Imagine transforming ordinary scallops into a mouthwatering, restaurant-worthy dish in just minutes - without ever leaving your home! These Lemon Butter Air Fryer Scallops are about to revolutionize your seafood game, delivering perfectly golden, tender morsels that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof recipe promises restaurant-quality results that will impress even the most discerning seafood lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 18 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound scallops
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent proper browning, so ensure they are thoroughly dried.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine melted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients until well blended.
- Gently coat the scallops with the prepared lemon butter mixture, ensuring each scallop is evenly seasoned.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). This high temperature will help achieve a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper spacing.
- Air fry the scallops for 3-4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip each scallop.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the scallops are golden brown and opaque in the center.
- Remove the scallops from the air fryer and let them rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with additional fresh lemon zest or chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Dryness is Key: Always pat scallops completely dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of that coveted golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your scallops breathing room in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
- High Heat, Short Cook Time: The magic happens at 400°F, but watch closely - scallops can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Timing is Everything: 3-4 minutes per side is typically perfect, but adjust based on the size of your scallops.
- Serve Immediately: Scallops are best enjoyed hot and fresh right out of the air fryer, so time your sides accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
