Air-Fryer Scallops

Delicious restaurant-quality scallops are now super easy to make at home! Anyone who loves seafood will absolutely adore these perfectly cooked scallops. The best part is they’re ready in just 20 minutes using your trusty air fryer.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Prep Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 20 minutes, Serves: 2 people, Yield: 8 scallops.

Nutrition Profile: Low-Carb, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 348 Calories, 30g Fat, 5g Carbs, 14g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sea Scallops: You’ll need 8 large sea scallops, about 1 ounce each, cleaned and patted very dry. Make sure they’re super dry – this is the secret to getting that beautiful golden color!

Ground Pepper: Just ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper adds the perfect amount of warmth. Freshly ground pepper tastes even better if you have it.

Salt: A tiny ⅛ teaspoon of salt is all you need. This brings out the natural sweetness of the scallops beautifully.

Cooking Spray: Any cooking spray works great here. This keeps the scallops from sticking to your air fryer basket.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: You’ll use ¼ cup for the amazing herb sauce. Good quality olive oil really makes a difference in flavor here.

Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped very finely adds such fresh flavor. Regular parsley works too if that’s what you have on hand.

Capers: 2 teaspoons of very finely chopped capers give a wonderful tangy pop. You can find these in the pickle section of your grocery store.

Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest brings bright citrus notes. Use a microplane grater if you have one for the finest zest.

Fresh Garlic: ½ teaspoon of finely chopped garlic adds just the right amount of savory flavor. One small clove should do it perfectly.

How to Make Air-Fryer Scallops

Step 1: Sprinkle your scallops evenly with pepper and salt. Coat your air fryer basket with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Place the seasoned scallops in the basket. Give them a light coat of cooking spray on top too.

Step 3: Cook the scallops at 400°F for about 6 minutes. They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 120°F.

Step 4: While the scallops cook, combine the olive oil, parsley, capers, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Mix everything together well.

Step 5: Once the scallops are done, drizzle that amazing herb sauce right over the top. Serve immediately while they’re hot!

Easy and Quick Air-Fryer Scallops Version

Want to make this even faster? You can skip making the herb sauce and just squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked scallops! Use about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of dried herbs if you have them. This shortcut version is still absolutely delicious and saves you about 5 minutes of prep time.

Serving Ideas

These scallops make a complete meal when served over creamy risotto or buttery pasta. For lighter options, try them over a fresh green salad or with roasted vegetables. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up that flavorful herb sauce!

Storage

Store leftover scallops in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a sealed container. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook them when reheating or they’ll get tough.

Substitutions

No capers? Try finely chopped olives or pickles instead. You can swap the parsley for fresh chives or dill. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Regular olive oil works fine if you don’t have extra-virgin on hand.

Pro Tips

• Dry is key: Pat those scallops super dry with paper towels for the best golden color
• Don’t overcrowd: Make sure scallops aren’t touching in the air fryer basket
• Check doneness: Scallops should be slightly translucent in the center when done
• Make sauce ahead: The herb sauce can be made up to 4 hours in advance

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops?

You bet! Just make sure to thaw them completely first and pat them extra dry. Frozen scallops often have more moisture, so take extra time drying them with paper towels.

What if my scallops are different sizes?

No worries! Smaller scallops will cook faster, so check them at 4 minutes. Larger ones might need an extra minute or two. Just watch for that golden color and 120°F internal temperature.

Can I double this recipe?

Sure! Just make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in two batches for the best results.

What’s the best way to clean scallops?

Remove the side muscle (it looks like a small flap) and rinse them under cold water. Then pat them completely dry – this step is super important for getting that nice golden crust!

I hope you love these air-fryer scallops as much as my family does! They’re such an elegant yet easy dinner option. Let me know how yours turn out – I love hearing about your cooking adventures!