Go Back
–+ servings
Crispy air fryer scallops garnished with herbs on a plate

Air Fryer Scallops

Please rate us
Impressive air-fried scallops cooked in under 10 minutes, featuring a golden, caramelized exterior and tender interior.
Print it Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound scallops pat dry for best results (bay or sea scallops both work; larger 'diver' scallops need slightly more time)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for tossing the scallops (substitute melted butter or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules + a pinch of flaky salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika adds a subtle charred note
  • to taste Salt and pepper adjust according to preference
  • as needed Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Thaw scallops completely if frozen and pat dry with paper towels. Dry surface = better browning.
  2. In a bowl, toss scallops with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper so each scallop is lightly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Arrange scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
  2. Cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes total for medium/large scallops (smaller scallops may need 4–6 minutes). Flip or shake the basket halfway through for even browning.
  3. Watch for opaque centers and golden edges; scallops are done when firm but still springy. Target internal temperature: 145°F (63°C) if you use a probe.
Serving
  1. Remove scallops promptly and rest 1 minute. Squeeze lemon over the top and serve immediately to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 24gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 360mg

Notes

For a garlic-butter finish, gently toss the cooked scallops in a tablespoon of melted butter with minced parsley. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–4 minutes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!