Easy Air Fryer Scallops

4.68 from 46 votes

Air fryer scallops are lightly breaded to give a crisp, fresh flavor that's easy to make! They're golden brown, tender, and crispy!

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Total Time15

Course: Air Fryer Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 236kcal

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, pepper, and salt together. Pour the 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.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer, working in batches if necessary.
Air fry them for 5 minutes, using tongs to carefully flip them over halfway through cooking until they are opaque and golden brown, and read 115 degrees F with a meat thermometer.

Use sea scallops because they are larger and have a meatier bite.
Pat the scallops completely dry to allow the butter and seasonings to stick better.
Remove the side muscle from the scallops. It’s usually removed at the seafood counter, but this small muscle holds sand and is tough and chewy.
Leave space between each scallop in the air fryer to make sure the hot air can circulate to cook each one properly and crisp up the coating.
Flip the scallops carefully to avoid taking off the coating. I use rubber tongs to gently grip each scallop.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat scallops in a preheated air fryer at 390 degrees F for 2-3 minutes until they’re warmed all the way through and the breading is crispy.
To make frozen air fryer scallops, cook them in a preheated air fryer at 390 degrees F for about 7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.