These Easy Air Fryer Scallops are cooked to perfection and seasoned with a lemon herb butter and olive oil sauce. Feel free to use sea or bay scallops and either fresh or frozen in this recipe.
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Table of Contents
How to Buy Scallops
I always look for wild-caught scallops and grab them from Butcher Box. They arrive frozen. You can buy fresh or frozen scallops in grocery stores.
The most common kind of scallops you will see at the store are wet-packed sea scallops. There's also dry-packed or diver caught (usually more expensive). Bay scallops are less common and are smaller, sweeter, and more delicate. These are great for pasta dishes. Sea scallops are larger and preferred for this recipe.
You want to grab scallops that are pearly white. The flesh should be firm, yet moist.
How to Thaw
The best way to thaw is in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw them quickly in a bowl of cold water.
Scallops are small and delicate. Never thaw them in the microwave. You risk overcooking them and making them tough and chewy.
Cleaning
They will need a rinse and then pat dry. Some scallops will arrive with the side muscle tissue intact. It's a tag of tissue along the side of the scallop in the shape of a rectangle. You should remove the side muscle by pulling it out. It's no big deal and is edible.
How to Cook Scallops in the Air Fryer
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pat the scallops dry and season.
- Place the scallops in the air fryer in one single layer. Do not stack. Cook batches if needed.
- Air fry.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Cook time is 6-8 minutes.
How to Tell When They are Done/Avoid Overcooking
The top of the scallop should be slightly golden-brown and the sides should look opaque all the way through. The scallops should feel firm to the touch, but still slightly soft. Overcooked scallops become tough and chewy.
Additional Ideas for Spices and How to Season Them
- Dry, white wine
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Jerk Seasoning
- Breadcrumbs (sprinkle along the top along with oil or melted butter)
How to Cook them while Frozen
Frozen scallops will need 2-3 minutes of additional cook time. Be sure to remove them halfway through the cooking process to apply the oils and spices.
Pair With These Recipes
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Asparagus
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Brats
Air Fryer Steak
Shrimp Crab Quiche
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Crab Legs
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Fish Sandwich
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Easy Air Fryer Scallops
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter Melted, measured solid.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 3 garlic cloves Minced.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry. Dry scallops will cook at an even and consistent temperature. Combine the scallops in a bowl with all of the ingredients.
- Place the scallops in the air fryer in one single layer. Do not stack. Cook batches if needed.When you remove the scallops from the bowl and place them in the air fryer, you may notice you have remaining liquid marinade in the bottom of the bowl. I like to use a cooking brush to glaze the top of the scallops once they are in the air fryer to ensure optimal flavor.
- Cook on 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes.
- The top of the scallop should be slightly golden-brown and the sides should look opaque all the way through. The scallops should feel firm to the touch, but still slightly soft. Overcooked scallops become tough and chewy.
Video
Notes
- Sea scallops will work best in this recipe. Bay scallops are small and are great for pastas and soups.
- Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. Your cook time may vary. Keep a close watch on the scallops to avoid overcooking them.
- These will not have a thick brown crust like pan-seared scallops. If the scallops have a thick brown crust, you cooked them too long.
- The top of the scallop should be slightly golden-brown and the sides should look opaque all the way through. The scallops should feel firm to the touch, but still slightly soft. Overcooked scallops become tough and chewy.
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
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Jennifer says
These were wonderful! Brandi’s recipes never disappoint.
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it!
Amanda says
Super easy and delicious!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Kay says
So very good!!! Easy, quick, and oh so tasty.. and I usually would not eat scallops. Never been my thing, but definitely will be making again!
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear you will make them again!
Collier Lewis says
Made this for dinner last night and when I tell y’all they are BOMB! So simple and easy to make and loaded with flavor. So good I’m making them again tonight!
staysnatched says
yes! Gotta keep these in rotation!
Tara says
Made these and they turned out perfect! Husband declared them “restaurant quality”. So much easier than pan-searing too. Will be making these regularly with our Butcher Box scallops!
staysnatched says
I love these with Butcher Box scallops!
Rashawnda Wright says
These cooked up perfectly on 7 minutes!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Aaryn says
I used this recipe for dinner tonight
and it was delicious!!!! Thank you! 💛
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Meridith Martin says
So quick and so much easier than making them in a pan IMO. Flavors on point but that’s not a surprise at this point 💯
staysnatched says
It's definitely the easiest way to make them!
Kat Brzozowski says
So simple and SO delicious. Best method for consistent cooking. Great job, Brandi!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Jessica says
Yum!! I have had my eye on this recipe for awhile now and I finally got my hands on some scallops. Love an 8 minute dinner after a long day! Easy and delicious.
staysnatched says
Yes! The perfect quick dinner meal.
Amber says
My. Word !! This recipe is proof that scallops don’t need to be over complicated! This was so easy. I always appreciate all of the tips- don’t just scroll to the bottom! So so good! Will make again soon! Thanks, Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Taryn says
These turned out so well! I even forgot the lemon juice and they were still good 🙂
staysnatched says
That's good to hear!
Keri says
Made these tonight! Super easy. Super tasty and freed up the oven for my non scallop eating husband so we could eat the same time.
Paired it with some pesto ravioli and will be making this often!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Dara says
It’s seafood week in our house. Every day I have made a different fish recipe from this blog. Friday was scallop night and it did not disappoint. I had never made scallops before. This recipe was easy to follow and I paired with some extra lemon butter sauce for serving and it was a hit. The scallops cooked evenly and had a great flavor. Served with a salad. This will be added as an easy weeknight meal.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Ashley says
These were awesome! Delicious and loaded with flavor with minimal prep, will definitely make these often!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Monica O says
It's crazy hot here, so I didn't feel like turning on the stove. These air fryer scallops were delicious, hardly any mess, and super quick! The best!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Suzanne says
love scallops but never tried them in the air fryer, can wait
staysnatched says
I hope you love them!