Go Back
–+ servings
Scallops on a plate with lemon slices and parsley

Easy Air Fryer Scallops

Samantha Erb
Air fryer scallops are lightly breaded to give a crisp, fresh flavor that's easy to make! They're golden brown, tender, and crispy!
4.68 from 46 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate ★
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Air Fryer Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 236 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sea scallops patted dry
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Video

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 26gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 1135mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!