Air Fryer Scallops
Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, Air Fryer Scallops are an elegant seafood dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The air fryer cooks scallops quickly while creating a lightly golden exterior and maintaining their delicate, buttery texture inside. Whether served as an appetizer, over pasta, or alongside vegetables, these scallops make a restaurant-quality meal in under 15 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Preheat Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Total Time: 19–21 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Scallops
1 pound (450g) large sea scallops
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Finish
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnish
Lemon wedges
Extra parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Scallops
Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels.
Remove the small side muscle if attached.
Place scallops in a mixing bowl.
Season
Add olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss gently until evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Air Fry
Arrange scallops in a single layer in the basket.
Leave space between each scallop.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes.
Larger scallops may need an additional minute.
Scallops are done when opaque and lightly golden.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Combine melted butter, lemon juice, and parsley in a small bowl.
Stir well.
Finish and Serve
Transfer scallops to a serving plate.
Drizzle with the garlic butter sauce.
Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Over garlic butter pasta
With roasted asparagus
Alongside rice pilaf
On top of a fresh salad
With air fryer vegetables
As an appetizer with lemon aioli
Tips for Perfect Scallops
Dry scallops thoroughly before cooking to help them brown.
Avoid overcrowding the basket.
Use large sea scallops rather than bay scallops.
Do not overcook; scallops become rubbery when cooked too long.
Fresh lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of scallops.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until just warmed through.
Freezing
Not recommended after cooking, as texture may change.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 190
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 0g
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Scallops are tender, flavorful, and incredibly quick to prepare. Finished with a simple garlic butter and lemon sauce, they’re perfect for a weeknight seafood dinner or a special occasion meal without the fuss. Every bite is rich, buttery, and packed with fresh seafood flavor.