These Air Fryer Scallops are restaurant quality; think tender, perfectly cooked little bites of juicy scallops. Cooking them in the air fryer is SO easy.
Sometimes I wonder how I lived (and cooked) without an air fryer. This recipe for Air Fryer Scallops delivers the most perfectly cooked scallops, every time.
These useful little nibbles make a great appetizer with a salad or soup, or as the centerpiece for a special occasion dinner. Try them with pasta!
Ingredients
You'll need scallops that are either fresh or have been thawed out, preferably in the refrigerator.
You'll also need a good quality olive oil or melted butter to keep them moist while adding rich flavor and helping the seasonings stick.
You'll need smoked paprika for a warm and subtle flavor, bringing out the natural sweetness of the scallops.
Lemony zest adds a bright, fresh flavor. Don't skip it!
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to getting the most delicious Air Fryer Scallops, ever!
- Step 1: Preheat your Air Fryer to 400F and lightly coat the basket with olive oil spray. Remove roe if you need to and dry the scallops on paper towel.
- Step 2: Combine the lemon zest, pepper, salt and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture and olive oil over the scallops. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Step 3: Arrange the scallops in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked to your preference.
- Step 4: Finish by drizzling with a little extra olive oil or melted butter, and top with fresh parsley.
For extra flavor and a perfectly seared finish, remember that the Air Fryer cooks scallops quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Substitutions
You can play around and change up some of the ingredients if you need to:
- Scallops: Large shrimp or king prawns work well if scallops aren't available.
- Olive oil: Use melted butter, avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
- Lemon zest: Swap with a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of lime zest.
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika, cayenne (for heat) or chili powder.
- Fresh parsley: Try cilantro, chives or basil.
Variations
Try these versions of my Air Fryer Scallops:
- Garlic butter scallops: Toss the scallops with melted garlic butter instead of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Spicy Cajun scallops: Mix the lemon zest with Cajun seasoning and a little cayenne pepper.
Equipment
You'll need an Air Fryer and basic kitchen tools like a bowl, tongs, and paper towels to prep and cook the scallops.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the Air Fryer or on the stove to avoid overcooking.
For best flavor, let the scallops sit tossed in the seasoning and olive oil for 10-15 minutes before cooking; no longer than 30 minutes, as they can become mushy.
Top tip
Make sure to pat the scallops completely dry before seasoning-they'll sear better and develop a golden crust in the Air Fryer.
FAQ
Yes, but thaw them fully first for even cooking and to prevent a rubbery texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Air Fryer Scallops
Ingredients
- 16 large scallops roe removed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
- ⅓ teaspoon flaked sea salt
- ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter plus more to serve
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 400 F and spray the basket with olive oil.
- Discard any tough muscles or roes if using scallops with the roe attached. Pat scallops dry with kitchen paper.
- Mix lemon zest, pepper, salt and paprika in a bowl. Sprinkle over scallops and then toss with olive oil until fully coated.
- Place scallops in the Air fryer basket and cook for 6 - 8 minutes (depending on the size of your scallops), flipping after 4 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- Drizzle scallops with olive oil or more melted butter to serve and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Option to serve with a squeeze of lemon if you like. A drizzle of Truffle oil is also really good with these too!
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
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