Air Fryer Scallops
Tender sea scallops cooked to golden-brown perfection in the air fryer with minimal oil and maximum flavor. These restaurant-quality scallops develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while maintaining their delicate, sweet interior in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound about 16-20 large sea scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or clarified butter
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the scallops by patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear, so take your time with this step.
- Remove the side muscle from each scallop if still attached. Look for a small, rectangular tag of tissue on the side of the scallop and simply peel it away with your fingers.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s properly heated.
- Season the scallops by drizzling them with olive oil and sprinkling with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Place scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each one. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until the scallops develop a golden-brown crust. There’s no need to flip them during cooking.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the scallops are opaque throughout and have an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). They should be firm but still slightly springy when pressed.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice immediately after removing from the air fryer.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Look for “dry” scallops rather than “wet” ones. Wet scallops have been treated with a preservative solution that can prevent proper searing and may give a slightly soapy taste.
- If your scallops are smaller than sea scallops (like bay scallops), reduce cooking time to 3-4 minutes.
- The air fryer doesn’t need to be oiled before cooking since the scallops are already coated with oil.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- These scallops make an excellent topping for risotto, pasta, or a fresh green salad.