Air Fryer Scallops Recipe
Fried scallops are a restaurant-quality dinner idea you can make at home. But why deal with the mess of frying your seafood in oil when you can use your air fryer instead? This easy air fryer scallops recipe features a simple seasoning and easy cooking method, resulting in a tender and juicy bite. Once you try this easy seafood recipe, you'll never order scallops at a restaurant again! 
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What Do I Need to Make This Air Fryer Scallops Recipe?
Thanks to the simple combination of seasoning and lemon juice, this scallop recipe helps the natural flavor of the seafood shine through. That means you can make your own fresh scallops at home with just a handful of supplies. To make scallops in the air fryer, you'll need:
- Scallops
- Avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Dried Thyme
How Do I Make This Air Fryer Scallops Recipe?
Using your air fryer to cook fresh scallops is one of the easiest preparation methods. That's because you can make juicy, flavorful seafood in minutes! Follow these two easy steps to season and cook your own fresh or frozen scallops at home.
Step One: Prepare the Scallops
Arrange the scallops on a paper towel and pat the tops dry to remove excess moisture. In a medium bowl, stir together the avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and thyme. Toss the scallops in the seasoning until well coated.
Step Two: Air Fry the Scallops
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Arrange the seasoned scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd the pieces. Air fry the scallops for 6 to 8 minutes, removing the basket to flip them halfway through the cooking time.
How Do You Know When Scallops Are Done Cooking?
Nobody wants to bite into an undercooked scallop! That's why knowing when your seafood is finished cooking is important. When your scallops are ready, they'll be opaque all the way through and feel firm to the touch.
You can also check the internal temperature of your scallops to ensure they're cooked all the way through. When the scallops are ready to eat, the internal thermometer should read 125 degrees.
How Do You Store Scallops?
No matter how they're prepared, leftover scallops should always be stored in the refrigerator. Transfer your extra pieces to an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to two days.
To reheat the scallops, warm them in an air fryer or oven at 350 degrees until heated.
Can Air Fryer Scallops Be Made Ahead of Time?
Thanks to the air fryer, this recipe is quick and easy to make! The best part is that you can prepare the scallops ahead of time and cook them when you're ready.
Coat the scallops in oil and seasoning and store them in the refrigerator until you can cook. Properly stored seafood can be prepared up to one day in advance.
Air Fryer Scallops Recipe Ideas
Once you see how simple preparing scallops in the air fryer is, you'll want to use this handy appliance whenever you cook your favorite seafood. And with these recipe ideas, you can quickly prepare a delicious seafood dinner!
- Use frozen scallops. For the best flavor, cooking with fresh seafood is always recommended. But if you don't have any fresh scallops on hand, this easy recipe can also be prepared using frozen ones. Make sure to thaw the scallops completely. Then, pat them dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning and cooking.
- Remove the muscle for more tender scallops. Fresh sea scallops often have a small muscle on the side. While this part is edible, it's slightly tougher than the rest of the scallops. Before you start cooking, remove the extra piece to enjoy a tender bite in every piece.
- Cook with a different oil. Avocado oil is a great option when cooking in the air fryer because it cooks well under high heat and has a neutral flavor. But if you don't have any avocado oil in your pantry, try using another high-heat oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.
- Bake your scallops in the oven. Don't have an air fryer? No problem! You can also bake the scallops in the oven. Season your scallops and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook at 400 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes.
- Serve with garlic butter sauce. Homemade garlic butter sauce adds even more flavor to scallops. Combine melted butter with one clove of minced garlic and a pinch of chopped parsley. Pour the sauce over the scallops or serve it as a dipping sauce.
What to Serve with Scallops
Scallops are a delightfully tender, sweet, and delicate seafood choice. Pairing scallops with the right side dishes can turn a simple meal into a restaurant-quality feast. If you're wondering what to serve with scallops, we've got you covered! Here are 10 mouthwatering ideas to complement your scallops perfectly.
1. Creamy Risotto: The luscious texture of risotto and its rich flavors pair wonderfully with scallops. A classic Parmesan risotto or a lemon-infused version enhances the delicate taste of the scallops without overpowering it.
2. Garlic Butter Pasta: A simple pasta tossed in garlic butter and finished with a squeeze of lemon makes a fantastic scallop companion. Its light and buttery nature highlights the sweet, tender scallops.
3. Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor of roasted asparagus provides a fresh and slightly crispy contrast to scallops. Simply season with olive oil, salt, and pepper-then roast until tender!
4. Herb-Infused Mash: A smooth, buttery herb-infused mashed potato offers a comforting base for scallops. Try adding fresh chives, parsley, or dill to your mash for extra flavor.
5. Citrus Salad: Brighten your plate with a zesty citrus salad featuring grapefruit, oranges, and arugula. The acidity helps cut through the scallops' richness and balance the meal.
6. Sautéed Spinach: Cooked just right, spinach provides a light, velvety texture, and its slightly bitter flavor complements the sweetness of scallops. Toss it with garlic and olive oil for added depth.
7. Quinoa Salad: For a lighter side, quinoa salad with fresh herbs, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette is an ideal pairing. It keeps the meal fresh and nutritious.
8. Vegetable Medley: Mix a medley of your favorite seasonal vegetables-like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Lightly sauté or roast them with garlic and rosemary for vibrant color and flavor.
9. Crusty Bread: A freshly baked loaf with a crispy crust is perfect for soaking up any sauce or butter served alongside your scallops. It's simple, yet oh-so-satisfying.
10. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or steamed, corn on the cob is a fun and flavorful side dish. The sweetness of the corn complements scallops beautifully, especially when brushed with herb or garlic butter.
Air Fryer Scallops Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb scallops
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Recipe:
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme.
- Toss the scallops in the mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
Notes
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and air frying.
What if I don’t have avocado oil? You can substitute avocado oil with another high-heat oil such as canola oil.
Can I adjust the seasoning in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and thyme to suit your taste preferences.
How should I store leftover scallops? Store any leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain their texture.
Can I prepare the scallops ahead of time? You can season the scallops ahead of time and refrigerate them. Air fry them just before serving for the best results.
What can I serve with air fryer scallops? Air fryer scallops pair well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or as an elegant addition to pasta or risott
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