Garlic Butter Air Fryer Scallops

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Scallops are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor—all made in under 15 minutes. These scallops are seared to perfection in the air fryer and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s elegant enough for a date night but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s a seafood dish I turn to when I want something fast, fancy, and full of buttery goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly and perfectly the air fryer cooks scallops—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside. There’s no need to worry about overcooking or dealing with splattering oil on the stovetop. The garlic butter adds a luxurious flavor without any extra work, and I can serve these scallops over pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. It’s an impressive dish that takes almost no effort to pull off.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large sea scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen)

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder (or fresh garlic, minced)

• Butter

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

directions

1. I pat the scallops dry with paper towels—this helps them get a nice golden sear.

2. I drizzle the scallops with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

4. I place the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.

5. I air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the scallops are opaque and slightly golden on the edges.

6. While the scallops cook, I melt butter in a small pan and stir in fresh minced garlic. I simmer for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

7. I drizzle the garlic butter over the cooked scallops and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2–3 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 10–15 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the garlic butter for extra brightness.

• For a spicy kick, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

• I’ve served these over garlic mashed potatoes or risotto for a more elegant meal.

• To make it dairy-free, I use plant-based butter and it still tastes amazing.

storage/reheating

I store leftover scallops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or olive oil. I avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and cooking.

Do I need to remove the side muscle from scallops?

If I see the small, tough side muscle on a scallop, I gently pull it off before cooking—it helps with texture.

How do I know when scallops are done?

They should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooked scallops turn rubbery, so I check them early.

Can I use bay scallops instead of sea scallops?

Yes, but they’re smaller and cook faster—usually 3–4 minutes total in the air fryer.

What should I serve with these scallops?

I like serving them over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Scallops are one of my favorite seafood recipes because they’re simple, fast, and absolutely packed with flavor. The air fryer makes them beautifully golden, and the garlic butter brings that rich, restaurant-quality finish. Whether I’m cooking for myself or impressing guests, this dish always comes through with minimal effort and maximum taste.