Imagine transforming ordinary scallops into a mouthwatering, restaurant-worthy dish with just an air fryer and a few simple ingredients. These Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops are about to become your new culinary obsession - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with zesty, buttery flavor that will make your taste buds dance! Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress dinner guests, this quick and easy recipe will elevate your cooking game in just minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Scallops
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: fresh scallops, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieve a nice sear and prevent steaming in the air fryer.
- In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Place the dried scallops in a medium bowl and pour the lemon butter mixture over them. Gently toss to coat the scallops evenly. Allow them to marinate for about 5 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- While the scallops are marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the scallops cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- After preheating, arrange the marinated scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Air fry the scallops at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, check the scallops and gently shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Once the scallops are cooked, they should be opaque and firm to the touch. Remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
- Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce from the bowl over the scallops, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, alongside your choice of sides such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.
Tips
- Always use fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best results. Pat them completely dry to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Scallops need space to cook evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
- Timing is crucial - overcooking can make scallops tough and rubbery. Start checking them around the 6-minute mark.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine to the butter mixture.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the scallops at their peak texture and temperature.
- If you're watching calories, you can reduce the butter and use a light cooking spray instead.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
