These Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Scallops are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Ready in just minutes, they make a quick, elegant meal or appetizer that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Air Fryer Garlic Herb Butter Scallops! Juicy, tender scallops are cooked to perfection in minutes and coated with a rich, flavorful garlic herb butter that melts into every bite.
This quick and elegant seafood recipe is perfect for a special dinner, date night, or anytime you want a restaurant-quality meal at home without the fuss.
If you are looking for some other great and easy Air Fryer Seafood Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER FROZEN COCONUT SHRIMP, AIR FRYER FLOUNDER FISH, AIR FRYER LEMON PEPPER SHRIMP,
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Tender & Juicy: Air frying seals in moisture for perfectly cooked scallops.
- Rich Flavor: Garlic herb butter adds a decadent, savory touch.
- Versatile Meal: Serves as an elegant appetizer or main course.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pan cooking makes it effortless to prepare and serve.
Ingredients Needed
- Scallops – Tender, juicy scallops ready for quick, flavorful cooking.
- Olive oil – Smooth, fruity oil to sear scallops perfectly golden.
- Butter – Rich, creamy butter to coat scallops with flavor.
- Garlic – Aromatic garlic to infuse savory depth into scallops.
- Salt – Essential seasoning to enhance and balance scallop flavors.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds subtle, warming spice notes.
- Lemon juice – Bright, tangy citrus to complement buttery scallops beautifully.
- Dried parsley – Herbaceous parsley to add color and mild flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Scallops
Step One: Set your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Step Two: Pat your scallops with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy sear.
Step Three: In a mixing bowl, combine the scallops, a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the scallops until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step Four: Place scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air Fry the scallops in the preheated air fryer, set cook time for 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe Tips
- Pat Scallops Dry: Before seasoning, ensure scallops are completely dry. This helps them sear properly and prevents excess moisture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking and browning.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures scallops cook quickly and get a nice golden crust.
- Watch Cooking Time: Scallops cook very fast—usually 6–8 minutes. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so check for doneness early.
- Add Butter After Cooking: Drizzling melted garlic butter at the end keeps the flavor fresh and intense.
Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Scallops Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen scallops in the air fryer? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.
How long should scallops cook in the air fryer? Scallops typically take 6–8 minutes at 400°F, depending on their size, until golden and cooked through.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but reduce the added salt to avoid over-seasoning the scallops.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best served immediately, but cooked scallops can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with air fryer garlic butter scallops? They pair beautifully with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Can I add herbs or spices to the butter? Absolutely! Fresh parsley, thyme, or a pinch of paprika can elevate the flavor.
How do I prevent scallops from sticking in the air fryer? Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil or use a parchment liner, and ensure scallops are evenly spaced without touching.
More Air Fryer Recipes:
- AIR FRYER BOSTON BROWN BREAD
- AIR FRYER HOMEMADE PIZZA ROLLS
- AIR FRYER COPYCAT DUNKIN DONUTS MAPLE BACON CROISSANTS
- AIR FRYER MAPLE BACON DIP
- AIR FRYER PERUVIAN LOMO SALTADO
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Easy Air Fryer Garlic Butter Scallops
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops, thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place the 1 pound scallops into the air fryer basket.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F, and set cook time for 4-6 minutes, air fryer setting.
- Check the internal temperature of the scallops with a meat thermometer. Remove scallops from the air fryer.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons olive oil, melted 3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
- Serve the scallops with the side of the sauce, or drizzle over them before serving
Equipment
- Air Fryer, or Ninja Foodi
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
Share this recipe
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Margaret
You say to check internal temp but don’t say what it should be.
Phyllis Stephens
I love your recipes. I am still trying to adjust to my air fryer. I still don’t trust my judgement on expensive cuts of meat or seafood. Any suggestions?
Holly
Followed pretty close with ingredients but I used a pan with butter,oil,onions and garlic let those cook then added scallops after in liquid. Thank you