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A delicious plate of Easy Air Fryer Scallops with Garlic Butter

Easy Air Fryer Scallops with Garlic Butter

The fastest, most luxurious weeknight dinner — perfectly seared scallops with crispy golden edges and an irresistible garlic butter sauce, ready in just 13 minutes with zero fuss.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 460
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large dry-packed sea scallops
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 –4 cloves garlic minced
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Remove side muscle from each scallop.
  2. Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, toss scallops with oil, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  5. Place scallops in a single layer in the basket.
  6. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping at the 4-minute mark.
  7. Cook until golden outside and slightly opaque in the center.
  8. In a skillet or microwave, melt butter with garlic over medium-low heat.
  9. Cook until fragrant but not browned.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
  11. Transfer scallops to a plate and spoon garlic butter over them.
  12. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat scallops very dry for best sear. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.