Grilled BBQ whole scallops cooked in an air fryer served on a plate

Succulent BBQ Air Fryer Whole Scallops

Name: Succulent BBQ Air Fryer Whole Scallops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 pieces Whole scallops (in shells or cleaned and whole); 1 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tsp BBQ seasoning or dry rub; 0.5 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Paprika (smoked if available); to taste n/a Salt; to taste n/a Black pepper; 4 piece Lemon wedges (for serving)

Home Page / Air Fryer Cooking Recipes / Air Fryer Scallop Recipes

easy

10 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories200kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat8gram

Protein22gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole scallops (in shells or cleaned and whole)8 pieces
Olive oil1 tbsp
BBQ seasoning or dry rub2 tsp
Garlic powder0.5 tsp
Paprika (smoked if available)1 tsp
Saltto taste n/a
Black pepperto taste n/a
Lemon wedges (for serving)4 piece

This recipe guides you through cooking whole scallops with a smoky BBQ flavor using an air fryer. It is designed with home cooks in mind, offering simple steps and practical safety tips. The recipe uses common ingredients you can easily find. Total cost is approximately $15/€14/£12/₹1200, with each serving containing about 200 kcal. This dish fits a pescatarian diet, is easy to prepare, and takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Preparation instructions

Preheat the air fryer

1Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 200°C (390°F). Allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking of the scallops.

Prepare the scallops

2Pat the whole scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. If they are in shells, ensure they are clean.

Season the scallops

3In a small bowl, mix olive oil, BBQ seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or drizzle this mixture over each scallop evenly. This will infuse a smoky BBQ flavor and help them brown nicely.

Place scallops in air fryer basket

4Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they're not touching to allow air to circulate well for even cooking.

Cook the scallops

5Cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 200°C (390°F). Around the 5-minute mark, carefully open the air fryer and turn the scallops over using tongs for even cooking. Cook until the scallops are opaque and firm to touch.

Check the internal temperature

6Check that the internal temperature of the scallops has reached at least 63°C (145°F) using a food thermometer to ensure they are safely cooked.

Serve immediately

7Carefully remove the scallops from the air fryer. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an added fresh, zesty touch.

Cooking Tips

-If fresh whole scallops are not available, you can use large sea scallops without shells; adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

-Avoid overcooking scallops as they become rubbery; watch for them to become just opaque and firm.

-For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the BBQ seasoning mix.

-Clean your air fryer basket and tray immediately after use to avoid buildup and maintain hygiene.

Equipment Needed

Air fryer
Small bowl
Brush or spoon for seasoning
Food thermometer (recommended for safety)
Tongs
Paper towels

Grocery Shopping List

[ ] Whole scallops (8 pieces) - around $12: Look for scallops that smell fresh and have moist, shiny shells. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor.
[ ] Olive oil (small bottle) - around $3: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for better flavor and quality.
[ ] BBQ seasoning mix - around $2: Choose a pre-made BBQ spice mix or make your own with paprika, brown sugar, salt, and other spices.
[ ] Garlic powder - around $1: Ensure it is fresh for best flavor.
[ ] Paprika (preferably smoked) - around $1: Check for vibrant color and aroma.
[ ] Lemons (4 pieces) - around $2: Fresh and firm lemons add fresh juice that complements seafood.

Total approximate cost: $15

FAQ

Can I use frozen scallops for this air fryer recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when scallops are fully cooked?

Scallops are done when they turn opaque and firm to the touch, and the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F). Overcooking makes them tough, so watch the time closely.