How to Air Fry Scallops

Cooking scallops in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to prepare this delicate seafood while preserving its naturally plump texture. The hot, circulating air creates a lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy — no skillet or extra oil required.

If you’re new to cooking scallops, air frying is a great place to start. Air frying allows them to cook quickly, taste impressive, and they can easily be paired with simple sides for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to cook scallops in an air fryer, along with tips to help you get perfect results every time.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Scallops?

Scallops can be tricky to cook on the stovetop if you don’t know the proper technique. A pan that’s not hot enough can make it difficult to get a sear, and there are some key timing cues that you’ll need to look for when flipping the scallops. The air fryer takes away much of that guesswork.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Even cooking: Hot air circulates around each scallop, so they cook evenly.

• Less mess: Air frying is a much tidier cooking method, as searing scallops generally involves a bit of splattering oil. That won’t be an issue when you air fry them.

• Texture boost: The edges pick up a subtle crispness that you can’t get from baking scallops.

• Low effort: With just a bit of oil and seasoning, you’ll have scallops ready in minutes.

Step-by-Step: Air Fryer Scallops

Follow this simple method for flavorful, perfectly cooked scallops:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

2. Prepare the scallops. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help them develop the best texture. In an air fryer basket prepared with cooking spray or lightly oiled, arrange scallops about an inch apart, leaving plenty of room for airflow.

3. Season lightly. Brush the scallops with extra virgin olive oil or a spritz of cooking spray, then season with salt and pepper, as well as any additional dry seasonings that you like.

4. Cook until just golden. Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the scallops just begin to develop color around the edges.

5. Serve right away. Scallops are best enjoyed hot, so plate them as soon as they’re done.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Airflow is key for the best texture. If needed, cook in batches rather than crowding the scallops together at once.

• Keep an eye on cook time. Size should help you determine how long to cook the scallops — smaller ones may be done in about 5 minutes, while larger scallops can take a few more minutes to cook through. They’re ready when they’re opaque and just firm to the touch.

• Look for color, not crispness. Scallops won’t sear in the air-fryer, so they won’t develop the same robust, browned crust. However, they will start to turn a bit golden around the edges. If you’re waiting for them to get crispy and brown, they’ll likely overcook.

• Experiment with flavors. Try adding a touch of garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seafood spice blend to season the scallops before cooking.

• Add texture. Serve air fried scallops with crispy rice, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs, or snappy vegetables to complement their naturally plump texture.

What to Serve with Air-Fried Scallops

Scallops are versatile and pair beautifully with both light and hearty sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Crisp salads with bright citrus dressings

• Air fried vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts

• Quick-cooking grains such as quinoa for a satisfying base that you can prepare while the scallops cook

• Simple pasta dishes topped with scallops and and store-bought pesto

Can You Cook Frozen Scallops in the Air Fryer?

We don’t recommend cooking frozen scallops in the air fryer. Oftentimes, scallops are frozen together in a block, which will prevent them from cooking through evenly. Individually frozen scallops will cook more evenly from frozen, but the quality of the scallops will not be as good — they’re much more likely to overcook, dry out, or develop a tough texture.

Rather than attempting to cook scallops from frozen, it’s better to defrost the scallops first. They can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or even defrosted within an hour using the quick-thaw method for defrosting scallops.

Where to Buy the Best Scallops

When shopping for scallops, look for a wild-caught variety like Alaskan weathervane scallops, which are naturally sweet and rich in flavor. 

You can source them online from Wild Alaskan Company, which offers them when they’re in stock — though they’re so popular that they tend to sell out quickly. Make sure you don’t miss out on weathervane scallops by signing up for a fish subscription box. You’ll get high-quality, wild-caught seafood delivered straight to your doorstep.