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Easy air fryer breaded sea scallops are a fun dinner idea and the breading and seasoning add a nice touch. They can be eaten with your favorite side dish.
Scallops are a treat in our house since we don’t make them often. However, we made them this week and they turned out great. I breaded and cooked them in the air fryer for a a more unique way of serving them. Plus, the air fryer cooks these perfectly and the breading gives these scallops a nice touch.
What are sea scallops?
Scallops are related to clams, mussels, and oysters, meaning the interior muscle is surrounded by two shells. Scallops are found in saltwater environments worldwide.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Unique way of cooking and serving scallops
- Delicious breading that adds more flavor
- Cooked to perfection in the air fryer
- Great as an appetizer or main meal
Ingredients
What you’ll need to make this recipe.
- Fresh sea scallops
- Sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Traditional bread crumbs
- Old Bay seasoning
How to make this recipe
I find the easiest way to prep the scallops are to have 3 separate gallon sized zip top resealable bags. The first one with the olive oil. The second one with the salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder. The third one with the bread crumbs and Old Bay seasoning.
1 – Place the scallops in the bag with the olive oil, sealing the top and lightly shaking the bag until the scallops are covered in the oil. Remove scallops from the olive oil, and transfer them to the bag with the seasonings. Seal top and give them a good shake, lightly coating the scallops. After that, move the scallops to the bag with the breadcrumbs, seal and shake to coat the scallops.
2 – Remove the basket from the air fryer and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Space out the scallops in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in a couple batches so they aren’t overcrowded in the basket.
3 – Cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes, up to 15 minutes if the scallops are larger. Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the scallops so they don’t burn.
Using a meat thermometer check the internal temperature. Scallops are considered cooked through and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
How do I store my leftover scallops?
Place cooled scallops in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze my leftover scallops?
Yes! Place cooled scallops in a freezer safe container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, reheat until they’re warm to eat again.
Please Note
Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on your food so it doesn’t burn.
Calories per serving (approximately 4 oz): 189
Easy Air Fryer Breaded Sea Scallops
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh sea scallops Frozen is okay, defrosted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup traditional bread crumbs
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large bowl, or resealable bag. Add scallops and coat thoroughly.
- Combine the salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder to a second bowl, or bag. Transfer scallops from olive oil to seasonings and toss to coat.
- Combine bread crumbs and Old Bay seasoning to third bowl, or bag. Transfer scallops from seasonings to bread crumb mix and toss to coat.
- Remove the basket from the air fryer and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Space out the scallops in the basket. You may need to cook scallops in a couple batches so they aren’t overcrowded.
- Cook at 400° for 12 minutes. Up to 15 minutes if the scallops are larger, reaching an internal tempertaure of 145°.
Notes
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.Â
- Serving size is measured at 4 oz of sea scallops.
- Scallops are considered cooked through and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.
- Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
Nutrition
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Enjoy!
Never tried air frying scallops before, now you have inspired me to try it. Thanks!
Thanks, Charla. I hope you enjoy them. 🙂
Oh my do these sea scallops sound delicious. Very happy this is an air fryer recipe.
Thanks, Andrea. I hope you enjoy. 🙂
What a fabulous way to make scallops! Perfect texture and the crust is delicious!!
Thanks, Angela. 🙂
You must have read my mind because I just bought scallops yesterday and was trying to come up with a new way to prepare them! This is perfect and I am always looking for new fun air fryer recipes. Can’t wait to test this out.
Sounds like great timing! I hope you enjoy, Cyndy. 🙂
The more successful recipes I see using an Air Fryer, the more tempted I am to get one!
The air fryer continues to be one of the best investments I’ve made. It’s so versatile. 🙂
I never thought of making in air fryer….looks so great
Thanks, Garima.:)