There is nothing better than sitting down to a plate of scallops! When you forgot to take them out of the freezer (like I do) or looking for a go-to freezer meal, this Easy Air Fryer Frozen Scallops Recipe will hit the spot!
Make weeknight seafood dinners effortless with this Easy Air Fryer Frozen Scallops recipe! In just minutes, you can transform frozen scallops into tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked bites with a lightly crisp exterior.
This quick and simple method is ideal for busy moms and dad, seafood lovers, or anyone craving a restaurant-quality dish at home without the fuss. Serve as an appetizer, over pasta, or alongside your favorite sides for a delicious, stress-free meal.
Why You’ll Love Making Air Fry Frozen Scallops!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Juicy and Tender: Air fryer seals in moisture for restaurant-quality scallops.
- Minimal Prep: Cook straight from frozen with almost no effort.
- Healthy Cooking: Less oil than pan-frying, keeping flavors light.
- Versatile Recipe: Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or seafood salad topping.
Ingredients Needed
- Scallops – Large, tender scallops, perfect for quick cooking.
- Olive Oil – Light oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Salt – Classic seasoning to enhance the natural scallop taste.
- Pepper – Adds mild heat and depth to the scallops.
- Lemon Wedges – Fresh citrus to brighten and complement seafood flavor.
How To Cook Frozen Scallops In An Air Fryer
Step One: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
Step Two: Pat the frozen scallops dry with paper towels. Drizzle the frozen scallops with olive oil and season them with salt and ground black pepper. Toss them gently to ensure even coating.
Step Three: Place the frozen scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step Four: Set cook time for 5-8 minutes Scallops are done when they turn opaque and slightly caramelized on the outside. Be cautious not to overcook them, as they can become tough. The internal temperature of the tender scallops should reach 120 degrees F by inserting a meat thermometer.
Recipe Variations
- Old Bay: Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over the scallops before cooking for a classic, slightly spicy seafood flavor. It adds a savory, aromatic twist that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Cajun Kick: Toss scallops with Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty punch. Perfect for those who love a little heat with their seafood.
- Garlic Butter: Coat the scallops in garlic butter before air frying for a rich, savory taste. The buttery garlic glaze enhances every tender bite.
- Cheese: Top scallops with grated Parmesan or cheddar before cooking for a melty, cheesy finish. Adds a deliciously indulgent layer of flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd: Arrange scallops in a single layer for even cooking and crisp edges.
- Pat dry first: Blot scallops with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer: This ensures a golden sear and prevents sogginess.
- Flip halfway: Turning scallops during cooking helps them brown evenly on both sides.
- Add lemon last: A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens the flavors.
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Scallops Recipe Faqs
Can you cook scallops straight from frozen in the air fryer? Yes! There’s no need to thaw—just season lightly and cook until tender and golden.
How long does it take to cook frozen scallops in the air fryer? Typically 5-8 minutes at 400°F, depending on the size of your scallops.
How do you keep scallops from turning rubbery? Avoid overcooking. Remove them as soon as they turn opaque and slightly golden on the edges.
Can I season frozen scallops before cooking? Absolutely! A drizzle of oil and your favorite spices—like garlic powder, paprika, or Old Bay—work wonderfully.
What can I serve with air fryer scallops? They pair beautifully with rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or a simple side salad.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer Homemade Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Frozen Potatoes Skins
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Easy Air Fryer Frozen Scallops Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound Frozen Scallops,
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Lemon Wedges, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Pat the 1 pound Frozen Scallops with a dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle the scallops with 1 teaspoon Olive Oil and season them with 1/2 teaspoon Salt and 1/4 teaspoon Pepper. Toss them gently to ensure even coating.
- Place the seasoned scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Set cook time for 5-8 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness. Flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time.
- Scallops are done when they turn opaque and slightly caramelized on the outside. Serve with 1 Lemon Wedges.
Equipment
- Air Fryer, or Ninja Foodi
- Cooking Spray, or Parchment Paper
Notes
- Allow the cooked scallops to cool to room temperature.
- Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Store the container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the frozen scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Heat the scallops for 2-3 minutes, then flip them over.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
Nutrition
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