Air Fryer Scallops

Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth Air Fryer Scallops with an irresistible crunchy crust! Using your air fryer takes the guesswork out of the cooking time in a skillet. These delicious buttery scallops are sure to please anyone.

Air Fryer Scallops Recipe

Making scallops seems like a fancy, restaurant-only recipe for some people. But honestly, scallops couldn’t be easier to make. The biggest mistake that people make is overcooking scallops, but other than that it’s usually just a quick pan sear to perfection.

These air fryer scallops are a delicious and equally tasty option. You don’t have to worry about your pan being too hot or burning these pricey little gems. So using the air fryer does take a little bit of the guesswork and paranoia out of making scallops at home.

Ingredients For Making Air Fryer Scallops

• 1 pound large sea scallops
• Garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt and fresh black pepper
• Fresh parsley
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Butter

What Are “Wet” and “Dry” Scallops?

Wet and dry scallops are not a certain type of scallop, rather how the scallops are preserved after harvesting. Wet scallops are stored in cold sea water and then preserved with chemicals to help extend the shelf life. These preservatives also plump up the weight of the scallops, costing you money in the end.

Dry scallops are typically flash-frozen within a few hours of harvesting, without the use of any chemicals or preservatives. So in short, try to find dry scallops if you can, but you can still cook with wet scallops if that’s what you have available.

How To Make Scallops In An Air Fryer

This scallop recipe is so simple, even beginner cooks are going to nail it. Simple seasonings, butter and breadcrumbs is all you need!

1. Season the scallops: Season the scallops with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
2. Cook the scallops: Place the scallops in a 400 degree air fryer for two minutes. Remove from the air fryer, turn the scallops over and add melted butter and panko breadcrumbs. Cook for another 3 minutes.
3. Garnish: Finish the scallops with more drizzled butter, fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

What Does A Scallop Taste Like?

Scallops are a pretty mild tasting seafood, but that doesn’t mean they lack in flavor. They taste like they came right from the ocean without having a fishy taste. They are sweet and briny with a very tender texture.

Scallops will easily take on the flavors of the sauces and seasoning that you are cooking them with, so they can be transformed into many different recipes. If you are a seafood beginner, scallops are definitely something that you should try!

What Sides Go Well With Scallops?

If you’re serving these Air Fryer Scallops for dinner instead of a first course or appetizers, we’ve got may delicious side dishes for you to try. Scallops go with anything from rice to potatoes, to vegetables to grains, or a combination of a few.

• Spicy Mushroom Rice
• Perfect Spanish Rice
• Mini Loaded Hasselback Potatoes
• Duchess Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes
• Stuffed Artichoke Casserole
• Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
• Arugula Salad with Creamy Maple Dressing
• Asparagus Casserole

Can You Eat The Foot Of A Scallop?

Some scallops come with a “foot” attached that needs to be removed before cooking. It’s really not a foot, per se, it’s a flap of muscle that hangs off the side of the scallop. Never fear, it’s totally edible, it just doesn’t cook up as tender as the rest of the scallop so most people opt to remove it before cooking.

The foot comes off very easily, just find the flap on one side of the scallop and gently pull it off. If you’re scallop doesn’t have that flap of muscle then it has already been removed or it wasn’t there to begin with.

How About Some More Seafood Recipes?

• Creamy Tuscan Spaghetti With Scallops
• Perfect Crab Cakes
• Linguine with Clam Sauce
• Tequila Shrimp Quesadillas
• Parmesan Crusted Haddock

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