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An overhead image of air fried scallops in a white bowl with lemon wedges, surrounded by water glasses, tartar sauce and parsley.

Air fryer scallops

Sea scallops breaded in seasoned panko crumbs and “fried” in the air fryer until crispy and golden on the outside and tender and succulent on the inside. The scallops are served with melted butter and tartar sauce for dipping and lots of lemon wedges.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 193 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned panko crumbs
  • 1 pound sea scallops patted very dry
  • sea salt
  • Melted butter
  • Tartar sauce
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • Parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees.
  • Gather 3 shallow bowls. Place cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper and salt in one bowl. Add the beaten egg to the second bowl and the panko to the third bowl.
  • Make sure you've dried your scallops well. Dip each scallop into the cornstarch mixture, then egg, then panko, shaking off excess in each bowl (especially the cornstarch).
  • Wipe your air fryer basket with high heat cooking oil.
  • Add scallops to basket, making sure not the crowd them, they should not touch each other. You may need to cook the scallops in batches if you have a small air fryer.
  • Cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on the size of your scallops. Flip the scallops and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, until scallops are opaque throughout. Scallops should be crisp and golden brown on the outside and just opaque and tender in the center. Don't overcook.
  • Remove scallops from air fryer, sprinkle with sea salt and serve immediately. Serve scallops with melted butter (a must!), tartar sauce and lemon wedges. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 17gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 717mgPotassium: 322mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 89IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Air Fryer Scallops
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