Lightly season the scallops with salt and pepper. Ensure they are dry to help the flour and subsequent layers adhere properly.
Set up three shallow dishes for a breading station. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour seasoned with a little salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat an egg. In the third dish, combine the finely crushed Ritz Crackers with garlic powder and paprika.
First, coat each scallop lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip next into the beaten egg, and finally, press into the cracker mixture, ensuring they are well-coated on all sides.
Before placing the scallops in the air fryer, drizzle or brush them with melted butter. This will help achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures the scallops start cooking at the right temperature for a perfect crust.
Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the scallops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Once done, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the scallops and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with additional lemon wedges for guests to add to taste.