Name: Perfect Air Fryer Scallops in 10 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Large sea scallops (Pat completely dry with paper towels); To taste Salt & black pepper (For initial seasoning); 1 tsp Bay seasoning (Adds savory complex seafood flavor); 1 Tbsp Vegetable oil (Neutral oil for browning); 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter (Melted); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced finely to infuse butter); 1 tsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped garnish); From 1 lemon Lemon juice (Brightens sauce at the end)

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The Foolproof Secret to Five-Star Scallops at Home

A stroll through Seattle’s Pike Place Market is a feast for the senses, but my favorite sight is always the pristine seafood counters piled high with glistening scallops. For years, I was too intimidated to cook them at home. We’re told that achieving a perfect, golden-brown sear on a scallop while keeping the inside tender and sweet requires a screaming hot pan and chef-level precision. One wrong move and you’re left with sad, rubbery pucks.

But what if I told you there’s a nearly foolproof method that delivers perfectly cooked scallops every single time, in under 10 minutes? It doesn’t require a cast-iron skillet or a cloud of smoke. The secret weapon is your air fryer. This air fryer scallops recipe, tossed in a luscious garlic herb butter, unlocks the door to making an elegant, restaurant-quality meal with shocking ease.

Your Simple & Elegant Ingredient List

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a luxurious meal. The quality of the scallops and the classic flavor of garlic butter do all the work.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Large Sea Scallops	1 lb	Pat them very dry with paper towels. This is the most crucial step!
Salt and Pepper	To taste	For the initial seasoning.
Bay Seasoning	1 teaspoon	A classic seafood seasoning blend that adds a savory, complex flavor.
Vegetable Oil	1 tablespoon	A neutral oil to help with browning.
Unsalted Butter	3 tablespoons	Melted, to create the rich and luscious sauce.
Garlic Cloves	2	Minced finely to infuse the butter with aromatic flavor.
Fresh Parsley	1 teaspoon	Finely chopped for a touch of fresh, green flavor.
Lemon Juice	From 1 lemon	A fresh squeeze of citrus to brighten everything up at the end.

Your Express Timeline to Gourmet

This might be one of the fastest elegant meals you will ever make.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 12 minutes

Cooking Insight: The air fryer circulates hot air at high speed, creating a cooking environment similar to a convection oven. This allows the scallops to cook quickly and evenly, setting the outside before the inside overcooks—a major advantage over the less-forgiving, high-heat pan-searing method.

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops (The Dry-Off is Key!)

First, if your scallops have the small side-muscle attached, gently pull it off and discard it. Rinse the scallops under cold water and then—the most important step—pat them completely dry with paper towels. A dry surface is essential for getting a beautiful sear. Place the dry scallops in a bowl.

Step 2: Season and Air Fry

Drizzle the scallops with the vegetable oil and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and the Bay seasoning. Toss gently to coat them evenly. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them; cook in two batches if necessary. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

While the scallops are in the air fryer, prepare your delicious sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, and the juice from one lemon.

Step 4: Toss and Serve Immediately

The scallops are done when they are opaque and the outside is lightly golden. As soon as they come out of the air fryer, transfer them to a bowl with the garlic herb butter. Toss gently to coat every scallop in the luscious sauce. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 4 appetizer-sized servings).

Calories: 230 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 13g

Nutrition Insight: Scallops are a fantastic source of lean protein. They are also rich in minerals like selenium, zinc, and copper, and provide a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.

Healthy Swaps & Simple Variations

This recipe is already quite healthy and straightforward, but here are a few ideas.

Butter Alternatives: For a different flavor profile or to make it dairy-free, you can use high-quality ghee or a robust extra virgin olive oil in place of the butter.
Herb Variations: Don’t have fresh parsley? A little fresh dill, chives, or even tarragon would be delicious in the butter sauce.
Add Some Heat: Whisk a pinch of red pepper flakes into your garlic butter sauce for a subtle, spicy kick.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

These elegant scallops can be the star of the show in many different ways.

As an Appetizer: Serve them hot on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, impressive starter.
Over Risotto: Spoon the scallops and the garlic butter sauce over a bed of creamy Parmesan or lemon risotto.
With Pasta: Toss them with angel hair pasta or linguine, letting the garlic butter sauce coat the noodles.
On a Salad: Let them cool slightly and place them on top of a fresh arugula salad for a light and healthy lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Scallops

Not Drying the Scallops: We’re saying it a third time because it’s that important! Any moisture on the surface will cause the scallops to steam instead of sear, resulting in a pale, slightly rubbery texture. Dry them thoroughly!
Overcooking: Scallops cook in minutes. They are done the moment they turn opaque. Overcooking them by even a minute will make them tough and chewy. Keep a close eye on them in the air fryer.
Overcrowding the Basket: Hot air needs to circulate to cook food properly. Placing too many scallops in the basket at once will steam them and prevent them from browning. Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.

Storing and Reheating

Scallops are at their peak of perfection the moment they finish cooking.

Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This is tricky, as reheating can easily overcook them. The best method is to reheat them very gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of their sauce for just a minute or two, or for 1-2 minutes in the air fryer at a lower temperature, around 150°C (300°F). Avoid the microwave at all costs.

Five-Star Dining, Made Simple

This air fryer scallops recipe completely demystifies the process of cooking elegant seafood at home. In just a few minutes, you can produce perfectly cooked, tender, and sweet scallops drenched in a classic garlic herb butter sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and incredibly impressive meal that’s perfect for a special date night or an easy weeknight indulgence.

We invite you to conquer your fear of cooking scallops and try this foolproof recipe. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is! Let us know how your gourmet meal turns out in the comments below. For more simple yet elegant recipes, be sure to subscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I cook frozen scallops in the air fryer?

For the best results, you should thaw frozen scallops completely before cooking. Place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. This allows you to pat them completely dry, which is essential for a good sear. Cooking from frozen will result in steamed, watery scallops.

Q2: How do I know for sure when my scallops are done?

The best visual cue is color and texture. The scallops will turn from translucent to opaque, and the outside will be firm to the touch with a slight golden-brown color. If you cut one in half, it should be white and opaque all the way through, not translucent in the center.

Q3: What is Bay seasoning and can I substitute it?

Bay seasoning, often known by the brand name Old Bay®, is a classic American spice blend commonly used for seafood. It includes celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other spices. If you don’t have it, you can make a simple substitute by mixing ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon celery salt, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.

Q4: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for this recipe?

For a recipe this quick, preheating is a good idea as it helps the scallops start searing immediately. Most air fryers only take 2-3 minutes to preheat. Set it to 200°C (400°F) while you are seasoning your scallops.