Crispy & Healthy Air Fryer Whole Scallops
Nutritional value per serving
Calories180kcal
Carbs6gram
Fat4gram
Protein20gram
Ingredients
- Whole sea scallops (fresh, thawed if frozen)500 g
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)1 tbsp
- Garlic powder1 tsp
- Paprika (smoked paprika optional)1/2 tsp
- Salt (fine sea salt preferred)to taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a
- Lemon wedges (for serving)4 pieces
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)1 tbsp
This recipe shows you how to cook whole scallops in your air fryer to achieve a perfectly crispy and healthy dish in minutes. Air frying scallops is an oil-light cooking method that locks in moisture and flavor, providing a delightful texture without excess fat. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15, €14, £12, and ₹1100 for 4 servings. Each serving contains roughly 180 calories. This dish fits well within a healthy, low-fat diet plan. It is easy to prepare and requires about 5 minutes preparation and 10 minutes cooking time, ideal for busy weeknights or a quick gourmet treat.
Preparation instructions
Pat Dry the Scallops
1Begin by gently patting the whole scallops dry with a paper towel. This step is essential for achieving a crisp outer layer in the air fryer.
Season the Scallops
2In a bowl, toss the dried scallops with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each scallop is evenly coated to boost flavor.
Preheat the Air Fryer
3Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the scallops start cooking immediately for a nice sear.
Arrange Scallops in Air Fryer
4Place the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow even air circulation and cooking.
Cook the Scallops
5Air fry the scallops at 200°C for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through (around 4-5 minutes). They should turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
Check Internal Temperature
6Use a food-grade instant-read thermometer to ensure scallops reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F), which is the safe minimum cooking temperature for seafood.
Serve Warm
7Remove scallops carefully and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve lemon wedges on the side for a fresh zesty finish.
Cooking Tips
-Do not overcook scallops; they become rubbery quickly. Cook just until they are opaque and firm.
-If you don’t have a food thermometer, scallops are done when the flesh is opaque and the texture is springy, not mushy.
-Avoid marinades with high sugar content as they can burn in the air fryer.
-To prevent cross-contamination, always use separate utensils for raw and cooked scallops, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw seafood.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
- Instant-read food thermometer (recommended)
Shopping List
- [ ] Whole sea scallops (fresh or frozen) - around $12 ($10-15 depending on freshness) - Choose scallops that smell fresh and sea-like, with no fishy odor.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - about $0.50 for tbsp - Opt for good quality oil for best flavor.
- [ ] Garlic powder - $0.10 per tsp - Check the freshness by smelling the spice.
- [ ] Paprika (smoked optional) - $0.10 per 1/2 tsp - Adds a smoky or sweet note.
- [ ] Salt (fine sea salt) - negligible cost - Preferred for better seasoning.
- [ ] Black pepper (freshly ground) - negligible cost - Use freshly ground for best aroma.
- [ ] Lemon - $0.50 each - Choose firm lemons with bright skin.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - $0.50 for a bunch - Pick vibrant green leaves.
Total cost: approx. $15 - Freshness and quality of scallops impact flavor most.
FAQ
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw frozen scallops completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best results.
How do I know when scallops are done cooking?
Scallops are safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) or when the flesh turns opaque and feels firm but springy to touch.
Can I add other spices or herbs for different flavors?
Absolutely! Lemon zest, thyme, or chili flakes work well and can be added during seasoning for a flavor twist.
Is it necessary to flip scallops halfway through cooking?
Flipping helps them cook evenly on both sides and get a nice golden crust, so it’s recommended.
How do I avoid scallops sticking to the air fryer basket?
Make sure to lightly oil the scallops and the basket if your air fryer tends to stick. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket.