Scallops feel fancy but they're quick and forgiving in the air fryer — plump, tender and golden-edged in 8 minutes, as long as you don't overcook them. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do scallops take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry scallops at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until just opaque and golden at the edges.
Q: How do you stop them going rubbery?
A: Pat them very dry and don't overcook — they need only minutes.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| King scallops | 200°C / 400°F | 6–8 min |
| Queen (small) | 200°C / 400°F | 4–6 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Scallops
Ingredients
- 10 scallops, patted dry
- 1 tsp oil or melted butter
- Garlic, lemon
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Pat the scallops very dry; brush with oil.
- Single layer; air fry at 200°C for 6–8 min.
- Turn once for golden edges.
- Finish with lemon and garlic butter.
Tips
- Pat very dry for golden edges.
- Don't overcook — pull them as they turn opaque.
- Finish with garlic butter and lemon.
Frequently asked questions
How long do scallops take in an air fryer?
King scallops take 6–8 minutes at 200°C, turning once, until just opaque. Small queen scallops take 4–6 minutes.
How do you stop scallops going rubbery?
Pat them very dry before cooking and don't overcook — they need only a few minutes, and turn tough quickly past that.
Can you cook frozen scallops in an air fryer?
Defrost and pat them dry first for the best texture, then cook as normal. Cooking from frozen makes them watery.