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Seafood·Updated Mar 2026

Seared Air Fryer Scallops

Name: Seared Air Fryer Scallops
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large dry sea scallops (U-10 or U-12); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper; 3 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Pinch of red pepper flakes

4.8(12)

8 min

Time

400°F

Temp

220 cal

Cal

Serves

Seared Air Fryer Scallops is made with large dry sea scallops, olive oil, butter, garlic; air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes to serve 4. 220 calories per serving.

Clara Moretti·Recipe Developer & Air Fryer Specialist

Updated Mar 15, 2026

Ingredients

Scallops

1 lb large dry sea scallops (U-10 or U-12)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper

Butter Sauce

3 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Equipment

Steps

1
Remove side muscle from scallops. Pat extremely dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
2
Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer, not touching.
3
Air fry at 400°F for 3-4 minutes per side until golden crust forms and center is opaque.
4
Melt butter with garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
5
Plate scallops and drizzle with garlic butter. Serve immediately.

💡

Tip: Buy 'dry' scallops, not 'wet' — wet scallops are treated with a solution that prevents browning. Pat them bone-dry or they steam instead of sear. Don't overcook — they go rubbery fast.

Why Air Fry This?

🌊Gentle, even heat cooks fish through without drying it out — no flipping required.
⚡Uses significantly less energy than heating a full-size oven for a single batch.

🎉

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cook Seared Air Fryer Scallops at 400°F for 8 minutes. Buy 'dry' scallops, not 'wet' — wet scallops are treated with a solution that prevents browning. Pat them bone-dry or they steam instead of sear. Don't overcook — they go rubbery fast.

You need: 1 lb large dry sea scallops (U-10 or U-12), 1 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper, 3 tbsp butter, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, Pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe serves 4 with 220 calories per serving.

Seared Air Fryer Scallops takes 8 minutes total at 400°F. Plate scallops and drizzle with garlic butter. Serve immediately.

This recipe is rated Medium. It serves 4 and takes just 8 minutes at 400°F.

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