Air Fryer Frozen Scallops

Learn the BEST way to cook frozen scallops with this quick and easy Air Fryer Frozen Scallops recipe. Enjoy crispy, flavorful scallops straight from frozen in 15 minutes or less using your air fryer or Ninja Foodi to make delicious seafood meals in no time.

🍳Can you cook frozen scallops in an air fryer?

Yes, in just 10 minutes or less, you can have crispy scallops cooked straight from frozen without thawing using your air fryer (or Ninja Foodi) with a touch of olive oil and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder!

📖How To Cook Frozen Scallops In Air Fryer

1️⃣Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). For 3-5 minutes. This will help make the scallops crispy and browned on the outside.

2️⃣Prepare the Scallops: While the air fryer is preheating, lightly pat the frozen scallops with no breading with a paper towel to remove any excess ice crystals. Transfer the scallops to a mixing bowl.

3️⃣Season the Frozen Scallops: Drizzle the olive oil over the scallops and toss gently to coat. Season with salt, black pepper, and any other seasonings you like, such as garlic powder.

4️⃣Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned scallops in the air fryer basket or Ninja Foodi in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.

5️⃣Air Fry Scallops From Frozen: Air fry the scallops for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a slightly golden brown on top. There’s no need to flip them halfway through cooking, but you can if you prefer a more even crust.

6️⃣Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the scallops from the air fryer with tongs. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

👩‍🍳Chef’s Tips

• For frozen breaded scallops, use the same cooking time without the seasoning step.
• This recipe uses frozen sea scallops, which are larger and thicker than bay scallops. If you are cooking frozen sea scallops in the air fryer, start with a cooking time of 5-8 minutes to make sure you don’t overcook them.
• Place the scallops in a single even layer in the air fryer basket to make sure the dry air circulates all around them, which will create a crispy crust on the outside and a warm and tender inside.
• How long it takes to cook frozen scallops in air fryer depends on the size of your scallops and air fryer. Check at the 8-minute mark with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature for seafood is 145°F (63°C).
• Before serving, let the scallops rest for 3-5 minutes outside of the air fryer to make sure they redistribute their juices.
• Once scallops are fully cooked through, they will last in the fridge up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container. Reheat using the air fryer at 350F for 4-5 minutes for best results.

🧂Scallops Seasoning Ideas

• Cajun: Sprinkle your favorite cajun seasoning on the scallops for a smoky twist with a zesty punch of flavor.
• Lemon Pepper: Coat the scallops with lemon pepper seasoning to add a zesty, citrus-infused kick that enhances their natural sweetness.
• Curry: Dust the scallops with curry powder before air frying to give them a warm, aromatic flavor with a hint of spice.
• Garlic Herb: Mix dried garlic, parsley, and basil, then sprinkle over the scallops for a classic garlic herb taste that’s both fragrant and flavorful.
• Chili Lime: Combine chili powder and lime zest, then season the scallops for a tangy and spicy profile that’s refreshingly bold.
• Maple Sriracha: Brush a mixture of maple syrup and Sriracha sauce on the scallops for a sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
• Rosemary Sea Salt: Sprinkle finely chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt on the scallops for a rustic, aromatic seasoning.
• Parmesan Crust: Gently press grated Parmesan cheese onto the scallops before cooking for a cheesy, golden crust with a slight crunch.
• Ginger Soy: Marinate the scallops in a blend of soy sauce and grated ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor that’s savory with a hint of warmth.

🍴More Air Fryer Seafood Recipes

• Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
• Air Fryer Orange Roughy
• Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Shrimp
• Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets