Best 2 Air Fryer Breaded Sea Scallops Recipes

Dive into a culinary journey of flavors with our air fryer breaded sea scallops recipe, a harmonious blend of crispy texture and succulent seafood. These tender scallops, enveloped in a golden-brown breadcrumb coating, offer a delightful balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Prepared using an air fryer, this recipe ensures a healthier cooking method, resulting in a guilt-free indulgence.

In addition to the classic breaded sea scallops, we present a delightful variation using panko breadcrumbs. This Japanese-style breadcrumb imparts a distinct crunch and a slightly nutty flavor, elevating the scallops to a new level of culinary excellence.

For those seeking a gluten-free option, we have curated a special recipe using almond flour as the breading agent. This alternative coating delivers a crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Each recipe is meticulously crafted to guide you through the process of preparing this delectable dish, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. Whether you prefer the traditional breadcrumb coating, the panko twist, or the gluten-free alternative, our recipes provide detailed instructions to help you achieve perfectly cooked sea scallops every time.

So, embark on this culinary adventure and treat yourself to the crispy, golden-brown goodness of air fryer breaded sea scallops. With three distinct recipes to choose from, you can satisfy your cravings for this delectable seafood dish anytime, any day.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

AIR-FRYER SCALLOPS

Air-Fryer Scallops image

I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. With the crunchy breading, my air-fryer scallops are the best you'll ever have. -Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 large egg
1/3 cup mashed potato flakes
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
6 sea scallops (about 3/4 pound), patted dry
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Butter-flavored cooking spray

Steps:

Preheat air fryer to 400°. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat egg. In another bowl, toss potato flakes, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. In a third bowl, toss scallops with flour to coat lightly. Dip in egg, then in potato mixture, patting to adhere. , Arrange scallops in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Turn; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until breading is golden brown and scallops are firm and opaque, 3-4 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 134mg cholesterol, Sodium 1138mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

AIR FRYER SPICY BAY SCALLOPS

Air Fryer Spicy Bay Scallops image

These spicy scallops are good on their own or can be served in lettuce wraps, tacos, salads, served over rice, pasta, etc. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories Seafood Shellfish Scallops

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 pound bay scallops, rinsed and patted dry
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne red pepper

Steps:

Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Combine bay scallops, smoked paprika, chili powder, olive oil, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl; stir until evenly combined. Transfer to the air fryer basket.
Air fry until scallops are cooked through, about 8 minutes, shaking basket halfway through the cooking time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 178.8 calories, Carbohydrate 7.2 g, Cholesterol 68.5 mg, Fat 3.8 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.4 g, Sodium 340.7 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

Tips:

Ensure Uniform Scallops: Choose scallops of similar size to ensure even cooking.
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy and flavorful coating, opt for Panko breadcrumbs.
Add Seasonings to the Breadcrumbs: Enhance the flavor of the scallops by adding seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and salt to the breadcrumbs.
Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: To promote even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket with scallops.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the scallops to ensure a crispy outer layer.
Cook in Batches if Necessary: If cooking a large quantity of scallops, cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper cooking.
Monitor the Scallops: Keep an eye on the scallops during cooking to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown and opaque throughout.

Conclusion:

Air fryer breaded sea scallops offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried scallops. With their crispy coating and tender, juicy interiors, these air-fried scallops are a perfect appetizer or main course. By following the tips and recipe provided, you can easily create this delectable dish at home. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize the flavor profile to your preference. Enjoy these guilt-free scallops as part of a balanced diet and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.