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–+ servings
Some scallops with lemon.
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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Scallops

Air Fryer Scallops is a quick and satisfying meal that's ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for serving up to four people. This recipe features jumbo scallops seasoned with a blend of Old Bay, salt, and pepper, and enriched with a touch of olive oil. Adding minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon juice brings a fresh and zesty flavor to the dish, making it an excellent choice for a convenient yet delicious seafood dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dnner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Dan from Platter Talk
Cost: 20

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 10-20 raw jumbo scallops thawed and patted dry with paper towels Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest of 1/2 a lemon about 1/2 teaspoon
  • 1 teaspoon minced parsley plus extra for garnish 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Remove your frozen scallops from the plastic bag and place them in a medium bowl of cold water to thaw. After they thaw, rinse them under running water and remove the side muscle.
    Tip: The side muscle, sometimes called the "foot," is a small, tougher part on one side of a scallop. It looks like a little flap, has a different texture, and can be chewy. To remove it, just grab it with your fingers and pull it off.
  • Pat the wet scallops dry using a paper towel and then place them in a small bowl. Add oil as well as seasonings to the bowl and gently combine until the scallops are well seasoned.
  • Place the raw scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry them for a cooking time of 7-10 minutes until the outside and edges start to turn a light golden brown, and the scallops are cooked through. Flip halfway through the cooking process. The scallops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 120-130 degrees F.
  • While the scallops are cooking, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and parsley in a small saucepan or small skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Once the scallops are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer basket and drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops for a burst of freshness.
  • Garnish your delicious air-fried scallops with additional minced parsley, and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Serve your scallop dinner immediately while they are hot. The garlic herb butter adds a flavorful and aromatic touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the delicious scallops.

Notes

Fresh or frozen dry scallops work best for this easy recipe. Choose medium-sized to jumbo-sized scallops for even cooking.
My Top 5 Tips for making the best air fryer scallops:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: For the best results, preheat your air fryer before adding the scallops.
2. Ensure Scallops are Dry: Before cooking, pat the scallops dry with paper towels.
3. Season Just Before Cooking: Season your scallops with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings right before you place them in the air fryer.
4. Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
5. Monitor Cooking Time Closely: Scallops cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 179IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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