Air Fryer Lemongarlic Scallops Kitchenquick

Air Fryer Scallops Restaurant Quality in Minutes

By Chef BakerOctober 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered if you could get that posh restaurant scallop experience at home? With this air fryer scallops recipe, you absolutely can! The bright lemon garlic flavour combined with the sweet scallops is just divine.

Brief Overview

Scallops have been a delicacy for ages, enjoyed across different cultures. This recipe is super easy, only takes about 18 minutes. It gives you 2 servings.

Main Benefits

These scallops are packed with protein. They're perfect for a fancy feeling quick seafood dinner or a special occasion. Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how simple it is to get restaurant quality scallops at home !

Get Ready for Scallop Magic

Okay, so you want to know how to cook scallops in air fryer , right? It's easier than you think! First, you need the goods.

This recipe is all about fresh, high-quality scallops. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. I remember once using not-so-great scallops, and they turned out rubbery, tragic, really! But, with the good stuff, we are talking seriously yummy.

Here are the ingredients:

1 pound (450g) large sea scallops
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper

Also you will need an Air Fryer and a small bowl. That's it!

Time to Air Fry Some Scallops!

First, preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C). While it heats up, pat those scallops super dry.

This is the most important part if you want a good sear, honestly. Then, mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Toss the scallops in the mixture, making sure they're all coated. Next? Arrange them in the air fryer basket. Make sure you don't overcrowd the basket.

Now for the magic! Cook for 6- 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they hit an air fryer scallop internal temperature of 145° F ( 63° C) .

They should be opaque and browned. Serve immediately. Boom! You have created seared scallops alternative in your air fryer.

Serving Time and Best Wine Pairing With Scallops

Serve these bad boys with risotto or a fresh salad. Thinking of air fryer recipes for two ? This is it! I usually enjoy a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with mine.

It's the perfect best wine pairing with scallops .

Ingredients & Equipment for Amazing Air Fryer Scallops

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up these air fryer scallops . Honestly, it's a pretty short list, making it perfect for a quick seafood dinner ! This easy scallop recipe will be a keeper, especially if you want restaurant quality scallops at home without the fuss.

Main Ingredients: Keep It Fresh!

1 pound (450g) large sea scallops, patted VERY dry
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper

The scallops are key. Look for plump, firm scallops that smell fresh no fishy odors. Dry scallops are best.

If you can only find wet scallops, make sure to dry very well.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power!

This recipe uses a simple but delicious lemon garlic scallops air fryer combination. Garlic and lemon brightens the scallops flavor in the best way.

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! If you're out of fresh parsley, dried parsley works too, use about 1 teaspoon .

Honestly, sometimes I add a tiny bit of white wine to the marinade. It just adds a little extra somethin' somethin'!

Equipment Needed: Simple is Best!

Air Fryer
Small bowl
Kitchen tongs

That's it! No fancy gadgets needed. If you don't have an air fryer, and want a seared scallops alternative , a hot skillet will work, but the air fryer is SO easy.

And you want to know something great, is this can work as air fryer recipes for two .

So, there you have it! Everything you need to get started. Next up, we'll get cooking and I will share my experiences, and we will discuss how how to cook scallops in air fryer

Bon appétit, my friends!

Cooking Method: Air Fryer Scallops

Okay, so you wanna make air fryer scallops ? Honestly, it’s one of those easy scallop recipe that makes you feel like Gordon Ramsay, but at home.

You know? It's way easier than searing them in a pan and perfect for a quick seafood dinner .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place is key! That just means "everything in its place." Makes life way easier, trust me.

Pat those scallops super dry with paper towels. This is the most important thing. I mean it. For serious. It is the KEY.

If you want a good sear, pat them dry. Mix your garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Boom. Done.

Air Frying Like a Pro: step-by-step

Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Pat 1 pound (450g) of scallops dry, really dry.
Whisk together 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15ml) parsley, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) pepper.
Toss scallops in the marinade.
Air fry for 6- 8 minutes , flipping halfway. Scallops should be opaque and lightly browned. Make sure they don't overcrowd.
The air fryer scallop internal temperature should reach 145° F ( 63° C) .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Scallops

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer! Seriously. That steams them, and nobody wants steamed scallops. Aim for that beautiful sear like you get with the seared scallops alternative .

Serve those babies immediately! Some of the best wine pairing with scallops are dry, white, and crisp.

Speaking of mistakes, don’t overcook them. Overcooked scallops are rubbery and sad. Nobody wants that. These scallops are fantastic as air fryer recipes for two .

Perfect for a fancy dinner night! And if you are looking for inspiration, there are many air fryer seafood recipes online that can help you!

Honestly, lemon garlic scallops air fryer are a game changer for having restaurant quality scallops at home , a real showstopper!

Recipe Notes

So, you’re about to whip up some amazing air fryer scallops ? Excellent choice! I've made these countless times, and let me tell you, it's fool proof.

But before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs to ensure total success. Think of it as your secret weapon for restaurant quality scallops at home .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, right? Plating is all the game. I love serving these easy scallop recipes atop a bed of creamy risotto.

Alternatively, go for a refreshing angle with a zesty salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon is always a winner and makes it pop! If you're feeling fancy, a sprig of parsley will always get you that extra point for style.

Thinking drinks? A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc is chef's kiss . It's the best wine pairing with scallops , hands down. Honestly, it's like Gordon Ramsay himself popped round to help.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Rare, but it happens. Pop those air fryer seafood recipes delights into an airtight container and into the fridge.

They'll be grand for up to 2 days. Reheating? A quick zap in the air fryer (a couple of minutes should do it) brings them back to life.

I've never frozen them, but honestly, I doubt they'd be quite the same after thawing. Best to eat them fresh, you know?

Variations: Mix It Up

Want to spice things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick!. Or, for a richer flavour, try using garlic herb butter instead of olive oil, absolutely delicious.

If you are cutting down on diary, no problem. Just stick with the olive oil! This is definitely one of those air fryer recipes for two that is bound to impress.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving clocks in around 250 calories. You will get a whopping 30g of protein, 12g of fat and about 5g of carbs.

And, there's around 400mg of sodium. Scallops are a fab source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They really are a healthy and delicious choice for a quick seafood dinner .

Look, cooking air fryer scallops doesn't have to be a scary thing. With these notes, you're armed and ready. Remember, a little confidence goes a long way.

Now get cooking, and enjoy some lemon garlic scallops air fryer magic!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my air fryer scallops from being rubbery? Nobody wants a scallop that tastes like a bouncy castle!

The key to tender, juicy air fryer scallops is to not overcook them! Make sure to pat the scallops very dry before cooking, and watch them closely in the air fryer. They're done when they're opaque and slightly firm, usually around 6-8 minutes. Remember air fryers vary, so keep a hawk eye on them.

Can I use frozen scallops for this air fryer scallops recipe?

You can definitely use frozen scallops, but make sure they are fully thawed and thoroughly dried before cooking. Patting them dry is even more crucial with thawed scallops, as they tend to release a lot of moisture. Nobody wants steamed scallops!

What's the best way to store leftover air fryer scallops?

Store any leftover air fryer scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a pan or air fryer to avoid making them tough. They're best enjoyed fresh, but reheating works if you've got a few stragglers!

Any tips for getting a nice sear on my air fryer scallops? Mine look a bit anaemic.

A good sear comes from removing excess moisture and high heat. First, patting the scallops as dry as you can with paper towels is crucial. Second, make sure your air fryer is preheated properly, and don't overcrowd the basket.

If needed, cook in batches to allow for proper air circulation for that Maillard reaction - that's the browning process!

Are air fryer scallops healthy?

Yes, air fryer scallops can be a healthy and delicious option! Scallops are a great source of protein and nutrients, and air frying requires less oil than traditional pan-frying. Just be mindful of the amount of salt and oil used in the recipe to keep it a healthy, guilt free indulgence.

Consider serving it with a vibrant salad or steamed veggies!