How to Cook Scallops in Air Fryer

Scallops, with their high protein content at 80% and low levels of fat, stand out as a remarkably healthy option among seafood. They also boast a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you’re new to cooking scallops, the process might seem a little daunting at first. But don’t worry, we’re here to simplify it for you. Continue with this article to discover the steps for cooking scallops using an air fryer.

While it comes to cooking the scallops, the right temperature is the key to get the best result. And, that’s exactly why you should consider cooking the scallops in the air fryer. This machine allows you to control the temperature as you want. When compared to the other ways, it also leaves less messes and grease. Below you will find the best way to cook the scallops:

How to Cook Scallops Quickly in Air Fryer

One of the best benefits of utilizing an air fryer for cooking your food is it’s extremely fast. When compared to the other ways of cooking like stovetop or oven, it can prepare your food 2 or 3 times faster. That’s not all; it also ensures a consistent and even cooking for the best taste. You can turn any Scallops dishes unbelievably tasty by utilizing an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Scallops

The first thing you will require doing is to prepare the scallops. Begin with rinsing the scallops off properly. This step is very important if you are buying it from the local fish shops. After rinsing, allow the Scallops to dry thoroughly. After that, season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Machine

Take your air fryer basket out from the machine and spray a bit of oil in the surface. After that put the scallops in the air fryer in a single layer. There should be enough space to assure proper air circulation. Note that you shouldn’t put a lot of scallops at once in the basket. This will block the air circulation and you will end up with uneven cooking.

Consider cooking in multiple batches for the best taste and proper cooking.

Step 3: Begin Cooking

Now you can put back the air fryer basket inside the machine. Usually, they require around 10 minutes to be cooked properly. Based on the capability of your machine, they may take a bit of more time or less. You should flip the scallops after 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Complete the Cooking

After cooking for around 7 minutes, you should start checking the scallops. If you feel they are done, you can take them out. Leave them if they are not cooked yet properly. Keep checking every minute so that you don’t burn them through overcooking.

Step 5: Take them Out

The scallops will be cooked adequately once their inside temperature reaches 145 degrees. Make use of a kitchen thermometer to be assured of it. Once the cooking is complete, you can take the scallops out. Simply remove the air fryer basket and then turn off the machine. Stay careful while removing the food from the basket as it will be damn hot.

Step 6: Prepare them for Enjoying

Now your scallops are ready to eat. But they are not going to be much tasty if you eat them this way. You can make it better by adding some melted butter and garlic (use the microwave to melt them). Put them on the cooked scallops to start enjoying them.

You may also prepare a mixture of garlic, lemon zest, parsley, capers, and oil to drizzle them on the scallops. These are two ways to make them better. You can also add something else based on your taste and preference.

How to Make Cajun Scallops in Air Fryer

Another thing you can try is to prepare Cajun scallops in the air fryer. The recipe is pretty simple like the above one. Below, we will let you know how to do this.

1. Turn on your air fryer and preheat it at 400 F.
2. In the meantime, take out the scallops and prepare them like earlier. Rinse them in the water, remove side muscles and let them dry naturally or use a paper towel.
3. Now take out the air fryer basket and then put some aluminum foil in it. Then spray little cooking oil in it.
4. You can also spray some cooking oils lightly in the scallops. After that, sprinkle some kosher salt on them and coat the cajun seasoning.
5. Now put the scallops in the basket and put it back. Let them cook for 3 minutes and then flip them over. After that, cook them for 3 more minutes.
6. You can now enjoy the scallops as you want. You may also serve them with roasted vegetables, salad, pasta, or side dish with your dinners.

FAQs on Scallops Cooking in the Air Fryer

Below, we will answer some of the most asked questions about the scallops cooking in the air fryer.

Should I use frozen or fresh scallops?

Both will do the job. If you live near coasts and access to the fresh scallops, then you should definitely use the fresh one for the best taste. If you have only access to the frozen one, you can utilize them by thawing before cooking.

How to choose the best sea scallops?

While selecting the sea scallops, try to go for the dry-packed one. There are also wet packed which are soaked in the preservative. You are not recommended to buy the wet one as they will arrive are low quality and arrives with a metallic taste.

How long to cook the scallops in an air fryer?

While preparing the scallops in air fryer, you will require only 6 to 10 minutes based on the capability of your machine and your preferred texture.

Conclusion

Scallops is something highly nutritious while also being tasty if preferred in the correct way. If you are struggling to cook them properly, you should give a try to the air fryer. This machine will help you to get the preferred outcome easily and fast.