Air Fryer Scallops in Garlic Butter Sauce

These air fryer scallops are quick, foolproof, and delicious. With a simple garlic butter sauce, they’re the ideal main dish for a special night at home or when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

These sea scallops are tender, with a hint of lemon and parsley in a delicious sauce. The air fryer gives them a light golden edge without the hassle of stove top cooking. These air fryer scallops are incredibly versatile—perfect for date night or a light seafood dinner when you’re short on time but want something a little extra.

And while the scallops are scrumptious and cooked to perfection, the sauce is a real stand-out. You can make extra sauce and dip crusty bread in it to make it an even more delicious meal.

Why you’ll love these scallops in the air fryer

• Quick to make: From start to finish, you’ll have these scallops ready in about 10 minutes.
• Simple ingredients: Just a few pantry ingredients bring out the natural flavor of scallops without overpowering them.
• Great for small gatherings: This recipe is perfect for an intimate dinner, a holiday appetizer, or even as part of a seafood platter.

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Pro tips

• Make the sauce first and keep it warm at your stove’s lowest setting.
• Look for fresh scallops when possible, and dry them as much as possible as they’re less likely to steam and will give you a great sear.
• I don’t recommend bay scallops for this recipe as they will shrink and I’m not sure about the timing.
• The internal temperature should be around 115°F. Though truthfully I don’t measure it as I find 6 minutes to be the perfect amount of time to cook the scallops to perfection.
• Take the time to preheat your air fryer. This ensures your scallops start cooking right away, giving them a nice exterior texture.
• Air fry the scallops in a single layer for even cooking. If needed, cook in batches. You don’t want to over cook them.
• This is a recipe in which I use my basket air fryer instead of the tray type. I do this because I don’t want the scallops too close to the heating element.
• If you use a tray air fryer, remove the trays before preheating. Also place the tray with the scallops on the bottom rung to keep it away from the top heating element.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when scallops are done?
Cooked scallops turn opaque and feel firm to the touch but not rubbery. They should still have some give when you press on them.

Can I use frozen scallops in this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

What’s the best way to clean scallops?
Pat them dry with a paper towel and check for any small, tough side muscles (sometimes called the “foot”) and remove those before cooking.

What to serve with air fryer scallops

• Wedge salad
• Asparagus and shallots
• Mushroom rice or a warm baguette for dipping in the garlic butter sauce

How to make air fryer scallops

Pre-step

Get out your air fryer and medium small saucepan.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – scallops (patted dry), butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, Old Bay seasoning, ground pepper.

Step two

Heat the small sauté pan (or saucepan) on medium-low heat. Add the butter and stand there as it melts. (A)

Step three

Add the garlic paste (or crushed garlic) (B) and stir for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step four

Add the lemon juice, kosher salt, and dried parsley. (C) Stir until combined for a minute or two. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting to keep the butter sauce warm.

Step five

Season the scallops on both sides with salt, pepper, and bay seasoning. (D)

Step six

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Step seven

Place scallops in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through. (E) Scallops are ready when they’re opaque and firm to the touch).

Step eight

Transfer the scallops from the air fryer basket to a serving dish. (F)

Pour the garlic butter sauce over the scallops.

Time to take a bite.

Substitutions and variations

• Butter: Use ghee or a dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley can replace dried for a more vibrant look and flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Substitute with Cajun seasoning for a spicier twist or omit entirely for a simpler, more classic taste.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little kick.
• Fresh: Try mixing in fresh basil or thyme for extra herb flavor.
• Tangier: Add extra lemon zest and a touch more lemon juice for a bright, tangy version.

Storage

• Store any leftover scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Rewarm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to avoid overcooking.
• Scallops don’t freeze well once cooked, as they tend to become tough and lose flavor.

I hope you enjoyed this air fryer scallops recipe.

Other air fryer recipes

• Air fryer salmon
• Air fryer steak tips
• Air fryer chicken thighs
• Air fryer meatballs
• Air fryer sausages

And as always, may all your dishes be delish.

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!