at the right temperature for the right amount of time.

Recommended cooking time

The recommended cooking time for scallops in an air fryer varies depending on the scallop size and the number of scallops being cooked.

For a single layer of scallops, the recommended cooking time is between 5 and 10 minutes. It's important to flip the scallops halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking a larger batch of scallops, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will help to ensure that the hot air can circulate properly and cook each scallop evenly.

The cooking time will also depend on the desired level of doneness. For scallops that are golden brown and slightly firm, a shorter cooking time of around 5 to 7 minutes is recommended. For scallops that are fully cooked with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), a longer cooking time of 9 to 10 minutes is suggested.

Additionally, the type of scallop used can impact the cooking time. Bay scallops, for example, are smaller and may cook faster, so they require closer monitoring to prevent overcooking. Fresh, unfrozen sea scallops, on the other hand, may take a bit longer, around 5 to 6 minutes, to achieve a golden brown and opaque appearance.

It's worth noting that the recommended cooking time may also vary depending on the specific air fryer model and its temperature settings. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on the scallops during the cooking process to prevent overcooking, as this can result in a chewy or rubbery texture.

How to prevent overcooking

To prevent overcooking your scallops in the air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always pat the scallops dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as any remaining liquid will create steam in the air fryer, making the scallops soft instead of crispy.

Secondly, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the scallops in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding can affect the cooking time and texture, leading to inconsistent results.

Thirdly, be mindful of the cooking time and temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking scallops in an air fryer between 350°F and 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the size of your scallops. For larger sea scallops, 5 to 7 minutes is usually sufficient. For smaller bay scallops, reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes to avoid overcooking. If using frozen scallops, you may need to add about 3 minutes to the total cooking time or thaw them completely before cooking.

Finally, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the scallops. The ideal temperature range for perfectly cooked scallops is between 125°F and 145°F. Once they reach this temperature, remove them from the air fryer to prevent overcooking.

Seasoning and coating

When it comes to seasoning and coating your scallops, there are several options to choose from. A simple and classic approach is to season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or lemon pepper to enhance the flavour.

For a more complex flavour profile, you can coat the scallops in a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings. This can be done by dipping the scallops in melted butter first and then rolling them in the breading mixture until they are completely coated. You can use different types of breadcrumbs, such as Italian or panko, and season the mixture with garlic powder, seafood seasoning, or cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

Another option is to skip the breadcrumbs and make a lemon butter sauce to coat the scallops. This sauce can be made by mixing lemon juice, lemon zest, oil, and garlic. This will give the scallops a fresh and tangy flavour.

It is important to pat the scallops dry before adding any seasoning or coating. This will ensure that the seasoning sticks to the scallops and helps to create a crispy texture when cooked.

Additionally, you can brush the scallops with butter before or after cooking for added flavour and moisture.

Storing and reheating

To freeze cooked scallops, wait for them to cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in a shallow container and store them in the freezer. Frozen scallops can be stored for up to two months.

When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. You can use an air fryer, a microwave, or a pan. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the scallops for 2 to 3 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy. This method is especially suitable for breaded scallops. If using a microwave, start with 30 seconds and then continue with 10-second bursts until the scallops are hot enough. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them, although the exact instructions for this method are not provided. Reheated scallops may not taste as good as freshly cooked ones, but these methods will help you get close to that delicious, tender, and juicy texture and flavor.

If you are cooking frozen scallops, you can use the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the scallops for about 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Remember to add about 3 minutes to the cooking time to compensate for their frozen state, or thaw them completely before cooking for the usual time.

Internal temperature

The ideal internal temperature for scallops cooked in an air fryer is between 125 and 145 °F. The scallops should be cooked for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on their size and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Frozen scallops should be cooked for 3 minutes longer than fresh scallops, or they should be thawed completely before cooking for the usual time. Bay scallops, which are smaller, should be cooked for 3 minutes to avoid overcooking. Fresh, unfrozen sea scallops take about 5 minutes in the air fryer at 390 °F to cook all the way through. They are done when they are opaque and golden brown with a firm yet tender texture.

To check the internal temperature of the scallops, use an instant-read thermometer. The scallops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 125-130 °F. If using a meat thermometer, the ideal temperature is 115 °F.

It is important to note that overcooking scallops can result in a chewy and dry texture. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to the suggested cook time of 8 to 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions