The Best Air Fryer Scallop Recipes: Quick, Easy & Delicious Seafood!
Craving a gourmet seafood experience without the fuss? Look no further than your air fryer! Scallops, with their delicate texture and naturally sweet flavor, are an absolute dream to cook in this versatile appliance. Gone are the days of constant monitoring over a hot stove or messy oil splatters. With an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly cooked, tender-on-the-inside, and beautifully seared-on-the-outside scallops with minimal effort.
I’ve meticulously curated a collection of the absolute best air fryer scallop recipes to inspire your next culinary adventure. Whether you’re in a rush and need a speedy weeknight meal, or you’re planning an elegant appetizer for guests, this guide has you covered. From cooking scallops directly from frozen to creative flavor combinations and decadent sauces, there’s a recipe here for every palate and occasion. Get ready to transform your seafood cooking and impress everyone with these simple, yet spectacular, air fryer scallop dishes!
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Why Cook Scallops in the Air Fryer?
Air frying scallops is more than just a trend; it’s a superior cooking method that offers distinct advantages over traditional techniques. Here are some compelling reasons why your air fryer is the ideal tool for preparing these delicate mollusks:
Faster Cooking Time
Time is often a luxury in modern kitchens, and the air fryer truly shines here. Scallops cook incredibly fast in an air fryer, typically transforming from raw to perfectly done in a mere 6-10 minutes. This speed significantly beats stovetop searing or oven baking, making it a perfect solution for impromptu appetizers or rapid weeknight dinners when you need something delicious on the table without delay.
Crispy, Golden Exterior
One of the hallmarks of a perfectly cooked scallop is a beautiful, golden-brown crust. The air fryer excels at this, thanks to its powerful circulating hot air. It creates a wonderfully crispy outer texture that mimics deep-frying or a perfectly seared cast-iron finish, but without the need for excessive oil. This method enhances the scallops’ natural sweetness and develops a satisfying textural contrast with their tender interior.
Easy and Foolproof Cooking
Scallops are notoriously delicate and can easily become rubbery if overcooked, especially when pan-searing at high heat. The controlled environment of an air fryer provides a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of overcooking and ensuring tender, juicy results every time. Plus, with less oil required and no constant flipping, it’s a much cleaner and more hands-off cooking experience. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to consistently perfect scallops!
A Healthier Option
For those mindful of their diet, the air fryer offers a fantastic advantage. By requiring significantly less oil compared to traditional frying, it allows you to enjoy your favorite seafood with fewer calories and less fat. The circulating hot air does all the work, achieving that desired crispness and flavor without the heavy oils, making air-fried scallops a guilt-free pleasure that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
These benefits collectively make the air fryer an unparalleled choice for cooking scallops, delivering quick, healthy, and exceptionally delicious results that truly honor the seafood’s delicate flavor and texture. Now, let’s dive into some truly tasty air fryer scallop recipes you simply must try!
Check out these Frozen Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a timeless classic, offering a perfect blend of salty, smoky bacon with sweet, tender scallops. This recipe takes convenience to the next level by allowing you to cook them directly from frozen in your air fryer! This means no defrosting required, making it an ideal choice for last-minute entertaining or a quick, indulgent treat. Whether you opt for store-bought pre-wrapped frozen scallops or prepare your own in advance and freeze them, the air fryer guarantees crisp bacon and juicy scallops every time, all in under 15 minutes.
The beauty of cooking these frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer lies in its efficiency and consistent results. The circulating hot air crisps the bacon beautifully while gently cooking the scallops to perfection. Serve them as an elegant appetizer for a dinner party, a sophisticated snack for game day, or whenever a craving for this irresistible combination strikes. For more delightful bacon-wrapped creations, don’t miss my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates and Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Peaches!
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Elevate the classic bacon-wrapped scallop with a delightful kick using this flavorful Cajun bacon wrapped scallops recipe. Tender sea scallops are seasoned with a vibrant Cajun blend, then expertly wrapped in savory bacon, creating an appetizer or entree that’s bursting with flavor. The air fryer ensures the bacon becomes beautifully crispy while the scallops remain succulent and moist, all ready in around 20 minutes.
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, serving these scallops with a side of drawn butter is highly recommended. To achieve that perfect crispy bacon without overcooking the delicate scallops, a clever trick is to pre-cook the bacon slightly in the air fryer until it’s partially cooked but still flexible before wrapping. This allows the bacon to crisp up fully in the remaining cooking time. These can be prepared fresh or even made in advance and frozen, following the instructions for frozen bacon-wrapped scallops mentioned earlier. This recipe is a fantastic way to add a bit of spice and excitement to your seafood repertoire!
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Sometimes, simplicity is key to truly appreciate the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients. This simple air fryer scallops recipe embraces that philosophy, using just a handful of ingredients to highlight the sweet essence of the scallops themselves. A classic blend of seafood seasoning, a touch of salt, and fragrant garlic creates an ideal complement without ever overpowering the delicate taste of fresh scallops.
These gorgeous jumbo sea scallops cook to tender perfection in under 10 minutes, showcasing the efficiency of your air fryer. They emerge plump, juicy, and ready to enjoy. For an extra flourish, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or a generous drizzle of lemon-garlic butter. They make a wonderfully decadent appetizer on their own, or they can be effortlessly paired with a variety of sides like pasta, couscous, rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete and easy dinner. No matter how you present them, these simply prepared scallops are guaranteed to be a delicious hit!
Check out these Frozen Scallops in Garlic Butter Sauce
Who says gourmet meals can’t be fast and convenient? This recipe for air fryer frozen scallops proves that quick dinners don’t have to compromise on flavor or elegance. The ingenious part? You can cook the scallops directly from the freezer, eliminating the need for tedious defrosting and getting dinner on the table even faster.
Simply place your frozen scallops into the air fryer, season them lightly, and let the magic happen. The air fryer cooks them perfectly, ensuring they remain tender and juicy. The pièce de résistance is the delectable garlic butter sauce, which adds a rich, savory depth that perfectly complements the scallops. This entire meal can be ready in about 10 minutes for smaller bay scallops or around 15 minutes for larger sea scallops – even quicker if you did happen to defrost them! Serve these luscious scallops alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, and a vibrant steamed vegetable for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’re a fan of quick garlic butter seafood, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Scampi recipe for another easy option!
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For those seeking a gourmet meal that’s both quick and incredibly flavorful, these air fryer scallops with capers sauce are an absolute must-try. This recipe delivers a sophisticated dining experience in roughly 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Fresh sea scallops are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, achieving a beautiful sear and tender interior. The real star, however, is the vibrant and tangy capers sauce. Crafted with bright lemons, briny capers, fragrant herbs, and savory seasoning, this sauce offers a delightful zing that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops without overwhelming them. It enhances their natural flavor, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious bite. Serve these exquisite scallops with your favorite grains like quinoa or rice, a simple green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, well-balanced, and impressive meal.
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The exquisite combination of lemon and tarragon is a match made in culinary heaven, especially when paired with seafood. This recipe for air fryer scallops with lemon and tarragon beautifully showcases this classic pairing, resulting in a dish that is both bright and deeply flavorful. While dill and tarragon are popular choices for seafood, this recipe highlights tarragon’s unique, slightly anisy notes, which perfectly complement the scallops’ natural sweetness.
Utilizing jumbo sea scallops not only ensures a hearty meal but also makes for a truly spectacular presentation. Thanks to the efficiency of the air fryer, you’ll have this elegant dinner ready in approximately 10 minutes, making it ideal for a swift yet impressive meal. This is a highly versatile recipe too; feel free to experiment by swapping in other favorite herbs like chives or parsley. Serve these luscious scallops on their own for a focused culinary experience, or pair them with complementary sides such as roasted asparagus, a creamy risotto, or a light quinoa salad to create a full and unforgettable dinner. These scallops are destined to be the star of any plate!
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Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this utterly drool-worthy recipe for air fryer scallops with lemon cream sauce. This dish effortlessly combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly cooked sea scallops with a luxurious, tangy cream sauce, creating a meal that feels incredibly indulgent yet comes together with remarkable speed.
In under 10 minutes, your air fryer will transform fresh sea scallops into golden-brown perfection, tender and juicy on the inside. While the scallops are cooking, you’ll have just enough time to whisk together the star of the show: a rich lemon cream sauce. Infused with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of pepper, this creamy concoction perfectly coats each succulent scallop. When ready, generously top your air-fried scallops with this decadent sauce. I highly recommend serving this dish over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce – even a crusty loaf of bread would be a fantastic accompaniment. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cream, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced and unforgettable dinner plate!
Check out this Breaded Scallops with Panko and Parmesan recipe
Say goodbye to rubbery scallops and hello to a foolproof method for perfectly cooked, crispy seafood! These easy air fryer breaded scallops offer a delightful contrast of a golden, crunchy exterior with a juicy, tender interior. The secret lies in the flavorful coating of panko breadcrumbs and savory Parmesan cheese, which air fries to a beautiful crispness without the need for deep-frying.
For the best results, it’s recommended to start with fresh or thoroughly defrosted scallops, as excess moisture can prevent the breading from adhering properly. This preparation method means quicker cooking times too, with this recipe ready in just about 10 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a fast and delicious weeknight dinner. The seasoning can be easily customized to your taste; feel free to add a pinch of paprika, a dash of Old Bay, or your favorite herb blend. Serve these decadent scallops with a squeeze of fresh lemon to cut through the richness and elevate the flavors. This same breading technique also works wonders on other seafood! Be sure to check out my Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod for another tasty, crispy fish option!
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If you adore the satisfying crunch of fried scallops but want a healthier, less messy alternative, these air fryer crispy scallops are your new go-to. The ingenious secret to their incredible crunch? A coating of crushed cornflakes! That’s right, a common breakfast cereal transforms into a delightfully crispy crust that perfectly encases the sweet, tender scallop within.
This straightforward recipe involves a simple dredge that ensures a golden-brown, flavorful crust. The seasoning is just enough to enhance the scallops without overpowering their delicate, natural taste, allowing their sweetness to shine through. This method offers a fantastic alternative to deep-frying, significantly reducing the amount of oil used without sacrificing any of that desirable flavor or satisfying texture. You’ll achieve a crispiness that rivals traditionally fried scallops, but with a lighter, healthier profile. Serve these as a standout appetizer or as the main event alongside a fresh salad or some vibrant steamed greens for a complete and utterly delicious meal.
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Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones. This basic air fryer scallops recipe is the perfect starting point for any scallop dish, serving as a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. It’s an ideal option for those seeking a straightforward preparation, particularly for restrictive diets like Keto, as it focuses purely on the natural goodness of the seafood.
Featuring beautiful sea scallops seasoned with just salt, pepper, and a touch of oil for cooking, this recipe allows the inherent sweetness and delicate texture of the scallops to truly shine. Enjoy them simply as they are, perhaps with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of your favorite fresh herbs for a light, exquisite meal. Alternatively, these perfectly cooked scallops are fantastic for incorporating into other dishes. Imagine them tossed with a rich alfredo sauce over pasta, or serving them alongside a perfectly grilled steak for an impressive surf-and-turf dinner. This foundational recipe offers endless possibilities, making it a must-have in your air fryer repertoire.
Check out this Frozen Stuffed Scallops recipe
For a taste of elegance that requires minimal effort, look no further than stuffed scallops. Traditionally, these delightful creations—a savory mixture of scallops and seasoned breading baked in a half shell—can take time. However, your air fryer offers a fantastic shortcut, cooking them in half the time of a conventional oven while still delivering that coveted browned, crispy top and a succulent, juicy interior.
Starting with frozen stuffed scallops, such as popular brands like Matlaw’s, further simplifies the process. You bypass the need to prepare the filling and perform the delicate stuffing yourself, going straight from freezer to air fryer to table. This convenience makes them an ideal choice for a sophisticated appetizer for unexpected guests, an elegant addition to a date night menu, or a perfectly manageable meal on a busy weeknight. They are also a superb component for an elevated surf and turf, adding a touch of gourmet flair to any occasion without the lengthy preparation. Simply cook and enjoy a truly impressive dish!
What Pairs Well With Scallops?
Scallops are renowned for their delicate, subtly sweet flavor, which makes them incredibly versatile and amenable to a wide array of culinary pairings. Choosing the right accompaniments can truly elevate your scallop dish. Here are some popular and complementary flavor pairings that enhance their natural goodness:
Citrus Zest and Juices
A burst of citrus is perhaps the most classic pairing for scallops. Lemon, lime, or even a hint of orange zest and juice can brighten their natural sweetness while providing a refreshing, zesty acidity. A simple lemon butter sauce or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest just before serving can highlight their delicate flavor without ever overpowering it.
Aromatic Herbs and Spices
Fresh herbs infuse scallops with aromatic complexity. Parsley, chives, thyme, and basil are excellent choices, lending a vibrant freshness and a subtle earthy undertone. When it comes to aromatics, garlic and shallots are invaluable, adding a deep savory base to sauces or acting as a fragrant finishing touch. A touch of paprika or a mild chili flake can also add a gentle warmth.
Rich Butters and Creamy Sauces
The richness of butter and cream-based sauces beautifully complements the delicate, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture of scallops. Classic preparations like a luscious garlic butter sauce, a velvety beurre blanc, or a light lemon-cream sauce enhance their mild flavor, adding a layer of indulgence and sophistication to the dish.
Wines and Vermouths
Cooking with white wine or dry vermouth introduces an elegant acidity that brightens and enhances the inherent sweetness of scallops. These can be incorporated directly into the cooking process or form the base of exquisite pan sauces, adding depth and a sophisticated complexity to the overall flavor profile. Consider a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Sherry.
Savory and Smoky Elements
The sweet notes of scallops find a perfect counterpoint in savory and smoky ingredients. Crispy bacon, thinly sliced prosciutto, or rendered pancetta offer a delightful salty and smoky contrast. These can be elegantly wrapped around the scallops before cooking or crumbled over them as a crispy, flavorful garnish, adding both taste and textural interest.
Complementary Vegetable Pairings
A variety of vegetables can provide color, texture, and flavor balance to a scallop dish. Tender asparagus spears, a vibrant pea puree, sautéed spinach, sweet roasted corn, or even a light medley of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers create a harmonious plate. These pairings add essential nutrients and fresh flavors that complement the scallops’ mild profile without overwhelming them.
Grains and Starches
For a complete meal, pairing scallops with appropriate grains or starches can be incredibly satisfying. Light and fluffy couscous, a creamy risotto, a simple white or brown rice, or even perfectly roasted potatoes can absorb flavorful sauces and provide a grounding element to the dish. Pasta, especially thin linguine or angel hair, is another excellent choice for soaking up lemon-butter or cream-based scallop sauces.
Scallop Cocktail Pairing Ideas
Limoncello French 75: Classic Gin Drink w/ Italian Twist
3 Ingredient Blood Orange Mimosa: Winter Brunch Cocktail
Strawberry Basil Mojito: A Perfect Flavor Combination!
Pink Vodka Lemonade: Easy Pink Whitney Lemonade Drink!
Air Fryer Scallop Cooking FAQs
Are Scallops Good in the Air Fryer?
Yes, scallops are exceptionally good when cooked in the air fryer! In fact, many find it an even more forgiving and easier method than traditional stovetop searing, especially for consistently achieving perfectly cooked scallops. The circulating hot air ensures a beautifully golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the interior tender and juicy, replicating the desirable texture without the constant attention or excess oil typically required with other methods.
How Do You Know When Scallops Are Done in an Air Fryer?
Scallops are done in an air fryer when they change color from translucent to an opaque white throughout, and their internal temperature reaches approximately 125°F (52°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. It’s generally safe for them to be up to 5 degrees under this target, as residual heat will continue to cook them slightly after they are removed from the air fryer. To avoid tough or rubbery scallops, it’s ideal to remove them from the heat once they reach between 125°F and 135°F (52°C and 57°C). Overcooking is the primary cause of a rubbery texture, so precise timing and temperature checking are key.
Should You Rinse Scallops Before Air Frying?
While not strictly necessary, rinsing your scallops before air frying can be beneficial. A quick, gentle rinse under cold running water can help remove any residual sand, grit, or external debris that might be present. After rinsing, it is absolutely crucial to thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is vital, as it promotes better browning and crispiness in the air fryer, ensuring they don’t steam instead of sear. A dry surface is the secret to a perfect, golden crust.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Scallops
I trust you’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring this comprehensive collection of the best air fryer scallop recipes. My hope is that these dishes have sparked your culinary imagination and inspired you to try preparing these exquisite mollusks in your air fryer very soon! From wonderfully simple preparations that highlight the scallop’s natural sweetness to more decadent, flavor-packed creations, and options for both quick appetizers and satisfying main courses, there’s truly something for every taste and occasion.
The air fryer offers an unparalleled way to cook scallops, making it easier than ever to achieve perfect results—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy within, and all with minimal effort and healthier benefits. If you’re a true scallop enthusiast, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try several of these recipes and discover your new go-to favorites. Happy cooking!
katie’s tip
For even more fantastic options showcasing the incredible bounty of the sea, make sure to dive into all of my Air Fryer Seafood Recipes for endless culinary inspiration!
