Air Fryer Scallops
Introduction
Craving something crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor—but without all the grease of deep frying? These Air Fryer Scallops deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. Coated in a flavorful blend of flour, cornmeal, and panko breadcrumbs, they’re crunchy on the outside and buttery-soft inside. Serve them with lemon wedges, and you’ve got a weeknight winner or a date-night dish in just 15 minutes.
💖 Why I Love This Recipe
Scallops might feel fancy, but this recipe proves they can also be simple and weeknight-friendly. You get all the elegance of a seared scallop dish with none of the stress—just a quick dip, coat, and crisp in the air fryer or skillet. The combination of cornmeal and panko makes these extra crunchy and flavorful.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh scallops, patted dry
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
🔄 Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the best crunch, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work.
- Spices: Add cayenne or Old Bay for extra kick.
- Dairy-Free? No adjustments needed—this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Air Fryer vs. Pan Frying: Either works. See tips below for air fryer adjustment.
⏱ Recipe Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 (as appetizer) or 2 (as main)
- Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Set Up Dredging Station
- In one bowl, mix:
Flour + cornmeal + paprika + garlic powder + salt + pepper - In a second bowl, beat the egg.
- In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Scallops
- Pat scallops dry with paper towels.
- Dip each scallop into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Press lightly to ensure a good crust.
3. Fry the Scallops
Pan-Fry Method:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add scallops and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray scallops and air fryer basket with oil.
- Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve
- Plate immediately and serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Dry scallops well before coating for maximum crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet or air fryer—cook in batches for even browning.
- For uniform texture, use large scallops and trim if needed.
- Lemon juice right before serving adds a beautiful finishing brightness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- As an appetizer with remoulade, garlic aioli, or sweet chili sauce
- Over a light arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Alongside This Blueberry Lemonade
- Pair with A Light Tangy Chicken Salad for a surf-and-turf lunch
- Follow with No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls for dessert
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Air fry or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Not recommended—scallops lose texture when frozen after cooking.
📚 More Recipes You Will Love
- This Blueberry Lemonade
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- This 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
🧾 Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Scallops are crispy, crave-worthy, and ready in a flash. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a quick seafood fix, this recipe delivers elegance with ease. Serve them hot with a squeeze of lemon, and watch them disappear.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac to show us your plate, and follow Jason Griffith for more air-fried magic and quick dinner favorites.
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