Breaded scallops are a treat for seafood lovers. These are tasteful and crunchy. Breaded scallops are a perfect appetizer or snack. They are widely enjoyed with different dipping sauces. Making breaded scallops is super easy. All you have to do is coat them in seasoning and breadcrumbs and then fry them until they are crispy. Where most people like to panfry breaded scallops or cook them in the oven, air frying them is also a great way to cook them to perfection. So if you are wondering how to cook breaded scallops in an air fryer…read ahead and find out!

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Can You Cook Breaded Scallops in an Air Fryer?

Yes. Breaded scallops are very tasty. They are crunchy and offer delicious ocean flavor. Many cooks breaded scallops either in a pan or in the oven. However, you can also cook them in an air fryer. In fact, cooking them in an air fryer is very convenient and requires very little oil. Although you might have to work in batches, you get evenly cooked scallops. The crunch from air-fried scallops is just what you need!

Tips to Remember

When making breaded scallops in an air fryer, here are a few tips you should keep in mind:

If you are using frozen scallops, thaw them first, it is crucial for even cooking, and the scallops don’t end up rubbery.
It is crucial to remove the “side muscle” from the scallop. You can do so by tracing your finger along the side of the scallop until you feel a small rectangular thing. Pull it off and discard it.
Although old bay seasoning is the perfect choice of seasoning when making scallops, it isn’t the only thing you can use. You can try and experiment with different spices to see which ones you love the most. Try Cajun seasoning if you are looking for a bit of heat.
Add freshly grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a nutty and cheesy flavor.
You can replace panko breadcrumbs with plain or traditional breadcrumbs as well. Moreover, you can use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried ones as well.
Make sure you use scallops that are of equal size. Otherwise, they won’t cook evenly.
Place the scallops in a single layer of the air fryer basket. It is crucial for even cooking. Also, make sure you don’t overcrowd the basket or overlap the scallops.
The cooking time of the scallops depends greatly on their size. If you are using large scallops, the cooking time will increase. You can use a cooking thermometer to check the doneness of the scallops. The internal temperature should be 145°F.
If you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can also choose gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What to Serve with Air-Fried Breaded Scallops

If you think what to serve with air-fried breaded scallops, we have a few ideas for you:

French fries/sweet potato fries: French fries have been widely loved by people of all ages. They are a perfect side dish with any snack and pair well with breaded scallops as well. If you want a slightly sweeter flavor, make sweet potato fries.
Coleslaw: Fresh, crunchy, and creamy coleslaw is a great addition to your party menu. It also goes well with breaded scallops.
Vegetable crisps: Try serving breaded scallops with vegetable crisps. You can choose your favorite vegetables and enjoy a healthy meal.
Dips and sauces: Dips and sauces are a must with breaded scallops. You can serve any sauce you like. From plain soy sauce to creamy ranch and smoky BBQ sauce, everything will work out well.

How to Store Breaded Scallops

Storing leftover scallops is very easy. Here is what you have to do:

Place the leftover scallops in an air-tight container and refrigerate. They will last for up to 4 days.
You can bread the scallops and refrigerate them for at least 6 hours before air frying them. This makes them a good choice for parties and gatherings. You can prepare them in advance and cook them just before serving.
You can store the leftover air-fried scallops by placing them in an air-tight container and refrigerating them for a day or two. Reheat them in the air fryer to make them crispy again.