Sea Scallops in an Air-fryer?
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds craving more? Look no further than making sea scallops in an air fryer! This quick and easy method is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious seafood dish without the hassle and skill required for traditional cooking methods. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked sea scallops that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all thanks to the wonders of an air fryer.
Are Sea Scallops Good for You?
Sea scallops are delicious and offer a range of health benefits that can contribute to your overall well-being. These succulent shellfish contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Their high protein and low fat content make them a healthy seafood option, supporting various aspects of your health.
How to Cook Sea Scallops in An Air Fryer
Using this quick and easy method, you can serve up restaurant-quality seafood in no time. The most significant aspect is that you do not require any particular culinary skills to obtain flawless outcomes consistently. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying deliciously tender and flavorful sea scallops that are sure to impress you and your friends and family.
First, let’s talk about the air fryer. This counter-top appliance has revolutionized how we cook by using hot air circulation to fry food without excessive oil. It creates a crispy and golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. And when it comes to making sea scallops, the air fryer truly shines! Using this recipe, you can take out the guesswork from when you use a more traditional method, like cooking with a skillet. When using a skillet, it’s easy to overcook them, making for a rubbery texture.
Now, onto the main ingredient, the sea scallops. A true delicacy is known for its sweet and delicate flavor. Their firm texture makes them perfect for cooking in an air fryer, as they won’t fall apart or become rubbery. It is highly recommended that you use wild-caught sea scallops, not farm-raised ones. Wild-caught scallops are higher in quality and taste.
Step 1 - Prepare the scallops
Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. This step is important because it helps the scallops cook more evenly and ensures a nice golden sear on the outside. Once dry, generously season both sides of the scallops with salt and pepper (freshly cracked is preferred).
Step 2 - Cook the scallops
Spritz the air fryer basket with extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil). The oil helps reduce sticking. Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for ten minutes. Once the air fryer has reached the target temperature, arrange your seasoned scallops in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they have some space between them to allow for proper airflow. Depending on the number of servings you make, this may require cooking in batches.
Flip the scallops over after five minutes to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3 - Make the butter sauce
While the scallops are cooking, make the butter sauce. Melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the garlic powder and Italian season mix. You can switch up the spices to add variety, so get creative!
Step 4 - Plate and serve
Remove the scallops from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the butter sauce on top.
Combining the tender, succulent scallops with the crispy, golden crust is irresistible. Your friends and family will be amazed at your culinary skills, and you’ll be thrilled at how easy it was to achieve such delicious results.
Video
Air Fryer Sea Scallops with Butter Sauce
Cook perfectly seared sea scallops every time using this simple Air Fryer method.
- Air Fryer
- Saucepan or Skillet
Scallops
- 4 Large Wild Caught Sea Scallops
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil)
- Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
Butter Sauce
- 1 tbsp Grass-Feed Butter (or Ghee)
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Mix
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with 1 tbsp Olive Oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Set to cook for 10 minutes.
- Pat the 4 large Sea Scallops using a paper towel.
- Season the scallops with Salt & Pepper.
- Place the scallops in the heated air fryer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping them over after 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt 1 tbsp Grass-Feed Butter in saucepan or skillet. Once melted, combine with 1 tbsp Garlic Powder and 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning.
- Remove the air-fried scallops once cooked and drizzle the butter sauce over the top to serve
To add some variety switch up the spices used in the butter sauce to your liking.
- 188calories
- 16gfat
- 3gcarbs
- 0.01gsugar
- 0.1gfiber
- 9gprotein
Nutrition information is calculated using a third party ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included. Be sure to validate values using the labels on your ingredients or other trusted sources.
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