Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these Air Fryer Breaded Scallops are a game changer! Perfectly golden and packed with flavor, they’re the easiest way to enjoy a seafood feast without all the frying mess.
These Air Fryer Panko Breaded Scallops are a deliciously crispy and creative twist on a classic seafood dish!
With a golden, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, they’re the perfect combination of texture and flavor. Quick and easy to make, they’re ideal for a weeknight dinner or as a tasty appetizer for your next gathering. Simply pop them in the air fryer for a mess-free, mouthwatering treat!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Crispy, Crunchy Perfection – The panko breading gives these scallops a golden, crispy exterior without the deep-frying mess.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10-15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Tender, Juicy Inside – The air fryer locks in moisture, leaving the scallops perfectly tender with each bite.
- Versatile & Flavorful – Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a salad for a delicious, balanced meal!
If you love easy Air Fryer Scallop Recipes try my recipe for Air Fryer AIP Scallops, Air Fryer Scallops With Ritz Crackers , or Air Fryer Scallops on the Half Shell.
Ingredients Needed
- Flour – All-purpose flour for coating and creating a crispy crust.
- Eggs – Used to bind the breading to the scallops.
- Potato Flakes – Adds crunch and a light, fluffy texture.
- Panko Crumbs – Japanese breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and texture.
- Seasonings: Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt and Black Pepper.
- Bay Scallops – Tender, sweet scallops, perfect for quick cooking.
- Vegetable Cooking Spray – Ensures a crisp, non-stick finish in the air fryer.
- Lemon Wedges – Fresh, zesty squeeze to brighten the flavors of the dish.
How To Make Air Fryer Breaded Scallops
Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and lightly grease the air fryer basket or air fryer tray.
Step Two: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with lightly beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of potato flakes, panko crumbs, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step Three: Take the bay scallops and coat them in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the flour-coated scallops into the egg, then toss them in the seasoned panko mixture to coat evenly.
Step Three: Arrange the breaded scallops in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Set cook time for 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip the scallops and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Step Four: Remove from the air fryer and repeat the process with the remaining scallops. Serve with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Breaded Scallops Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh or Thawed Scallops – For the best texture, make sure your scallops are fresh or fully thawed before breading. Frozen scallops can release excess moisture during cooking, which may affect crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – To ensure the scallops cook evenly, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of crisping up.
- Lightly Coat with Cooking Spray – After breading the scallops, give them a light spritz of vegetable cooking spray. This helps achieve that golden, crispy coating without deep frying.
- Check for Doneness – Scallops cook quickly, so be sure to check them at the 4-minute mark. They’re done when they’re golden and crispy, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Adjust the Seasonings – Feel free to adjust the seasoning blend to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or lemon zest for a fresh citrus twist.
- Serve Immediately – For the crispiest texture, serve the scallops immediately after air frying. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer.
- Pair with Dipping Sauces – These breaded scallops pair wonderfully with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a homemade spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Storing
- Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Breaded Scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooked scallops in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen scallops will stay fresh for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
What To Serve With Breaded Scallops In Air Fryer Recipe
These Air Fryer Breaded Scallops are versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve them with a light, refreshing salad for a healthy meal, or enjoy them alongside crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic seafood platter.
You can also pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like tartar or cocktail sauce, or drizzle them with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a burst of citrus. For a more hearty option, consider pairing with roasted vegetables, garlic butter pasta, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
Breaded Scallops In Air Fryer Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen scallops? Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading. Excess moisture can prevent the scallops from getting crispy.
How can I make these scallops spicier? If you like a bit of heat, try adding cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
Can I use other breadcrumbs instead of panko? You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko, but the panko gives a crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs may not give you the same crunch.
How do I store leftover breaded scallops? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.
Can I make breaded scallops in advance? Yes, you can bread the scallops ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before
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Air Fryer Breaded Scallops
Description
Ingredients
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup potato flakes
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound bay scallops, *see note
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and lightly grease air fryer basket or air fryer tray.
- Gather three shallow bowls to prepare the scallops.
- Place the flour in the first bowl.
- Lightly beat the egg in the second bowl.
- Combine the potato flakes, panko crumbs, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper in the third bowl.
- Take the bay scallops and roll in the flour to coat.
- Dip in egg, then gently toss with the seasoned panko mixture to thoroughly bread.
- Arrange scallops in air fryer basket – or tray – and set cook time for 4-6 minutes or until just golden and crispy. Turn and continue cooking for another 2 – 3 minutes, or until scallops are cooked through.
- Remove from heat and process second half of scallops.
- Serve immediately, garnish with lemon wedges.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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