Garlic Butter Air Fryer Scallops 🧄🧈

Looking for an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that’s quick and easy to make? These Garlic Butter Air Fryer Scallops are juicy, tender, and bursting with rich flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch to complement the buttery scallops. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large scallops, patted dry
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and a perfect golden-brown finish.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the Scallops

  1. Arrange the scallops in a single layer on an air fryer-safe tray or dish. Avoid overlapping for even cooking.
  2. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scallops, ensuring they are evenly coated.

4. Add the Topping

  1. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
  2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the scallops.

5. Cook the Scallops

  1. Place the tray or dish in the air fryer basket.
  2. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the scallops are opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.

6. Serve

  1. Remove the scallops from the air fryer and serve them hot.
  2. Garnish with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Tips for Perfect Scallops

  • Dry Scallops Well: Patting the scallops dry ensures they sear beautifully and don’t become soggy.
  • Don’t Overcook: Scallops cook quickly. Check for doneness after 8 minutes to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • Custom Toppings: Feel free to swap breadcrumbs for panko or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Servings: 4

  • Calories: 230
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Protein: 18g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Butter Air Fryer Scallops offer a gourmet taste with minimal effort. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a side of pasta, or a crisp green salad.

Ready to enjoy a seafood delight? Dive into this recipe today!