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Air Fryer Scallops on the Half Shell

Air Fryer Scallops on the Half Shell

5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Scallops on the Half Shell are tender, juicy, and topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce and golden breadcrumbs. Quick and easy to make, perfect for a seafood appetizer or elegant dinner.

Ingredients 

Scallops:

  • 2 pounds baby scallops

Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons  butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons grated cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Other:

  • 8 scallop shells
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, boil a batch of water, large enough to cover the scallops. And once the water is boiling, add the 2 pounds baby scallops cook for about 5 minutes, just enough for them to become opaque.
  • Drain the scallops.
  • Then make the sauce:  In a small frying pan, add the 2 tablespoons  butter, over low heat, mix in the 2 tablespoons flour to make a rue, then add the 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon saltand about 1 cup of water, continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened. Mix in the 2 tablespoons grated cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest. Then toss in the scallops and fry for about 2 minutes.
  • Then place the scallops and the sauce into the s8 scallop shells
  • In a small bowl, mix the 1/3 cup breadcrumbs and melted 2 tablespoons melted butter Mix well. 
  • Drop the melted butter/bread crumb mixture over the scallops. Sprinkle with some 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional).
  • Place the shells into the air fryer basket or tray,
  • Then set the air fryer temperature to 300 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 5 minutes, or until the bread crumbs turn golden brown.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

Other Cooking Instructions

Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared scallops on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden.
Skillet Method:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Cook scallops in the creamy sauce for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Finish with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs in the skillet if desired.
Broiler Method:
Preheat the broiler. Arrange scallops on a baking sheet and broil 2–4 minutes, keeping a close eye, until the breadcrumb topping is golden and scallops are opaque.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 898mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 334IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 1mg