First time I had a air fryer scallop, it wasn’t in some fancy place it was a Wednesday night, and I’d just watched a chef on TikTok turn scallops into weeknight magic. This easy recipe comes together in 20 minutes, even if you’ve never cooked scallops before. Beginner-friendly, buttery-soft, and crisped to golden in the air fryer. Dinner flex, unlocked.
Think seared meets crispy, with just scallops, olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon. The kind of pantry stuff you already have. No flame, no fuss. Just fresh flavor that feels like you worked way harder than you did. Full details in the blog!
When my uncle used to cook scallops, he made it dramatic butter splashing, smoke alarm screaming. I’ve tested this version with fewer flare-ups and more flavor. It’s practical, no-mess, and way quicker. Plus, I tucked in one simple seasoning twist. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No kitchen chaos: Air frying scallops means zero splatter, no smoky smell, and minimal cleanup. Your stove stays spotless!
Beginner-friendly: If scallops feel intimidating, this recipe takes out the guesswork with an easy, foolproof process.
Quick & elegant: With just 8 minutes total time, you can whip up something that feels special, even on a weeknight.
Perfect flavor combo: Lemon pepper seasoning, butter, and a touch of paprika bring bright, balanced flavor to the tender scallops.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s quickly talk through what makes this recipe shine. It’s all about keeping things simple yet flavorful.
Scallops: Look for sea scallopsthey’re larger, cook beautifully, and keep that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lemon pepper seasoning: The salt-free version lets you control the saltiness perfectly. It adds zesty warmth with no extra effort.
Butter: Butter adds richness and just the right amount of indulgence to make this dish feel restaurant-worthy.
Air fryer: No need to baby-sit the pan. The air fryer cooks the scallops evenly and crisps them just enough outside.
Pro Tip: Always pat dry your scallops with a paper towel before cooking for the best golden sear!
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Ready to cook your air fryer scallops like a pro? Here’s everything broken down so it’s easy to follow:
Preheat: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This ensures even cooking right from the start!
Season: Pat dry your scallops, then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon pepper seasoning.
Prep the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook: Place your scallops in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping them halfway through (around 3 minutes).
Finish: Gently toss your scallops with the softened butter for a bright, buttery finish. Serve immediately.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket. Give your scallops a little space to cook evenly and crisp up just right.
Step
Time
Preheating
2 minutes
Cooking (flip halfway)
6 minutes
Total Time
8 minutes
Swaps, Tweaks & Troubleshooting
Need to mix things up or fix a hiccup? Here are some handy tips:
Swaps: Out of lemon pepper seasoning? Use a little lemon zest and freshly ground pepper instead.
Troubleshooting: Are your scallops too wet to sear properly? Pat them dry again, and push cooking spray in the basket lightly to help them crisp.
Upgrade the seasoning: Add garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for a bold twist on flavor.
Possible Swap
How to Use
Lemon zest and pepper
Use in place of lemon pepper seasoning.
Garlic Powder
Add 1/4 tsp for a garlicky spin.
Paprika Substitute
Smoked paprika adds an earthy, smoky finish.
Pro Tip: If your scallops aren’t cooking evenly, make sure they’re placed in a single layer without overlapping.
Storage & Reheating
Cooking for one or prepping ahead? Here’s how to store your scallops like a pro:
Fridge: Store your cooked scallops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not a great option for cooked scallops (they can get rubbery), but you can freeze uncooked scallops for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to warm them through without losing texture.
Storage
Time Limit
Refrigerator
2 days
Freezer (uncooked)
3 months
Tip: Always reheat scallops gently to avoid overcooking them.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Scallop Texture
Using an air fryer for scallops ensures a quick, even cook that locks in moisture without overcooking. Expert chefs recommend preheating the air fryer to achieve that ideal sear, enhancing flavor while keeping the delicate texture tender and juicy in every bite.
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Mastering the Crispy Air Fryer Scallop
After testing this air fryer scallop recipe more times than I care to admit, I finally nailed the crisp texture without overcooking. Early attempts taught me that timing is everything, and now this simple method delivers perfectly tender scallops with a golden crust every timeno extra fuss, just real flavor from trial and error.
FAQs ( air fryer scallop )
How long do you cook scallops in an air fryer?
Air fryer scallops typically cook for 6-8 minutes at 400°F, depending on their size. Large sea scallops usually need about 7-8 minutes, while smaller bay scallops cook in 5-6 minutes. Always flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. The key is not to overcook them since scallops can become rubbery very quickly.
What temperature should air fryer scallops be cooked at?
The ideal temperature for air fryer scallops is 400°F (200°C). This high heat creates a beautiful golden sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Some recipes call for 375°F, but 400°F gives you that perfect restaurant-quality crust. Always preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the scallops for best results.
Do you need to remove the side muscle from scallops before air frying?
Yes, you should always remove the side muscle (also called the “foot”) from scallops before air frying. This small, rectangular piece of tissue is tough and chewy compared to the tender scallop meat. It’s usually attached to one side and can be easily pulled off with your fingers. Most store-bought scallops have this already removed, but it’s worth checking before cooking.
Should you pat scallops dry before putting them in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Patting scallops dry with paper towels is crucial for getting that perfect golden sear in the air fryer. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and can make your scallops steam instead of sear. After patting them dry, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before seasoning and cooking. This extra step makes all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality results.
How do you know when air fryer scallops are done?
Perfectly cooked air fryer scallops should have a golden-brown crust and feel slightly firm to the touch, not mushy. The internal temperature should reach 120-125°F for a slightly translucent center, or 130°F if you prefer them fully opaque. They should release easily from the air fryer basket when done. Overcooked scallops become tough and rubbery, so it’s better to slightly undercook than overdo it.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Scallop Adventure
This air fryer scallop recipe is a total game-changerready in under 20 minutes, with tender, golden bites that feel fancy without the fuss. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress the family (or treat yourself).
Play around with paprika, swap lemon pepper for zest and fresh pepper, or sneak in garlic powder for a little extra love. Store leftovers carefully and reheat gently to keep that perfect texturetrust me, your kitchen and taste buds will thank you.
Want to share your tweaks or a kitchen story about scallops? Drop a comment or pin this for your next cozy dinner. Cooking’s all about joy, not stressso go ahead and savor every buttery, crispy bite!
This air fryer scallops recipe features sea scallops seasoned with lemon pepper and coated in butter. Easy to make, flavorful, and mess-free cooking using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
1/2 lb scallops
1 tsp salt-free lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp softened butter
Instructions
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Once it’s preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Season the scallops on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and salt-free lemon pepper seasoning.
Place the scallops in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes. Flip after 3 minutes.
Toss the scallops with some softened butter and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure to pat dry the scallops with a paper towel before cooking
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
