Did you know you can make frozen stuffed scallops in the air fryer? They’re delicious! I just grab a package of Matlaw’s at the grocery store and heat them up for a delicious seafood dinner anytime. I’ve also made stuffed scallops for the feast of seven fishes as an easy yet tasty option.
Why Make Frozen Stuffed Scallops in the Air Fryer
Frozen stuffed scallops have all the hard work already done for you! The shells are cleaned, then the half shell is filled with a mixture of the scallop along with an herby and delicious breading mix. It saves so much time!
The air fryer is the perfect way to cook them up, since you’ll end up with a nice browned crust on the top, while the inside stays moist and delicious. They’re one of my favorites! Plus, they’re much faster to cook than the oven and I think you get an even better result.
Since it only takes around 15 minutes to prepare frozen stuffed scallops, they’re easy enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough for your holiday table or feast of seven fishes. You can also serve them as an appetizer if preferred, or as part of a surf and turf!
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What You’ll Need
- Frozen stuffed scallops (such as Matlaw’s)
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
- Any brand of frozen stuffed scallops is fine. Matlaw’s is a common, nationwide option, but you can use your favorite
- My 15-ounce package of Matlaw’s contains 6 stuffed scallops. You can cook as many at a time as you like, so long as you can fit them in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket or rack
- For serving, I always like to drizzle with some melted butter and include some fresh lemon wedges and parsley, but this is optional
- Depending on preferences, you can always add some seasonings to your scallops before or after cooking (or in the butter drizzle at the end). Old Bay is my favorite choice, but any seafood seasoning you like will work!
How to Cook Frozen Stuffed Scallops in the Air Fryer
- Remove the frozen scallops from all packaging and place them into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until the top is browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Remove carefully using tongs or an oven mitt (the shells get very hot)
- Drizzle with melted butter and seasonings if desired. Enjoy!
What to Serve With Stuffed Scallops
Stuffed scallops can be served solo as an appetizer, or paired with a variety of sides to make a more complete meal! Here are some of my favorite pairing options:
Light Salads
Fresh green salads with vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing balance the richness of stuffed scallops.
Arugula, mixed greens, or spinach with sliced citrus or berries create a refreshing contrast and add a burst of color.
Roasted or Steamed Vegetables
Asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts work well with scallops (and most seafood for that matter).
Lightly roasted or steamed, these vegetables add a savory, earthy balance that complements the other flavors. Try my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Bacon for a delicious option, as bacon is another great combination with scallops!
Rice or Risotto
A simple rice pilaf, herbed wild rice, or lemon risotto makes a filling side.
Risotto, in particular, offers a creamy texture that complements the stuffed scallops’ flavors, creating a more robust main course.
Pasta Dishes
Light pasta, such as angel hair or linguine tossed in garlic, olive oil, or a light lemon-butter sauce, pairs beautifully with stuffed scallops without overwhelming their taste.
Creamy pasta dishes, like fettuccine Alfredo, are also good if you prefer a richer pairing!
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread with its herby butter provides a satisfying crunch and complements seafood flavors, and brings out the butteriness of the topping!
For a quick option, try my Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast!
Mashed or Roasted Potatoes
Smooth mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes can add a comforting feel and a hearty, starchy component.
Try adding butter, and herbs like rosemary or parsley to your potatoes to bring out the flavors of the stuffed scallops! You could also add some seafood seasoning into your potatoes for another complementary option.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Cook Matlaw’s Frozen Stuffed Scallops Directly in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can cook Matlaw’s frozen stuffed scallops directly in the air fryer without needing to thaw them first.
This method allows you to go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, making it convenient and quick!
What Temperature Should I Set the Air Fryer To?
For frozen stuffed scallops, setting the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) typically works well. This temperature ensures that the scallops cook evenly and that the stuffing becomes crispy without burning.
However, if your air fryer only has 400°F available, this will work fine. Just check it a few minutes earlier, and tent with foil if the scallops start to overbrown.
How Long Should I Cook Frozen Stuffed Scallops in the Air Fryer?
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer and size of your scallops, but generally, 15-20 minutes is sufficient.
Check the scallops at the 15-minute mark and then adjust up from there in 1 or 2-minute increments.
Do I Need to Use Any Oil for Air Frying the Stuffed Scallops?
No, you do not need to use any oil for stuffed scallops in an air fryer.
However, for an even more decadent and crispy top, you can pour your melted butter over top of the scallops prior to cooking to help it brown.
How Can I Tell If the Stuffed Scallops Are Done?
The scallops should be golden and crisp on top, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Note that this temperature is a recommendation from Matlaw’s, whereas 145°F is usually considered a safe temperature by the USDA for scallops. A thermometer is a quick way to check for doneness!
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Frozen Stuffed Scallops
- I do not preheat my Ninja air fryer for this recipe, and around 17 minutes is usually perfect for Matlaws! If you do preheat, you can probably save 1-2 minutes of cooking time
- Times can still vary between different air fryers and scallop sizes. Your best bet is to just check with a thermometer and adjust if needed! If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure they’re well browned on top and hot (not just warm) in the center
Stuffed Scallop Storage and Reheating
- Store any leftover stuffed scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. I do not recommend freezing again after they have been cooked once, as they tend to dry out (so try to only cook as many as you need at a time)
- To reheat leftover stuffed scallops in the air fryer, use a lower temperature of 325°F (165°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through
Final Thoughts
It’s so easy to make frozen stuffed scallops in your air fryer! These delicious treats feature a breading and scallop mixture on the half shell for an elegant presentation that can be served as an appetizer, part of a surf and turf, or as a meal when paired with some sides.
The air fryer is just the right tool for the job, since you can cook right from frozen for a quick and convenient option. You’ll still get a browned top and moist inside – just the way you want a stuffed scallop!
Whether you want a delicious seafood meal on a busy weeknight or you’re planning a date night or feast of the seven fishes, frozen stuffed scallops like Matlaw’s are a great time-saving and delicious option!
Matlaws Frozen Stuffed Scallops in the Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 ounce package frozen Matlaw's stuffed scallops (or similar)
- 1 Tbsp melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the frozen scallops from all packaging and place them into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer15 ounce package frozen Matlaw's stuffed scallops
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until the top is browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Remove carefully using tongs or an oven mitt (the shells get very hot)
- Drizzle with melted butter and seasonings if desired. Enjoy!1 Tbsp melted butter
Notes
- Any brand of frozen stuffed scallops is fine. Matlaw’s is a common, nationwide option, but you can use your favorite
- My 15-ounce package of Matlaw’s contains 6 stuffed scallops. You can cook as many at a time as you like, so long as you can fit them in a single layer in your air fryer’s basket or rack
- For serving, I always like to drizzle with some melted butter and include some fresh lemon wedges and parsley, but this is optional
- I do not preheat my Ninja air fryer for this recipe, and around 17 minutes is usually perfect for Matlaws! If you do preheat, you can probably save 1-2 minutes of cooking time
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and size of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
