Top 27 Scallop Air Fryer Recipes [NOT TO MISS]

Scallops, with their delicate flavor and tender texture, are a seafood delicacy enjoyed by many around the world. Cooking scallops perfectly can be a challenge, as they can easily become rubbery or overcooked. However, the air fryer offers a convenient and efficient way to achieve perfectly cooked scallops every time. With its rapid air circulation, the air fryer ensures that scallops are cooked evenly and retain their moisture, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish. In this article, we’ll explore 27 mouthwatering scallop air fryer recipes that will elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests.

Top 27 Scallop Air Fryer Recipes

1. Classic Garlic Butter Scallops

• Ingredients:
  • Fresh scallops
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Butter
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
  3. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
  4. Brush scallops with garlic butter mixture.
  5. Place scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Lemon Herb Scallop Skewers

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Lemon zest
  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Thread scallops onto skewers, alternating with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
  4. Place skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.

3. Cajun Spiced Scallop Bites

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Lime wedges
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss scallops with Cajun seasoning and olive oil until evenly coated.
  3. Place scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the scallops.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Skewers

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Bacon slices
  • Maple syrup
  • Toothpicks
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  3. Brush with maple syrup.
  4. Place skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

5. Asian-Inspired Garlic Ginger Scallops

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Sesame oil
  • Green onions, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
  3. Add scallops to the bowl and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Place scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

6. Parmesan Crusted Scallops

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Bread crumbs
  • Garlic powder
  • Olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and garlic powder.
  3. Coat each scallop in olive oil and then dredge in the Parmesan mixture.
  4. Place scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

7. Honey Sriracha Glazed Scallops

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Honey
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Lime juice
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add scallops to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Place scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, brushing with the remaining glaze halfway through.

8. Coconut-Crusted Scallops With Mango Salsa

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Coconut flakes
  • Egg, beaten
  • Mango, diced
  • Red bell pepper, diced
  • Red onion, diced
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Lime juice
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dip each scallop in beaten egg, then coat with coconut flakes.
  3. Place scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. In a bowl, mix together diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to make the salsa. Serve scallops with mango salsa on top.

9. Scallop And Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Asparagus spears
  • Bacon slices
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wrap each scallop with a slice of bacon.
  3. Toss asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bundle 3-4 asparagus spears with a bacon-wrapped scallop and secure with a toothpick.
  5. Place bundles in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

10. Miso Glazed Scallop Skewers

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Miso paste
  • Soy sauce
  • Mirin
  • Honey
  • Sesame oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, mirin, honey, and sesame oil to make the glaze.
  3. Thread scallops onto skewers and brush with the miso glaze.
  4. Place skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, brushing with additional glaze halfway through.

11. Scallop Stuffed Mushrooms

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Mushrooms
  • Cream cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Bread crumbs
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove stems from mushrooms and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
  4. Fill each mushroom cap with the cream cheese mixture and top with a scallop.
  5. Place stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until scallops are cooked through and mushrooms are tender.

12. Scallop And Corn Fritters

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Corn kernels
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Chives, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together corn kernels, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and chopped chives to make the batter.
  3. Gently fold in diced scallops.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

13. Scallop And Avocado Salad

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Avocado
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Mixed greens
  • Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Balsamic vinaigrette
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
  3. Place scallops in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado with balsamic vinaigrette.
  5. Top salad with cooked scallops and serve immediately.

14. Scallop And Bacon Risotto

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Arborio rice
  • Chicken broth
  • White wine
  • Bacon, diced
  • Shallots, minced
  • Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a separate skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced shallots until translucent.
  4. Add Arborio rice to the skillet and cook until lightly toasted.
  5. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, then gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked through.
  6. Stir in cooked scallops, crispy bacon, and Parmesan cheese until heated through.
  7. Serve hot and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

15. Scallop And Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Portobello mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Garlic, minced
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove stems from portobello mushrooms and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and spinach until wilted.
  4. Add cream cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet and stir until melted.
  5. Fill each portobello mushroom cap with the spinach mixture and top with a scallop.
  6. Place stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until scallops are cooked through and mushrooms are tender.

16. Scallop And Broccoli Stir Fry

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Broccoli florets
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Sesame oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
  3. Stir-fry broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes.
  4. Add scallops to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until scallops are cooked through.
  5. Toss everything together and serve hot.

17. Scallop And Vegetable Kebabs

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Zucchini, sliced
  • Red onion, diced
  • Bell peppers, diced
  • Olive oil
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Thread scallops and chopped vegetables onto skewers.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place kebabs in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.

18. Scallop And Corn Chowder

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Corn kernels
  • Potatoes, diced
  • Celery, chopped
  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Thyme
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a separate skillet, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery until softened.
  3. Add diced potatoes, corn kernels, chicken broth, and thyme to the skillet and bring to a boil.
  4. Simmer until potatoes are tender, then stir in heavy cream and cooked scallops.
  5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

19. Scallop And Tomato Pasta

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Linguine pasta
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Garlic, minced
  • Red pepper flakes
  • White wine
  • Olive oil
  • Basil, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and cherry tomatoes until tomatoes are softened.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with white wine and cook until slightly reduced.
  5. Add cooked scallops and cooked linguine to the skillet, toss to combine.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped basil.
  7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

20. Scallop And Spinach Quesadillas

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Flour tortillas
  • Spinach
  • Red bell pepper, diced
  • Red onion, diced
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, sauté diced red bell pepper and red onion until softened.
  3. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
  4. Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Top with cooked scallops and sautéed vegetables, then sprinkle with more shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Place another flour tortilla on top and press down gently.
  7. Brush both sides of the quesadilla with olive oil and place in the air fryer basket.
  8. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

21. Scallop And Pineapple Skewers With Teriyaki Glaze

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Teriyaki sauce
  • Green onions, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Thread scallops and pineapple chunks onto skewers.
  3. Brush with teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
  4. Place skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.

22. Scallop And Mango Summer Rolls

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Rice paper wrappers
  • Mango, thinly sliced
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Carrot, thinly sliced
  • Avocado, thinly sliced
  • Mint leaves
  • Thai basil leaves
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Dip a rice paper wrapper in warm water until softened, then place on a flat surface.
  3. Arrange thinly sliced mango, cucumber, carrot, avocado, mint leaves, Thai basil leaves, and cooked scallops on the rice paper wrapper.
  4. Fold in the sides of the wrapper, then roll tightly to enclose the filling.
  5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  6. Serve summer rolls with dipping sauce of your choice.

23. Scallop And Pesto Pizza

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Pizza dough
  • Pesto sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Basil leaves
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out pizza dough on a flat surface and spread with pesto sauce.
  3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto sauce.
  4. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and cooked scallops.
  5. Place pizza in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

24. Scallop And Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Zucchini noodles
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • Snow peas
  • Carrots, julienned
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, toss zucchini noodles, sliced bell peppers, snow peas, and julienned carrots with soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Stir-fry vegetable mixture in the air fryer basket for 5 minutes.
  4. Add scallops to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until scallops are cooked through.
  5. Serve hot and garnish with chopped green onions.

25. Scallop And Coconut Curry

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Coconut milk
  • Red curry paste
  • Bell peppers, sliced
  • Onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, grated
  • Cilantro, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a separate skillet, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger until softened.
  3. Add sliced bell peppers and cook until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in red curry paste and coconut milk, then simmer until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add cooked scallops to the skillet and simmer until heated through.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

26. Scallop And Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Mushrooms
  • Pesto sauce
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Bread crumbs
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove stems from mushrooms and set aside.
  3. Fill each mushroom cap with pesto sauce and top with a scallop.
  4. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs over the top.
  5. Place stuffed mushrooms in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes until scallops are cooked through and mushrooms are tender.

27. Scallop And Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

• Ingredients:
  • Scallops
  • Asparagus spears
  • Prosciutto slices
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wrap each scallop with a slice of prosciutto.
  3. Toss asparagus spears in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bundle 3-4 asparagus spears with a prosciutto-wrapped scallop and secure with a toothpick.
  5. Place bundles in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
  6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Cooking scallops in the air fryer opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to create an array of delicious and impressive dishes with ease. Whether you prefer classic preparations like garlic butter or adventurous flavor combinations like miso glaze, there’s a scallop air fryer recipe to suit every taste. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to discover your favorite way to enjoy this delectable seafood treat. With these 27 scallop air fryer recipes in your repertoire, you’ll be well-equipped to impress family and friends at any gathering. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to elevate your culinary skills to new heights with these mouthwatering scallop creations.

Top 10 Global Flavors

Scallops, often hailed as the jewels of the sea, are a highly prized ingredient in cuisines around the world. These bivalve mollusks are known for their sweet, briny flavor and tender texture, making them a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Traditionally, scallops are cooked using methods such as pan-searing, grilling, or broiling. However, the air fryer offers a convenient and efficient alternative, producing perfectly cooked scallops with minimal effort and cleanup.

The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. This makes it an ideal tool for cooking scallops, as it allows them to develop a golden crust while retaining their natural juiciness.

Scallops lend themselves well to a wide range of flavor profiles, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From Asian-inspired marinades to Mediterranean seasoning blends, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to prepare them in the air fryer. Here are ten global flavors to try:

1. Garlic Butter Scallops

This classic combination of garlic and butter brings out the natural sweetness of the scallops. Simply toss the scallops with melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper before air frying until golden brown and tender.

2. Lemon Herb Scallops

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and chives, combined with zesty lemon zest, add brightness and complexity to scallops. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before air frying for a burst of flavor.

3. Teriyaki Scallops

For an Asian-inspired twist, marinate scallops in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic before air frying. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a deliciously sticky coating.

4. Cajun Spiced Scallops

Spice up your scallops with a bold Cajun seasoning blend featuring paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. The smoky, aromatic flavors pair perfectly with the sweet brininess of the scallops.

5. Mediterranean Scallops

Transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean with a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Serve the air-fried scallops over a bed of couscous or mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal.

6. Coconut Lime Scallops

Infuse your scallops with tropical flavors by coating them in a mixture of coconut milk, lime juice, and grated ginger. The creamy coconut milk adds richness, while the lime juice provides a tangy contrast.

7. Honey Mustard Scallops

For a sweet and tangy glaze, combine honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush the mixture onto the scallops before air frying for a sticky, caramelized finish.

8. Sesame Soy Scallops

Create an umami-packed marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The nutty sesame flavor complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

9. Buffalo Scallops

Give your scallops a spicy kick by tossing them in buffalo sauce before air frying. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wings-inspired appetizer.

10. Pesto Parmesan Scallops

Coat scallops in a mixture of basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese for a burst of herbaceous flavor. The crispy, cheesy crust pairs beautifully with the tender scallops, creating a decadent yet effortless dish.

Experiment with these global flavors to discover your favorite way to enjoy scallops in the air fryer.

My Favourite Air Fryer Recipe

While each of the aforementioned recipes offers its own unique twist on scallop preparation, my personal favorite is the Garlic Butter Scallops. There’s something irresistible about the combination of rich butter, fragrant garlic, and tender scallops that keeps me coming back for more.

To make Garlic Butter Scallops in the air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, pat dry the scallops with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, melt butter and stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.

Next, toss the scallops in the garlic butter mixture until evenly coated. Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the scallops are golden brown and opaque.

Once cooked, remove the scallops from the air fryer and serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. The result is tender, succulent scallops with a crispy, flavorful exterior that’s sure to impress your taste buds.

Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking

Cooking scallops in the air fryer may seem straightforward, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure success every time:

1. Pat Dry The Scallops

Before cooking, pat the scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them develop a golden crust without becoming soggy.

2. Preheat The Air Fryer

For optimal results, preheat the air fryer before adding the scallops. This ensures even cooking and helps them achieve a crispy exterior.

3. Don’t Overcrowd The Basket

Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking.

4. Flip Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking, flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time. This helps them brown evenly on both sides.

5. Monitor Closely

Scallops cook quickly in the air fryer, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. They’re ready when they’re opaque and firm to the touch.

6. Experiment With Seasonings

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and flavor combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy scallops in the air fryer.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of air fryer cooking and creating delicious scallop dishes with ease.

Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key when it comes to meal preparation. Luckily, the air fryer offers a variety of time-saving strategies for busy cooks:

1. Meal Prep In Advance

Prep your scallops ahead of time by cleaning and patting them dry, then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes for quick and easy weeknight meals.

2. Use Frozen Scallops

Frozen scallops can be cooked directly from frozen in the air fryer, eliminating the need for thawing. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed, adding a few extra minutes.

3. Batch Cooking

Maximize efficiency by cooking larger batches of scallops at once and storing any leftovers for later use. They can be reheated in the air fryer for a quick and convenient meal.

4. Multitask

While the scallops are cooking in the air fryer, use the time to prepare side dishes or salad to complete the meal. This ensures everything is ready to serve simultaneously.

5. Clean Up Easily

The removable basket and nonstick surfaces of most air fryers make for easy cleanup. Simply wash with warm, soapy water or place in the dishwasher for hassle-free maintenance.

By incorporating these time-saving strategies into your cooking routine, you can enjoy delicious scallop dishes without the stress of lengthy preparation and cleanup.

Conclusion

Scallops are a versatile and delicious ingredient that shines when cooked in the air fryer. Whether you prefer classic flavors like garlic butter and lemon herb or more adventurous combinations like teriyaki and coconut lime, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy them.

With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can create restaurant-quality scallop dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen. So dust off your air fryer, stock up on scallops, and get ready to elevate your culinary skills to new heights. Bon appétit!