If you’ve never tried Air Fried Scallops, you are seriously missing out. I used to think making scallops at home was, like, some fancy chef-level skill, but turns out, it’s ridiculously easy—especially in the air fryer. This Air Fryer Scallops Recipe takes less than 15 minutes, no splattering oil, no stress, just perfectly golden, juicy scallops every single time.
As a mom of three, I’m always looking for easy scallops recipes that don’t require me to stand over a hot stove, and this one checks all the boxes. Whether you’re making a quick air fryer dinner recipe, a fun seafood snack, or looking for a no-fail way to air fry scallops, this is it. Plus, this method works with fresh or frozen scallops, so you can whip up some Air Fryer Sea Scallops whenever the craving hits.
If you’ve been wondering how to cook scallops at home without overcooking them (or making a huge mess), this scallop air fryer recipe is your answer. Whether you’re making them for date night, a family dinner, or just because, this is one of those seafood air fryer recipes you’ll come back to over and over again. So let’s get cooking—because who needs a restaurant when you’ve got an air fryer?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick – Ready in under 15 minutes, start to finish.
- Minimal mess – No oil splattering all over your stove.
- Perfect texture – Crispy edges, juicy inside, just like a restaurant.
- Basic ingredients – You probably already have everything in your kitchen.
Alright, let’s get into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, just simple pantry staples.
- 12 large sea scallops (the bigger ones, not the tiny ones)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (butter makes them extra good)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a nice smoky flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for serving (optional, but makes them fancy)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Scallops
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first—set your air fryer to 400°F. You want it nice and hot before the scallops go in so they get that perfect sear.
2. Dry the Scallops (Super Important)
This is the key to making crispy scallops. Grab some paper towels and pat them really dry. If they are wet, they will not get that golden crust.
3. Season the Scallops
Toss the scallops in a bowl and coat them with olive oil or melted butter (butter makes them extra delicious). Then sprinkle on the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give them a good mix so they are all evenly coated.
4. Arrange and Air Fry
Place the scallops in the air fryer in a single layer—do not crowd them. If they are too close, they will steam instead of crisping up. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and slightly firm when they are done.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a plate, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top, sprinkle with parsley, and just like that—you have restaurant-quality scallops in minutes.
Tips for the Best Scallops
- Pat them dry – If they are wet, they will not sear properly.
- Do not overcook – Scallops cook fast. If they are rubbery, they are overdone. Six to eight minutes is usually perfect.
- Use sea scallops – Those little bay scallops are too small and will cook too quickly.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Scallops
These scallops are fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a random Tuesday. Here are some great ways to serve them:
- Over buttery pasta with garlic sauce
- With mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables
- Tossed into a Caesar salad
- With a side of garlic bread
FAQs About Air Fryer Scallops
Do I need to flip scallops in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping them halfway through helps them cook evenly and get that perfect golden crust on both sides.
Should I use fresh or frozen scallops?
Both work! If using frozen scallops, let them thaw completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Too much moisture will prevent them from getting crispy.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes! Preheating your air fryer to 400°F ensures the scallops cook quickly and get that beautiful sear.
Can I store and reheat leftover scallops?
Scallops are best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
Air Fryer Scallops Recipe
Air Fryer Scallops Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 large sea scallops patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges and parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Dry the scallops with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the scallops by tossing them in a bowl with olive oil (or butter), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until scallops are golden brown and slightly firm.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon juice and parsley.
Notes
Notes and Tips
- Pat scallops dry before cooking to get a crispy, golden exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
- Check doneness by cutting into a scallop; it should be opaque but tender inside.
Alright, so there you have it—Air Fried Scallops made so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever thought scallops were fancy restaurant food. This Air Fryer Scallops Recipe is seriously a game changer. No mess, no stress, just golden, juicy scallops in minutes. And trust me, if I can make these while juggling three kids, you got this.
Whether you’re looking for a quick air fryer dinner recipe, a fun seafood snack, or just a new way to enjoy air fryer fish, this air fry scallops recipe is one you’ll wanna save. It’s hands-down one of the best seafood air fryer recipes out there. And the best part? You don’t need a ton of ingredients or fancy cooking skills—just a handful of pantry staples, a few minutes, and boom—perfectly cooked scallops in the air fryer.
So, if you’ve been wondering how to cook scallops without the hassle, now you know. Try this easy scallops recipe, and let me know—are you team butter or team olive oil? I swear butter makes them next level. Drop a comment, and let’s talk all things air fryer sea scallops!
