Garlic Butter Air Fryer Whole Scallops – Quick & Juicy Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat12gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Whole scallops, fresh (choose dry-packed if available for best sear)12 pieces
- Garlic cloves, finely minced3 cloves
- Unsalted butter, melted3 tbsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)1 tbsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a
- Olive oil or cooking spray (to lightly grease the air fryer basket)1 tsp
This recipe features whole scallops cooked in an air fryer with savory garlic butter, delivering juicy, tender seafood in minutes. It's perfect for beginners with common kitchen tools, ensuring safety and simplicity. The total estimated cost of ingredients ranges approximately $12 / €11 / £9 / ₹900, and the dish has about 250 kcal per serving. This gluten-free seafood dish is easy with under 20 minutes total time, making it great for casual weeknights or special occasions.
Preparation instructions
Preheat your air fryer
1Set your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This helps achieve a nice sear on the scallops.
Prepare the garlic butter mixture
2In a small bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic. Mix well to infuse the garlic flavor into the butter.
Season the scallops
3Pat the whole scallops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping them sear properly. Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Coat scallops with garlic butter
4Brush each scallop generously with the garlic butter mixture on all sides for flavor and moisture.
Prepare air fryer basket
5Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent scallops from sticking.
Arrange scallops in the air fryer basket
6Place the scallops in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
Cook the scallops
7Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6 to 8 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking (around 3-4 minutes) to ensure even cooking and browning.
Check for doneness and safe internal temperature
8The scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch but still slightly springy. Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure safe consumption according to food safety guidelines.
Garnish and serve
9Remove scallops from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Cooking Tips
-Always dry your scallops before cooking to get a better sear and avoid steaming.
-Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking.
-If garlic butter seems too strong, reduce garlic cloves to 1 or 2.
-Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, especially if cooking different sizes of scallops.
-To avoid cross-contamination, always wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw scallops.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Food thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
- Knife and chopping board
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole scallops (~$10) — Choose dry-packed scallops if possible; they have better texture and sear.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (~$0.50 for a bulb) — Look for firm, plump bulbs without sprouting.
- [ ] Unsalted butter (~$1 for portion) — Unsalted helps control saltiness.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional, ~$0.50) — Bright green leaves indicate freshness.
- [ ] Olive oil or cooking spray (~$0.50 for small quantity) — Choose extra virgin for best flavor.
FAQ
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and even cooking.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can cook scallops in a skillet over medium-high heat with garlic butter; cook about 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly golden.
How do I know when scallops are cooked?
They become opaque, firm but still tender. Use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) for safety.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Thyme, basil, or a pinch of chili flakes can complement the garlic butter beautifully.