There are a lot of great preparations to choose from when it comes to scallops in your air fryer. Luckily, I’ve taken the guesswork out of what to try first! I’ve compiled the best air fryer scallop recipes for you to try the next time you’re hankering for some seafood.
From frozen and fast to delicate and decadent, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re cooking with bay scallops, sea scallops, and looking for an appetizer or a full meal, I’ve got you covered with recipes to suit every need.
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Why Cook Scallops in the Air Fryer?
Cooking scallops in an air fryer is an excellent choice, which offers several advantages. Here are some of my favorite reasons to cook your scallops this way:
Faster Cooking Time
Air fryers can cook scallops rapidly, typically in 6-10 minutes, which is faster than traditional stovetop or oven methods.
This makes them a convenient choice for a quick appetizer or main course!
Crispy Exterior
The circulating hot air in an air fryer creates a nicely browned and crispy outer texture without excess oil, and no cast iron pan needed!
This brings out the scallops’ natural flavor while keeping them light.
Easy Cooking
Air fryers are great for cooking delicate scallops because they maintain a controlled environment, helping prevent them from becoming rubbery or overdone, which can happen on high heat when pan-searing!
Plus, you really don’t need to add much in terms of oil, so there’s less guesswork and tending required too.
That’s just some of the reasons why the air fryer is a great way to cook scallops for a quick, healthy, and delicious result that preserves the seafood’s delicate flavor and texture.
Now, let’s get into some tasty air fryer scallop recipes to try!
When it comes to snacks and appetizers, bacon wrapped scallops are always a hit. Did you know that you could cook them from frozen, without defrosting?
Whether you purchase pre-frozen ones, or wrap your own and freeze them for later to cut down on prep time, it’s all the same. These frozen bacon wrapped scallops in the air fryer cook up perfectly, with crisp bacon and juicy scallops in under 15 minutes.
You’ll have an elegant appetizer, snack for game day, or just a treat anytime you have a craving for scallops and bacon.
If you love bacon wrapped appetizers, check out my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates and Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Peaches for some other delicious options!
Add a little cajun kick to your traditional air fryer bacon wrapped scallops with this recipe.
Tender sea scallops are complemented by salty bacon and some heat from the cajun dusting they get. Serve with some drawn butter for the perfect bite.
For extra crispy bacon, you’ll pre-cook it a bit (while still leaving it flexible) in your air fryer before wrapping the scallops. This prevents the scallop overcooking while giving you that dark coloring and crunch from the bacon wrapping!
You can always make these in advance and freeze them, cooking them following the frozen option above. However, they come together quick enough to make an easy appetizer anytime!
Keep it classic with a simple air fryer scallops preparation that uses seafood seasoning, salt, and some garlic for flavor.
This blend offers an ideal complement to the seafood, without overshadowing the delicate (but delicious) flavors a scallop naturally has.
These gorgeous jumbo sea scallops are perfectly cooked in under 10 minutes! Serve them with sauce for dipping, or give them a generous drizzle for a ready-to-eat presentation.
Offer them up alone for a decadent appetizer, or pair them with pasta, couscous, rice, potatoes and vegetables for an easy dinner. No matter what way you choose, they’re going to be delicious!
It’s not just appetizers that you can cook from frozen. These air fryer frozen scallops give you a quick leg up to getting dinner on the table quicker.
Start with frozen scallops and pop them right in your air fryer with no need for defrosting. Season them and add a delectable garlic butter sauce (or any sauce you like honestly).
Dinner will be ready in about 10 minutes for bay scallops and 15 minutes for larger sea scallops (or even less if you did remember to defrost them)!
Serve with pasta, rice, and a steamed vegetable on the side for a complete meal.
Looking for more quick garlic butter seafood options? Check out my Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp Scampi recipe too!
This recipe for air fryer scallops with capers sauce is perfect for an easy, yet flavorful meal. They come together in just about 20 minutes, making for a weeknight friendly meal.
Fresh sea scallops are accented by the tangy sauce containing lemons, capers, herbs, and seasoning.
It’s the perfect complement to the delicate scallops, adding flavor while allowing them to still shine!
Pair with some grains, greens, or roasted veggies to make a complete meal!
Between dill and tarragon, I’m not sure what’s more popular as a seafood seasoning! So, it comes as no surprise that this classic pairing of lemon and tarragon accompanies these delicious air fryer scallops.
Of course, that’s not to say you can’t swap in some other herbs as well in this highly versatile recipe.
Using jumbo sea scallops will give you a hearty meal and spectacular presentation for your meal. Speaking of which, you’ll have dinner ready in just about 10 minutes!
Serve these luscious scallops on their own, or pair with some other sides for full dinner. Either way, they’re going to be the star of the plate!
This recipe for air fryer scallops with lemon cream sauce is drool-worthy! Sea scallops are cooked to perfection in under 10 minutes thanks to your air fryer.
While they’re busy getting browned and delicious, you’ll have time to make the decadent lemon cream sauce for them. It’s got lemon, garlic, herbs, and a little pepper all rolled into a cream-based sauce.
Once those scallops are ready, top them up with your sauce for the perfect bite. I highly recommend pasta or rice to help soak up any extra sauce. Even some nice crusty bread would do the trick, but definitely don’t let any go to waste!
Serve with a green salad and some vinaigrette to complement the acid in the cream sauce and you have the perfect dinner plate!
Take the guesswork out of cooking scallops and worry about rubberiness no more. These easy air fryer breaded scallops are a (nearly) foolproof way to enjoy delicious, succulent scallops with a salty, crunchy crust.
You’ll want to start with fresh or defrosted scallops here, as the moisture doesn’t do the breading any favors for staying on. However, that means they cook even quicker! This recipe comes in at about 10 minutes of cooking time for a fast weeknight dinner option.
It’s highly customizable to taste if you want to add different seasonings. Serve with some lemon wedges for the perfect kiss of acid on these decadent scallops.
This same style of breading also works great on fish! Check out my Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cod for a tasty option!
These air fryer crispy scallops get their crunchy shell thanks to a coating of crushed cornflakes. That’s right, your breakfast cereal now makes a perfectly crunchy preparation for your scallops!
This simple recipe uses a dredge to get that nice crust, and has just enough seasoning to make things delicious, while letting the natural flavor of the scallop still shine through.
It’s a great alternative to deep-fried scallops, as you’ll use far less oil with this air fryer method. Don’t worry though – you won’t be sacrificing any flavor or texture to do so!
This basic air fryer scallops recipe is the perfect option for cooking scallops to add to other dishes, or if you’ve got a restrictive diet. They’re very keto-friendly!
Sea scallops are seasoned only with salt and pepper, plus a little oil for cooking. You can top them up with lemon and herbs and enjoy them on their own if you like!
However, they also lend themselves well to being added to something else, like an alfredo sauce on pasta. Alternatively, top a steak with a side of these scallops for a surf and turf option!
This basic recipe is a perfect starting point and a blank canvas for you to turn your scallops into any meal you like!
Stuffed scallops are a delicious dish consisting of scallops mixed with a seasoned breading, which is then stuffed into a half shell and baked.
Instead of baking, though, your air fryer can cook them up in just half the time, and still deliver a browned top and succulent, juicy interior.
Starting with frozen stuffed scallops like Matlaw's saves time as well, since you don’t need to mix the filling and do the tedious stuffing yourself. Just cook and enjoy!
They’re the perfect component for surf and turf, elegant enough for date night, and easy enough for a busy weeknight!
What Pairs Well With Scallops?
Scallops have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Here are some popular and complementary flavor pairings for scallops:
Citrus Zest
Lemon, lime, and orange bring out scallops’ natural sweetness while adding a refreshing acidity.
Lemon butter or lemon zest can enhance flavor without overpowering the scallops!
Herbs and Aromatics
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, thyme, and basil work well, adding brightness and a hint of earthiness.
Garlic and shallots also add depth when used in sauces or as a finishing touch.
Butter and Cream
The richness of butter and cream-based sauces, like garlic butter or a classic beurre blanc, complements the delicate texture of scallops and enhances their mild flavor.
Wine and Vermouth
White wine or dry vermouth adds acidity and enhances the sweetness of scallops.
These can be used in cooking or as a component in sauces to add complexity!
Savory and Smoky Elements
Bacon, prosciutto, or pancetta add a smoky, savory flavor that contrasts well with scallops’ sweetness.
These can be wrapped around the scallops or used in a crispy garnish!
Vegetable Pairings
Vegetables like asparagus, pea puree, spinach, or roasted corn bring color and texture, creating a balanced dish that complements the scallops’ mild flavor.
Air Fryer Scallop Cooking FAQs
Are Scallops Good in the Air Fryer?
Yes, scallops are good in the air fryer. It’s an even easier method than cooking on the stovetop in terms of getting a correctly cooked scallop.
You’ll still get a nice crust on your scallop as well, so you’re not sacrificing texture either.
How Do You Know When Scallops Are Done in an Air Fryer?
Scallops are done in an air fryer when they turn white and opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 125°F.
Up to 5 degrees under is usually fine, as residual heat will finish cooking them. Ideally, less than 135°F will keep scallops out of the rubbery zone.
Should You Rinse Scallops Before Air Frying?
While not necessary, you can rinse your scallops before air frying. This may help to remove any residual sediment or external debris present.
Make sure to thoroughly pat scallops dry before cooking, though, to ensure best results.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed looking through the best air fryer scallop recipes and are inspired to try some of them for yourself!
From simple to decadent, appetizers to entrees, there’s a variety of recipes to choose from. If you love scallops, you’ll have to give them all a try and find your favorites!
katie’s tip
For more great options showcasing the bounty of the sea, check out all of my Air Fryer Seafood Recipes for inspiration!
