Description
This recipe features lightly breaded sea scallops cooked in an air fryer to achieve the crispy texture and delicious flavor of deep-fried scallops without the mess or lingering smell. Perfect for a quick, elegant seafood dish with minimal oil and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
Crust Mixture
- ½ cup finely crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz®)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- Cooking spray, as needed
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the specified ingredients and ensure the scallops are thoroughly patted dry for better breading adhesion.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 390°F (198°C) and allow it to preheat while preparing the scallops.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers, garlic powder, and seafood seasoning evenly to create the breading mixture. Pour melted butter into a separate shallow bowl.
- Bread the Scallops: Dip each sea scallop into the melted butter, then roll it thoroughly in the breading mixture until fully coated. Place the breaded scallops on a plate as you work through the batch.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the scallops in a single layer without touching to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Cook Scallops: Air fry the scallops at 390°F for 2 minutes. Carefully flip each scallop using a small spatula, then continue cooking for another 2 minutes until they turn opaque and are cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are dry before breading to help coating stick better.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for best crispiness.
- Use a small spatula to gently turn scallops to avoid breaking the crust.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Adjust seafood seasoning to taste or substitute with preferred blend.
