Air fryer Garlic butter Scallops (from frozen)

Today on the blog, we’re sharing a super easy and delicious recipe for air fryer garlic butter scallops! This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or a fancy night in. Best of all, it can be made with frozen scallops, so you don’t have to worry about fresh seafood being available.

These scallops come out perfectly cooked in the air fryer, with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. They’re coated in a garlic butter sauce that is absolutely delicious, and will have you licking your fingers clean. Serve these scallops with some steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal.

Why scallops are a brilliant protein choice

Scallops are high in protein, making them a great choice if you’re looking to add more protein to your diet. They’re also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Not only that but they are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many different ways, so they’re perfect for experimented cooks and those who are new to cooking seafood alike!

For this recipe you will need:

Ingredients:

• Frozen scallops
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, and minced garlic.

3. Place the frozen scallops in the air fryer basket, and spread them out in an even layer. Cook for 12 minutes until thawed.

4. Remove the basket from the air fryer, and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over top of the scallops. Season with salt, if desired.

5. Place the basket back in the air fryer, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until scallops are cooked through. Serve immediately. Enjoy

Recipe tips and tricks:

-If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also cook these scallops in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the scallops on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

-You can use fresh or frozen scallops for this recipe. If using fresh scallops, make sure they are dry before cooking. Pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

-The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your scallops. If they are large, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.

-Try serving these scallops with some roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete meal.

-Leftover scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving. Enjoy!

Substitions

-You could use any type of seafood in this recipe, such as shrimp, lobster, or fish.

-Try using a different type of butter, such as clarified butter or ghee.

-If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it from the recipe. The scallops will still be delicious without it.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with fresh scallops?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh scallops for this recipe. Simply cook them for a few minutes less in the air fryer, until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Another tip is to soak fresh scallops in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.

Can I make this recipe with frozen scallops?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops for this recipe. Simply cook them for a few minutes longer in the air fryer until they reach the desired level of doneness.

What should I serve with these scallops?

These scallops are delicious served with steamed rice and roasted veggies. You could also serve them with a simple salad or some sautéed greens.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftover scallops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up

Is there such thing as vegan scallops and where can i buy them?

Yes, there are vegan scallops available for purchase at most health food stores. They are usually made from a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, and have a similar texture to real scallops.

What other seafood can I use this garlic butter sauce on?

This garlic butter sauce would also be delicious on shrimp, lobster, or fish. Cook the seafood according to its individual cooking time and temperature needs.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or in a skillet on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the garlic butter sauce and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. When you’re ready to cook the scallops, simply follow the instructions as written. Enjoy!

Are scallops good in the air fryer?

Yes, scallops are definitely good in the air fryer! They come out perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The garlic butter sauce really takes them over the top.

How can I make air fryer bay scallops?

Simply follow the recipe as written, but substitute bay scallops for the regular scallops. Bay scallops are smaller than regular scallops, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Enjoy!

How to make this keto?

This recipe is keto-friendly as written. To make it low-carb, simply substitute the honey for a sugar-free alternative.

How to make this gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Simply ensure that the ingredients you use are also gluten-free.

How do I make Candian scallops?

Canadian scallops are simply scallops that have been harvested from Canadian waters. They are known for their sweetness and tenderness. This recipe will work just as well with Canadian scallops as it does with regular scallops. Enjoy!

How do I make AIP scallops?

To make this recipe AIP-friendly, simply omit the garlic from the recipe. The rest of the ingredients are all AIP-safe. Enjoy!

If you liked this recipe, please leave a rating and comment below. I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a post. Thanks for reading!