If you have a bag of frozen scallops and an air fryer, you have everything you need for a fantastic meal. Learning how to cook frozen scallops in the air fryer is a game-changer for quick, safe, and delicious dinners. This method is incredibly fast and reliable, turning frozen seafood into a tender, perfectly cooked dish in minutes.
You might think you need to thaw scallops first, but that’s not the case with an air fryer. The hot, circulating air cooks them evenly straight from the freezer. This guide will walk you through the simple, safe process to get great results every single time.
How To Cook Frozen Scallops In The Air Fryer
This is the core method for cooking frozen scallops in your air fryer. Follow these steps closely for the best outcome. The key is to not overcrowd the basket and to cook in batches if necessary. This ensures each scallop gets that lovely sear and cooks through properly.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen scallops (any size: bay or sea scallops)
- Your air fryer
- Neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, like avocado, canola, or light olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: paper towels, a light seasoning blend (like garlic powder, paprika, or a seafood seasoning)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for getting a good sear on the frozen scallops.
- Prepare the Scallops: Take your frozen scallops directly from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw them. Place them in a bowl. Drizzle lightly with about 1-2 teaspoons of oil—just enough to coat them. Toss gently.
- Season: Sprinkle the scallops with salt, pepper, and any other dry seasonings you like. Toss again to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-season, as scallops have a sweet, delicate flavor.
- Arrange in the Basket: Place the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching or stacked. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, which is essential for even cooking and browning. You may need to cook in two batches.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your scallops and your specific air fryer model. Check at the 8-minute mark. They are done when they are opaque all the way through and have golden-brown spots on the outside.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the scallops carefully from the basket. Let them rest for a minute, then serve right away. Scallops are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the cooker.
Important Safety & Quality Tips
Cooking from frozen is safe, but you must ensure they reach a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check. Scallops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a scallop.
Don’t shake the basket too early. Letting them cook undisturbed for at least 6-7 minutes helps develop that desirable caramelized crust. If you shake to early, they might stick.
Choosing the Right Scallops
For the air fryer, both bay and sea scallops work well. Bay scallops are smaller and will cook faster, in about 6-9 minutes. Sea scallops are larger and need the full 10-12 minutes. Look for “dry” or “chemical-free” scallops if possible. These haven’t been treated with STP (sodium tripolyphosphate), which makes them retain water. Dry scallops sear better and have a more pure, sweet flavor.
Why This Method Works So Well
The air fryer’s intense, dry heat is perfect for seafood. It quickly evaporates any surface moisture from the frozen scallops, leading to browning. It then cooks the interior gently and evenly. This mimics the results you’d get from a very hot skillet but without the need to monitor them as closely or deal with excessive splatter.
Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas
Once you master the basic method, you can easily change the flavor profile. After tossing with oil, try one of these simple seasoning mixes:
- Lemon-Herb: Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and a little lemon zest. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.
- Garlic-Parmesan: Toss with garlic powder, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of smoked paprika.
- Simple Spice: Use a Cajun or blackening seasoning blend for a bit of heat.
For serving, scallops are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with:
- A simple side of rice or quinoa to soak up any juices.
- A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini.
- Over a bed of pasta with a light cream or lemon-butter sauce.
Just remember to add the cooked scallops to pasta or grains at the last minute to prevent overcooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple method, a few errors can affect your results. Here’s what to watch out for:
Overcrowding the Basket
This is the most common mistake. If the scallops are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of air fry. You’ll end up with rubbery, pale scallops instead of firm and browned ones. If you have a lot to cook, be patient and do multiple batches.
Using Too Much Oil
A light coating is all you need. Excess oil will drip down and can cause smoking in your air fryer. It can also make the scallops greasy instead of giving them a crisp exterior.
Overcooking
Scallops go from perfect to tough and chewy very quickly. They cook fast, especially in the hot air of the fryer. Start checking early, and remember they will continue to cook a little bit after you take them out. It’s better to slightly undercook them than to overcook.
Skipping the Preheat
Putting frozen food into a cold air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking. The preheating step ensures the cooking environment is immediately hot, which is key for food safety and texture when starting from frozen.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
After cooking scallops, it’s important to clean your air fryer promptly. Seafood can leave behind oils and odors. Once the appliance has cooled, remove the basket and tray. Wash them in warm, soapy water. For any stuck-on bits, let them soak for a few minutes. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Keeping it clean ensures better performance and prevents unwanted smells next time you use it.
FAQ Section
Do I need to thaw scallops before air frying?
No, you do not. In fact, cooking them directly from frozen in the air fryer is recommended for this method. It helps prevent overcooking and is perfectly safe as long as they reach the proper internal temperature of 145°F.
How long to cook frozen scallops in air fryer?
At 400°F, cook frozen sea scallops for 10-12 minutes. For smaller bay scallops, check them at 6-8 minutes. Always check for doneness a minute or two before the minimum time, as air fryer models can vary.
Can I cook breaded frozen scallops in the air fryer?
Yes, you can. Frozen breaded or fried scallops (like those from the freezer aisle) cook excellently in the air fryer. Follow the package instructions, but generally, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and hot.
Why are my air fryer scallops rubbery?
Rubbery scallops are almost always a sign of overcooking. Scallops have very little fat and cook very quickly. Next time, reduce the cooking time by a couple minutes and check their temperature with a thermometer.
What’s the best temperature for scallops in air fryer?
400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature. It’s high enough to quickly sear the outside and cook the inside through without drying them out to much.
Can I use frozen scallops for air fryer recipes that call for fresh?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the time. Recipes for fresh scallops will have a shorter cook time. If using a recipe for fresh, simply add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time when starting from frozen, and always check for doneness visually and with a thermometer.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
While scallops are best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer again. Reheat at 375°F for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them very tough and rubbery.
Cooking frozen scallops in the air fryer is a technique that saves time and delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results at home. By following these straightforward steps—preheating, arranging in a single layer, and checking for doneness—you can have a impressive seafood meal on the table with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a reliable method that makes enjoying scallops any night of the week not just possible, but easy.