Frozen Scallops in the Air Fryer – Crispy Outside, Buttery Inside Without Thawing
You don’t need to wait hours to thaw scallops or dirty up your stove to enjoy a gourmet-quality seafood meal.
Air frying frozen scallops gives you perfectly tender insides with a lightly crisp exterior in just minutes.
No mess, no oil splatter—just juicy, flavorful bites you’ll want again and again.
I recommend cooking frozen scallops at 400°F (204°C) for about 8–12 minutes, depending on size and thickness.
Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or lemon zest before cooking—or toss in melted butter afterward for a rich finish.
It works beautifully whether you’re making a light dinner or an appetizer plate.
Quick Cooking Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 minutes | 8–12 minutes | 10–14 minutes | Appetizer / Main | American | 2–3 |
Ingredients and Substitutions
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 3 Servings | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen scallops | 8–10 pieces | 12–15 pieces | Frozen shrimp |
| Olive oil or spray | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Avocado oil |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Lime juice |
| Garlic powder (optional) | ¼ tsp | ½ tsp | Onion powder |
Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Air fryer (basket or oven) | Evenly cooks seafood | Convection oven |
| Tongs or spatula | Flip scallops safely | Fork |
| Bowl | Season scallops | Plate or tray |
How Long to Cook Frozen Scallops in Air Fryer
Cooking time depends on the size and whether the scallops are wet-packed or dry-packed:
- Medium to large scallops (1.5–2 inches):
- Temperature: 400°F (204°C)
- Time: 10–12 minutes
- Flip: At 6 minutes
- Smaller scallops or bay scallops:
- Time: 7–9 minutes
- Reduce temp to 380°F if too small
- Thicker or jumbo scallops:
- Time: 12–14 minutes
- Use meat thermometer – internal should reach 145°F
- Air fryer ovens:
- Add 1 minute, use center rack
- Watch for overbrowning on top
How to Make Frozen Scallops in Air Fryer
If you want that perfect combo of a crispy edge with a tender bite, here’s the method I recommend using with any type of air fryer.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat for 3–4 minutes. This helps reduce moisture and start that sear.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallops
Rinse off any ice glaze if present, then pat lightly with a paper towel. Toss the scallops in a bowl with oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Arrange in Basket
Lay the scallops in a single layer in the basket without crowding. A little space between each piece helps them crisp up nicely.
Step 4: Cook
Air fry for 8–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Keep an eye on them at the 9-minute mark to avoid drying out.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let them sit for a minute or two. Finish with extra lemon or butter for added richness.
Serving and Garnishing Suggestions
- Serve over buttery mashed potatoes or risotto
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives
- Drizzle with garlic herb butter or lemon-basil vinaigrette
- Add to pasta with white sauce or light cream
- Great on skewers for a party appetizer
Tasty Variations to Try
- Spicy Scallops: Add cayenne or red chili flakes before air frying
- Herb-Crusted: Roll in dried herbs and crushed almonds
- Butter-Soaked Finish: Toss in melted garlic butter post-cooking
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce and sesame oil with a sprinkle of green onion
Storing Tips
- ✅ Cool completely before refrigerating
- ✅ Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- ✅ Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes
- ✅ Avoid microwaving – it toughens the texture
- ✅ Do not refreeze after cooking
Extra Tips for Best Air Fryer Results
- ✅ Preheat your air fryer every time
- ✅ Pat scallops dry to reduce steam
- ✅ Do not overcrowd the basket
- ✅ Use a meat thermometer if unsure
- ✅ Add butter only after cooking for best texture
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Cause | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbery texture | Overcooked scallops | Reduce cook time | Use thermometer |
| Not browned | Wet surface | Pat dry before cooking | Avoid ice glaze |
| Strong fishy smell | Poor-quality scallops | Use lemon and fresh herbs | Buy dry-packed frozen scallops |
FAQs
Q1: Can I cook breaded frozen scallops in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 380°F for 10–12 minutes. No oil is needed.
Q2: Do I need to thaw scallops before air frying?
No, cook directly from frozen for best texture and simplicity.
Q3: Can I marinate frozen scallops before cooking?
If frozen, no. Marinate only after they’ve thawed or use sauce post-cooking.
Q4: Why are my scallops sticking to the basket?
Try a quick spray of oil before placing them down. Also, flip gently at halfway.
Give This Frozen Scallop Air Fryer Recipe a Try!
Now that you know how to cook frozen scallops in air fryer without any hassle, go ahead and make a batch tonight.
It’s fast, flavorful, and turns a freezer staple into a fancy meal. Try your favorite variation and share your thoughts in the comments!
