Air Fryer Frozen Scallops are the answer when you want tender, juicy, perfectly seared scallops for dinner, but you’re short on time. In just 12 minutes you can easily go from frozen to golden, melt-in-your-mouth scallops that will make you drool. Easy to make, easy to cleanup. Dinner is a breeze!
Table of contents
- Air fryer seafood recipes
- Why you'll love to air fry frozen scallops
- Ingredients
- How to cook frozen scallops in an air fryer
- Sea Scallops & Asparagus Dinner
- Recipe tips
- Recipe variations
- What to serve with scallops
- How to store and reheat leftovers
- Frequently asked questions about cooking scallops
- More air fryer recipes
Air fryer seafood recipes
I love my air fryer and cooking seafood, like these delicious air-fried scallops, in my trusty air fryer is absolutely the way to do it. It's quicker, keeping the seafood moist and tender, easier, with no messy oil splatters, and cleanup is a breeze. What's not to like?
My favorite go-tos for delicious seafood meals are my Air Fryer Salmon, perfect for company, my Air Fryer Breaded Shrimp for a lighter meal, and the kids go crazy over these Air Fryer Fish Sticks for lunch or dinner.
Why you'll love to air fry frozen scallops
Speedy and Simple: Just 3 simple ingredients - frozen scallops, seasoning, and a little oil and you can go from frozen to dinner in just 12 minutes!
Seared Perfection: The air fryer, with its even cooking and high temperature, gives your scallops a beautifully golden brown outer layer while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Straight from the Freezer: Need a seafood dinner pronto? No problem! Just pop the frozen scallops straight into the air fryer - no thawing required. It's a real time saver!
Healthy & Flavorful: No more pans full of oil. With this cooking method, just a little goes a long way, making your meal healthier without skimping on taste.
Cooked to Perfection: No more unevenly cooked bites. The air fryer’s even heat cooks every single scallop just perfect!
Ingredients
Gather the ingredients for this easy recipe. The exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Frozen sea scallops - purchase large scallops already frozen or plan ahead and buy fresh scallops and freeze them for when you need them.
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How to cook frozen scallops in an air fryer
Dry ‘Em Off: Give your frozen scallops a quick pat down with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. It's the key to getting that beautiful sear.
Drizzle with oil: This will help with browning and locking in moisture.
Flavor Boost: Sprinkle with salt and lemon pepper or try some of our variations below.
Don’t Crowd: When you're placing your seasoned scallops in the preheated air fryer basket, spread them out in a single layer to avoid crowding so they cook evenly.
Flip: Air fry for 7-8 minutes turning halfway through. Turning the scallops over will help get the perfect sear on both sides.
Sea Scallops & Asparagus Dinner
Complete Meal Option: Toss asparagus lightly in olive oil then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Place the stalks next to the scallops and air fry together. If the asparagus is thin you may need to remove it a little earlier than the scallops.
Serve Immediately: Scallops taste best right after cooking. Serve them hot from the air fryer over rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta to enjoy their delicate texture and flavor. I like to drizzle them with melted butter or lemon butter sauce then garnish with parsley and a little lemon zest.
Recipe tips
Watch Carefully: Scallops cook quickly, so keep your eyes on them so they don't overcook! Sea scallops vary in size as does your air fryer so check them towards the end of the recommended cook time.
Don't Overcook: Cooking the scallops too long can turn them slightly rubbery. The ideal internal temperature should hit about 115°F when measured with a meat thermometer, and with carryover cooking, they’ll end up at a perfect 125 to 130°F.
Recipe variations
So I know you'll love the classic lemon pepper scallops but why not mix things up a bit. Here are some delicious twists to try.
Old Bay: Give your scallops a touch of Old Bay seasoning. This zesty blend brings a hint of heat and a lot of flavors that are perfect for seafood lovers.
Cajun Kick: Add some spice to your life with just a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or a bit of cayenne pepper before air frying. It will give your scallops a smoky, spicy note that’s hard to resist.
Cheese: Dust your scallops with grated Parmesan before they hit the air fryer for a crispy, cheesy crust that you will totally drool over!
Garlic Herb: Mix some minced garlic or garlic powder and chopped herbs (think parsley, fresh dill, or thyme) with a bit of olive oil. This combo will give your scallops a fresh and vibrant flavor.
What to serve with scallops
Here are some of my favorite side dishes to take these easy delicious scallops to the next level.
- Asparagus: Bacon wrapped asparagus spears make a deliciously crisp companion to your tender scallops. Or try it roasted alongside the scallops as shown above.
- Creamy Polenta: Soft and comforting, creamy polenta is a dreamy base that complements the rich, savory flavors of scallops. Try this cheesy gouda polenta recipe.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: The sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple can really enhance the delicate taste of the scallops. Take a look at this pineapple fried rice recipe.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roast them until golden brown and crispy for a textural contrast that matches well with the soft and juicy scallops. Check out these maple roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will last for 2-3 days. Refreezing the cooked leftover scallops is not recommended.
You can reheat scallops but they won’t be as great as freshly cooked. To reheat, microwave them in 10-15 second increments until warmed or air fry at 350°F for about 3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about cooking scallops
Absolutely! These easy air fryer scallops turn out wonderfully in an air fryer - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Whether they’re fresh or frozen, your air fryer has got you covered.
Oh yes, you can! Toss those breaded or battered beauties in the air fryer for a quick and easy treat. No specific air fryer instructions on the package? No worries! Just lower the temperature by 25°F and reduce the cooking time by about 20%.
Of course! Bacon-wrapped scallops come out perfectly in the air fryer. Stick to the package instructions for the best results. If there’s no mention of air frying, just drop the temperature by 25°F and cut the cooking time by 20% to achieve that perfect crispy bacon wrap.
Timing can vary depending on the size of your scallops. For smaller bay scallops, they’ll be ready quicker than the larger sea scallops. Typically, sea scallops take about 7-8 minutes at 400°F, and bay scallops a bit less. Just keep an eye on them, and you’ll be golden!
Scallops are perfect when they turn opaque and get a slight caramelization on the outside. The ideal internal temp should hit about 115°F, and thanks to carryover cooking, they’ll end up at a perfect 125 to 130°F. Timing is key because overcooked scallops can get tough, so watch them closely!
More air fryer recipes
Find lots of delicious and easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Frozen Scallops
Ingredients
- ¾ pound large sea scallops (15-20 per pound) (about 5 each)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- Lemon Wedges optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Pat the scallops dry then place the scallops on a plate and drizzle olive oil over them, tossing to coat.
- Sprinkle with salt and lemon pepper.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the seasoned scallops in the bottom of the air fryer basket, spreading them out so they cook evenly.
- Air fryer for 7-8 minutes for large sea scallops, flipping halfway through. The scallops are done when they are slightly caramelized on the outside and opaque in color. Try not to overcook them or they may become tough.
- Serve with a lemon wedge on the side.
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