Easy Air Fryer Scallops with Chive Lemon Butter: Perfectly Cooked, Tender & Flavorful
Indulge in the exquisite taste of perfectly cooked scallops without the usual fuss! Our Air Fryer Scallops with Chive Lemon Butter recipe delivers incredibly tender, flavorful, and succulent scallops in mere minutes. Forget the greasy mess of traditional frying; the air fryer method ensures a light and healthy preparation. Paired with a vibrant, aromatic chive lemon butter sauce, this dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, complementing a wide array of side dishes for any meal occasion.
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About This Air Fryer Scallops Recipe
Scallops are a true delicacy, often reserved for special occasions or restaurant dining due to a perceived difficulty in cooking them perfectly at home. While I absolutely adore pan-seared scallops, especially when they’re swimming in a rich bacon cream sauce, the traditional stovetop method requires constant attention to achieve that ideal golden crust and tender interior. For everyday cooking, this can feel a bit daunting, leading many to shy away from preparing scallops regularly.
However, I believe everyone should be able to enjoy the luxurious taste of scallops without the stress. That’s why I embarked on a mission to discover a method that produces consistently delicious, perfectly cooked scallops with minimal effort. The solution? The humble air fryer!
These quick air fryer scallops are a revelation. They transform a seemingly complex dish into an effortless weeknight meal or a sophisticated appetizer that comes together in a flash. Get ready, because this recipe is about to change how you think about cooking seafood at home!
Why You’ll Adore These Air Fryer Scallops
- Lightning Fast: One of the biggest wins is that these scallops are ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time.
- Incredibly Versatile: Whether you serve them as an elegant main course with pasta or rice and your favorite vegetables, or as a sophisticated appetizer for a dinner party, these scallops fit every occasion. They’re even fantastic for a quick, gourmet lunch!
- Perfectly Tender Texture: Despite being cooked in an air fryer, these scallops come out just as plump, juicy, and tender as their stovetop counterparts. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, cooking the scallops through without drying them out.
- Healthier Cooking: Say goodbye to excessive oil and grease. The air fryer uses significantly less oil than pan-searing, offering a lighter, healthier way to enjoy your favorite seafood.
An Important Note on Appearance: While the air fryer excels at achieving a tender interior, it typically won’t produce the deep golden-brown crust you see with pan-fried scallops (or often dramatically featured on shows like Hell’s Kitchen). Your air-fried scallops will still be perfectly cooked, opaque throughout, and boast a fantastic texture. Resist the urge to continue cooking them in pursuit of a darker crust, as this will only lead to tough, overcooked scallops.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Air-Fried Scallops
Crafting delicious air fryer scallops only requires a few high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Scallops: The star of the show! For the best results, always aim for the freshest large sea scallops you can find. If you live inland, frozen scallops are a perfectly acceptable option, as they are typically flash-frozen at sea to lock in freshness. Just ensure they are fully thawed and thoroughly patted dry before cooking. Using large scallops is key for the specified cooking times in this recipe. If you opt for smaller bay scallops, you’ll need to significantly reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking – check our tips for success section below for guidance.
- Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter for the chive lemon sauce. This gives you complete control over the seasoning, allowing you to adjust the salt to your preference. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce or omit any additional salt in the sauce and taste as you go. Butter not only adds a rich, luxurious flavor but also helps to carry the other aromatic elements of the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is a flavor powerhouse and, in my kitchen, a non-negotiable! To save time and avoid messy peeling, I often keep a jar of pre-minced garlic in my fridge. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor. If you’re out of fresh or jarred garlic, a small amount of garlic powder can be used to infuse the butter, though fresh is always superior for its aromatic depth.
- Lemon Zest: You’ll need one fresh lemon for its vibrant zest. The zest is where the essential oils and intense lemon flavor reside, providing a bright, aromatic counterpoint to the richness of the butter and scallops. Remember to zest only the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. You can save the lemon to squeeze its juice into another recipe later!
- Fresh Chives: Fresh chives are absolutely essential for their delicate oniony flavor and beautiful green flecks. They add a subtle, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the lemon and garlic. While dried chives can be substituted in a pinch, be sure to use half the amount, as their flavor is more concentrated. Fresh chives truly elevate the dish, both in taste and appearance.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial seasonings. A generous seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper on the scallops before air frying enhances their natural sweetness and helps to create a beautiful crust.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To whip up these amazing air fryer scallops, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. The most important, of course, is your air fryer!
- Air Fryer: This is the star appliance for this recipe. I personally love and use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid – it’s an incredibly versatile multi-cooker that I consider an indispensable part of my kitchen. Any air fryer model will work, as long as it has a basket or rack for air frying. The consistent hot air circulation is what makes cooking scallops so quick and easy.
- Small Skillet or Saucepan: For preparing the aromatic chive lemon butter sauce. A nonstick skillet or a small saucepan will work perfectly for melting the butter and infusing it with flavor.
- Wooden Spoon or Whisk: To stir your butter sauce as it simmers gently, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Tongs: An essential tool for safely flipping the scallops halfway through cooking and for easily removing them from the hot air fryer basket once they are perfectly done.
- Paper Towels: Crucial for patting the scallops dry before seasoning and cooking, which is a vital step for achieving the best texture.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurement of ingredients, especially for the butter sauce.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For mincing garlic and chopping fresh chives.
Recommended Air Fryers
If you’re in the market for an air fryer or curious about the options, here are some excellent choices that will work perfectly for this scallop recipe and many other dishes:
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
Buy Now →
Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer
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Philips Premium Air Fryer
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How to Make Air Fryer Scallops with Chive Lemon Butter
Achieving perfectly cooked scallops in your air fryer is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a gourmet meal in minutes:
Step 1: Prepare and Air Fry Scallops
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial for even cooking and helps to achieve a better exterior texture. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your scallops. If using frozen scallops, ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed (or if using fresh), gently pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is incredibly important as excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of a slight sear, resulting in less flavorful, rubbery scallops.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Season the patted-dry scallops generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the seasoned scallops in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; if necessary, cook in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes in total. For exceptionally thick scallops (over 1 inch), you might need to add an additional minute. Remember to flip the scallops halfway through the cooking time (around 3-4 minutes) to promote even cooking on all sides.
Step 2: Whip Up the Chive Lemon Butter Sauce
While your scallops are air frying, you’ll have just enough time to prepare the delectable chive lemon butter sauce. In a small skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, fresh lemon zest, and freshly chopped chives. Sauté the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, and the chives soften slightly. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This aromatic butter will infuse the scallops with a burst of fresh, zesty flavor.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the scallops are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C), carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs and transfer them to individual serving plates. Drizzle the warm chive lemon butter generously over the scallops. Serve immediately to enjoy their tender texture and vibrant flavors. These scallops are best enjoyed fresh off the air fryer!
Pro Tip! If you are using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them completely in your refrigerator overnight. Pat them as dry as possible with paper towels before seasoning and placing them in the air fryer basket, as instructed in the directions above. This step is critical for achieving a desirable texture.
Expert Tips for Air Frying Scallops
To ensure your air fryer scallops turn out perfectly every single time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Know Your Scallop Type and Size: This recipe is designed for large sea scallops. If you’re using smaller bay scallops, you must significantly adjust the cooking time. Bay scallops are much smaller and will cook faster; I recommend starting with just 3 minutes of cooking time, flipping once, and checking for doneness. Overcooking small scallops will make them tough and rubbery instantly.
- Always Pat Them Dry: This cannot be stressed enough! Moisture on the surface of scallops will cause them to steam instead of getting that desired slightly firmer, almost-seared exterior. Use paper towels to blot away all surface moisture before seasoning and air frying. This step is crucial for texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, arrange scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between each one. Overcrowding reduces air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and steaming. If you’re cooking a larger batch, work in two or more shifts.
- Flip Halfway: Flipping the scallops ensures even exposure to the circulating hot air, promoting uniform cooking and preventing one side from becoming too dry.
- Do Not Overcook: Scallops cook very quickly. Overcooked scallops become rubbery and lose their delicate, sweet flavor. They are perfectly done when opaque throughout and firm to the touch. Use a meat thermometer if unsure; aim for 125˚F to 130˚F (52-54°C) internally.
- Make It a Pasta Dish! If you want to transform this into a satisfying meal, serve your scallops with linguine or your favorite pasta. For this, I highly recommend doubling the chive lemon butter sauce recipe. This way, you’ll have plenty of sauce to toss with the cooked pasta, creating a flavorful base, and still have extra to drizzle generously over your perfectly air-fried scallops.
Craving more delicious seafood inspiration? Explore these fantastic recipes: BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp | Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon | BBQ Beer Battered Fish and Chips | Spicy Tuna Poke Wonton Cups
Can I Make Scallops Without an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! While the air fryer provides a convenient, hands-off method, you can certainly achieve delicious scallops using a traditional skillet on the stovetop if you prefer, or if you don’t own an air fryer. Here’s how:
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of high-smoke-point oil (like avocado or grapeseed oil) or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Make sure the skillet is hot enough to create a good sear but not smoking.
Pat your scallops thoroughly dry, season well with salt and pepper, and then place them in the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust on each side. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your scallops and the heat of your pan. Once cooked, remove them from the pan.
Prepare the chive lemon butter sauce in a separate small skillet as directed in the recipe, then drizzle over your perfectly seared scallops. The stovetop method might require a bit more active tending, but it yields that classic, deeply caramelized crust that many adore.
How to Tell When Scallops Are Perfectly Cooked
Knowing when scallops are cooked through is key to avoiding a rubbery texture. Here are the signs to look for:
- Internal Temperature: For the most accurate measure, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Scallops are perfectly cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C). They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat once removed from the air fryer.
- Visual Cues: Cooked scallops will transform from translucent and gelatinous to opaque all the way through. You’ll notice the edges might look slightly firmer and less translucent.
- Texture: Gently press a scallop with your finger. A perfectly cooked scallop will feel firm to the touch but still have a slight spring to it, not hard or mushy.
Remember, scallops cook quickly, so it’s better to undercook them slightly and give them another minute than to overcook them and end up with a chewy result.
Choosing the Best Scallops for Your Recipe
The type and quality of scallops you choose can greatly impact the final dish. For this air fryer recipe, I primarily recommend using large sea scallops. Here’s a quick guide to understanding your options:
- Sea Scallops: These are the larger, more common scallops you’ll find in restaurants and the ones used in this recipe. They are meaty, tender, and have a wonderfully sweet flavor. Their size allows for easier handling and less chance of overcooking in the air fryer compared to their smaller counterparts.
- Bay Scallops: These are much smaller, often about the size of a dime. While delicious, they cook much faster and are more prone to drying out. If using bay scallops, you must significantly reduce the air frying time (as noted in the tips section) and keep a close eye on them. They are generally better suited for quick sautés or adding to stews and sauces.
- “Wet” vs. “Dry” Scallops: This is a crucial distinction.
- Dry Scallops: These are untreated scallops, meaning they haven’t been soaked in a phosphate solution. They have a natural, slightly off-white or creamy color. Dry scallops are superior because they don’t contain added water, which means they will caramelize beautifully and have a pure, sweet flavor. Always choose dry scallops if available.
- Wet Scallops: These scallops have been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) to preserve them and increase their shelf life and weight by making them absorb water. They tend to look bright white and have a slightly rubbery texture. Wet scallops release a lot of liquid during cooking, making it difficult to achieve a good sear or even cooking, and can lead to a less intense flavor.
Always ask your fishmonger for “dry-packed” or “day boat” sea scallops for the best quality and flavor. They are truly a delight to cook with and eat!
Seeking more culinary inspiration for tonight’s dinner? Dive into my main dish recipes page for a wealth of ideas!
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Air Fryer Scallops
The delicate flavor of air fryer scallops with chive lemon butter makes them incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Pasta Perfection: My top choice is always pasta! A light linguine or spaghetti tossed with a simple butter sauce, a drizzle of olive oil, or even some of the leftover chive lemon butter sauce is an ideal pairing. The pasta soaks up all the wonderful flavors, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra color and freshness.
- Rice and Roasted Vegetables: For a balanced meal, serve your scallops alongside fluffy white rice or a fragrant wild rice blend. Complement this with your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra chive lemon butter over the rice and veggies to tie all the flavors of the dish together.
- Creamy Risotto: Elevate your meal with a rich and creamy classic risotto. The luscious texture and savory notes of risotto provide a perfect backdrop for the tender scallops. A lemon or Parmesan risotto would be particularly delightful.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: For a touch of earthy bitterness and delightful crunch, serve with crispy balsamic Brussels sprouts. Their robust flavor and texture stand up beautifully to the delicate scallops.
- Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini: If you enjoy a little kick and vibrant greens, spicy-sweet roasted broccolini makes an excellent side. The slight char and zesty dressing will provide a lovely contrast.
- Fresh Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the scallops atop a bed of mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will highlight the sweetness of the scallops.
If you’re planning a full meal, consider starting with an appetizer like Caprese bruschetta. Its creamy, fresh flavors offer a wonderful prelude to the scallops. These air fryer scallops also make a fantastic centerpiece for a romantic date night meal! For more ideas to impress your loved one, check out my Valentine’s Day menu ideas.
Storing and Reheating Your Scallops
While scallops are truly best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal texture and flavor, sometimes leftovers happen! Here’s how to properly store and reheat them:
- Storage: Allow any leftover scallops to cool completely before storing. Transfer them to shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. Cooked scallops should be consumed within up to 2 days for the best quality and food safety.
- Reheating: Reheating scallops can be tricky, as they can easily become rubbery if overdone. The best method is to gently reheat them on the stovetop. Place the scallops in a small skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or a knob of butter. Cover the skillet to create a little steam, and heat just until they are warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid high heat or prolonged reheating. You can also briefly reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Finally, if you try this air fryer scallops recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! I absolutely love hearing about your culinary creations and always take the time to respond to every single comment. Your feedback means the world to me!
Feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to help!
Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! It’s truly my favorite thing to see these recipes come to life in your kitchens. It genuinely makes my day!
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Air Fryer Scallops with Chive Lemon Butter
Equipment
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Shun Chef’s Knife
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Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
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Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet
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9-Inch Tongs
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb scallops
- salt and pepper
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 clove garlic minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 tsp freshly chopped chives
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 400˚F (200°C). Once preheated, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
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Pat the scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels and season well with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the seasoned scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes (for very thick scallops, you might need up to 8 minutes). Flip the scallops halfway through the cook time (around 3-4 minutes).
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While the scallops are air frying, prepare the chive lemon butter sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh chives. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden.
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Remove the cooked scallops to a serving plate and generously drizzle with the warm chive lemon butter. Serve immediately and enjoy!