My simple air fryer scallops recipe yields the most mouthwatering results! Garlicky, breaded scallops are blissfully buttery with an incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture in just 15 minutes.
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Cooking scallops in the air fryer is your ticket to a sensational, stress free seafood dinner. I know that scallops can be intimidating to cook at home, but you no longer need to worry! I’ll show you exactly how to air fry scallops to end up with succulent, expertly seasoned scallops every time.
These air fried scallops are tender and juicy on the inside with a savory seasoned crust. They make an amazing snack, appetizer, or main dish. One batch and your family will surely be begging for more!
What you’ll need for this Scallops Air Fryer recipe
- Sea scallops
- Italian breadcrumbs – or panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
How to Cook Scallops in Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. Add the melted butter to a separate shallow bowl.
STEP THREE: Dredge each scallop first through the butter, followed by the breadcrumbs. Coat each scallop thoroughly with bread crumbs and set aside on a plate.
STEP FOUR: Arrange the breaded scallops in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches if using an air fryer basket and not an air fryer oven.
STEP FIVE: Air fry scallops for about 2 minutes on one side before using tongs to carefully flip them over. Return to the air fryer to cook for another 3 minutes. You want your scallops to be golden brown and opaque.
How long to Air Fry Scallops
Cooking sea scallops in the air fryer is as quick as it is easy!
- Fresh, unfrozen sea scallops take about 5 minutes to cook in a 390 degree air fryer.
- Frozen scallops in the air fryer require slightly more time and should be air fried for around 7 minutes.
In all cases, you want to cook your air fried scallops until they are opaque and golden brown with a firm yet tender texture. The ideal internal temperature is between 125 – 130 degrees F.
Tips for making Air Fryer Scallops
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. The air needs to circulate for your scallops to cook evenly, so be sure to put them in a single layer with a bit of space in between.
- Pat them dry for best results, especially when making breaded scallops. Otherwise, the breading won’t stick to the surface.
- Remove the side muscle. There is a small muscle on the side of each scallop that will harbor sand. While often already removed, be sure to check for the best texture.
What to serve with Air Fried Scallops
- Jasmine or Basmati Rice
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Cajun Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Hush Puppies
- Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Scallops Recipe Variations
- Switch up the breading. For extra crunch, you can air fry scallops with panko breadcrumbs in place of Italian breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you can season and air fry scallops without any breading.
- Make frozen scallops in the air fryer. Follow the same basic instructions for fresh or thawed air fryer scallops with a small tweak. You’ll want to air fry for 4 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 3.
- Use bay scallops. I designed this recipe for large scallops, but you can also make air fryer bay scallops. Just keep in mind that they are much smaller and will cook faster.
- Switch up your spices. There are countless ways to season scallops. Seasoning for scallops can include Cajun, lemon pepper, blackened seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and so much more.
Storing leftover Air Fried Scallops
You can store any cooked leftovers in a shallow airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stored similarly, uncooked scallops are good for about 2 days.
How to reheat Scallops in Air Fryer
Reheat any leftovers in a 390 degree air fryer for about 2-3 minutes.
More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
- Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
- Air Fryer Swordfish
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Cod
- Air Fryer Oysters
- Air Fryer Calamari
- Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
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Air Fried Scallops
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 pound sea scallops patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together. Pour melted butter into a second shallow bowl.
- Dredge each scallop through the melted butter, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until they’re completely coated; set aside on a plate.
- Lightly spray the preheated air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange scallops in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the scallops for 2 minutes. Use tongs to carefully flip them over, then air fry for 3 more minutes until opaque and golden brown.
I’m starting to believe that the air fryer is a perfect solution for almost all cooking. These are spectacular! Thanks for sharing your easy recipe.
Wow, so good, I had never had fried scallops. Loved them air-fried.
Very tasty, super easy to make. It’s a keeper!
Made these as my first air fryer recipe and loved them! Husband said they were as good as any restaurant scallop.
I think the method is great. I did season differently, once thawed, I brushed w/melted butter then sprinkled on a bit of garlic powder, salt, paprika, curry powder & blk pepper, the repeated seasoning on other side when I turned 1/2 way through. seasoned very lightly, they were great, ty!
Super easy to make and tastes great! I just cooked them for around 10 minutes….air fryer and scallops is a great combo!
Followed the recipe exactly, but the most of the breading fell off almost immediately. Took much longer than suggested to get the scallops brown. Had to finish them in the frying pan.
Hi Graham, it’s important to pay dry anything you will be breading so everything will stick. I’m thinking the scallops might have been still wet when breaded which caused the breading not to stick well.
What kind of air fryer do you have? I used a basket air fryer for this, preheated, but an air fryer oven will take a few minutes to cook and brown them up.