Air fryer scallops bring elegance to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Imagine restaurant-quality scallops cooked to perfection in minutes, then covered in a delicious garlic butter sauce.
There’s no skillet or stovetop needed. It seems impossible, but it’s true! There’s no grease or mess, just pure seafood goodness.
Ready to level up your dinner game? Let’s cook!
You’ll fall in love with air fryer scallops for so many reasons. Here are just a few:
Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need for these easy scallops:
Air fryer scallops are as easy as they are delicious. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the scallops. Remove the side muscles and pat them dry for the perfect sear.
2. Season well. Mix the olive oil, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Coat the scallops evenly.
3. Heat the air fryer. Preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cook to perfection. Lay the scallops out in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
5. Make the garlic butter. While the scallops cook, melt the butter and saute the garlic cloves until fragrant.
6. Serve and enjoy! Toss the scallops in the garlic butter sauce. Plate with lemon and parsley, and enjoy.
You know scallops are cooked just right when they turn opaque and have a firm feel. When they lose that raw, translucent look, get ready to plate them.
A thermometer can give you extra peace of mind if you want to be accurate. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F.
Here’s how to ensure your scallops are cooked perfectly every time.
Scallops taste best fresh out of the air fryer. If you end up with leftovers, they’re surprisingly tasty cold, especially when tossed in a salad. But if you really need to, here’s how to store them:
To Store: Freshly cooked scallops should be enjoyed right away, but if you’ve got extras, pop them in the fridge. Use a shallow, air-tight container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 days.
To Reheat: Do it gently on the stove in a skillet over medium-low heat. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Don’t reheat them in the microwave! It’ll zap the life right out of your scallops.
Pair the right sides with scallops to turn a good meal into a great one.
Rice – It soaks up the sauce and also complements the scallops’ delicate flavor.
Mashed Potatoes – They balance the scallops’ lightness with their rich, smooth texture.
Roasted Veggies – They add color, nutrition, and texture to your plate.
Linguine – Toss scallops over linguine with extra garlic butter sauce for a dish that screams gourmet.
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