You know that fancy seafood restaurant downtown with the scallops everyone raves about? Turns out, you can make something just as delicious—maybe even better—right in your own kitchen with an air fryer! My Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops have become my go-to dinner party trick—they’re ready in under 15 minutes, and that golden crust with the tangy lemon butter sauce? Absolute perfection.
I stumbled onto this method one frantic evening when I had unexpected guests and zero time. Out came the air fryer, some plump scallops, and my trusty lemon-butter combo. The result blew us all away—tender inside, crispy outside, with that bright citrus pop that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Now it’s my secret weapon for impressing people without breaking a sweat (or the bank).
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops
Trust me, once you try these scallops, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked them any other way. Here’s why they’re a total game-changer:
- Lightning fast: From fridge to plate in under 15 minutes—perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments
- Easy cleanup: One bowl, no splattered stovetop, just a quick rinse of the air fryer basket
- Perfect texture: That magical crispy sear outside while staying melt-in-your-mouth tender inside
- Bright, bold flavor: The lemon butter sauce is simple but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen
Seriously, it’s restaurant-quality seafood without the restaurant prices or hassle. My friends still don’t believe how easy it is!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops
Here’s everything you’ll need for these dreamy scallops – simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch:
- 1 pound fresh scallops (pat them dry with paper towels – this is crucial for that perfect sear!)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed makes all the difference – about half a large lemon)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (I use kosher salt for better flavor distribution)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for that gorgeous green finish)
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:
- Butter: Ghee works beautifully if you want a richer flavor
- Lemon juice: Lime adds a fun tropical twist
- Fresh scallops: Frozen work too – just thaw overnight in the fridge and pat extra dry
- Garlic powder: A pinch of onion powder can stand in if needed
The key is keeping that butter-lemon-garlic trio – everything else is flexible!
How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops
Alright, let’s get cooking! These scallops come together so fast you’ll barely have time to set the table. Just follow these simple steps for restaurant-worthy results every time.
Prepping the Scallops
First things first – dry those scallops like your life depends on it! I grab a stack of paper towels and gently press each scallop until they feel slightly tacky. This is the secret to getting that gorgeous golden crust instead of steamed scallops. While you’re at it, check for that tough little side muscle – just pinch and pull it off if you see it.
Mixing the Lemon Butter Sauce
Now for the magic sauce! Melt your butter (microwave works fine, just go 10 seconds at a time), then whisk in the lemon juice until it’s all happy and combined. Toss in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper – I like to give it a quick taste here to make sure the balance is right. More lemon? More salt? Your call!
Air Frying the Scallops
Here’s where the air fryer works its magic. Preheat to 400°F (trust me, this makes a difference). Toss your dry scallops in that lemony butter goodness until they’re fully coated, then arrange them in a single layer in the basket – no touching! They need their personal space to crisp up properly. Cook for 4 minutes, flip them with tongs (careful, they’re hot!), then give them another 3-4 minutes until they’ve got that perfect golden color.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops
After making these scallops countless times (okay, maybe I’m obsessed), here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Don’t skip the preheat: A piping hot air fryer gives you that instant sear – I wait until mine beeps before adding scallops
- Start checking early: At 6 minutes, peek – they’re done when slightly firm to touch but still juicy inside
- Fresh herbs matter: That parsley garnish? Toss it on right before serving so it stays bright and vibrant
- Size them up: If your scallops are huge, give them an extra minute – tiny ones might need less time
Oh, and resist the urge to shake the basket! Let them sit for that perfect crust.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops
These scallops shine bright on their own, but oh, the magic when you pair them right! My favorite way? A big hunk of crusty garlic bread to soak up that lemony butter sauce. For lighter meals, toss them over a simple arugula salad with shaved parmesan. Feeling fancy? Creamy risotto makes them feel downright luxurious. And don’t even get me started on how perfect they are with roasted asparagus spears – just try it!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops
Leftovers? (Though I doubt you’ll have any!) Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it turns them rubbery. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 1-2 minutes to bring back that perfect crispness. The lemon butter sauce might separate a bit, but a quick stir fixes that right up!
Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops Nutritional Info
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates (your exact counts might vary a smidge based on scallop size or how much sauce clings). But here’s the scoop per serving:
- 180 calories – light but satisfying
- 20g protein – scallops are little protein powerhouses
- 8g fat (mostly from that glorious butter)
- 5g carbs – practically nothing!
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The lemon brightens everything up while keeping it fresh and light.
FAQs About Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I get asked most about these golden beauties:
- Can I use frozen scallops? Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge first, then pat them extra dry – frozen scallops tend to hold more moisture.
- How do I avoid rubbery scallops? Two words: don’t overcook! They’re perfect at 6-8 minutes total. When they just start to turn opaque, they’re done.
- What’s the best dipping sauce? My family goes wild for garlic aioli, but honestly? That lemon butter sauce is so good, you won’t need anything else.
- Why didn’t my scallops get crispy? Probably not dry enough before cooking. Really go to town with those paper towels – it makes all the difference!
- Can I make these ahead? Cook them fresh if you can, but if you must prep ahead, keep the raw scallops in the butter mixture in the fridge up to 2 hours.
There you have it – all my scallop secrets in one place. Happy air frying!
Rate This Recipe
Did you make these dreamy scallops? I’d love to hear how they turned out – leave your star rating below and tell me your favorite way to serve them!
Print
15-Minute Air Fryer Lemon Butter Scallops: Irresistible & Easy
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Enjoy tender, juicy scallops with a crispy golden crust cooked in an air fryer with lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh scallops
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the scallops in the butter mixture until coated.
- Place scallops in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh scallops for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Adjust cooking time based on scallop size.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American