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Air Fryer Sea Scallops with Lemon and Panko Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Deliciously tender and flavorful air fryer scallops cooked quickly with a crispy panko topping, seasoned with lemon zest, garlic, and paprika for a perfectly balanced seafood dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scallops

  • 1/2 pound sea scallops (about 8 large scallops)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

Topping

  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the scallops evenly and create a nice sear.
  2. Prepare seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse the scallops with vibrant flavors.
  3. Dry and season scallops: Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to remove moisture, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them to coat evenly.
  4. Apply seasonings: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the scallops, gently mixing to ensure each scallop is well coated without breaking them.
  5. First air fry: Arrange the scallops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3 minutes to start developing a sear and cook the scallops halfway through.
  6. Prepare panko topping: While scallops cook, combine melted butter and panko breadcrumbs in a small bowl, creating a buttery, crispy topping.
  7. Flip and top scallops: After 3 minutes, carefully flip each scallop to the other side, then spoon the panko mixture on top of each scallop to add texture and flavor.
  8. Finish air frying: Continue cooking the scallops for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through, with the panko golden and crispy.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove the scallops from the air fryer, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a burst of fresh acidity.

Notes

  • Ensure scallops are dry before seasoning to get a better sear in the air fryer.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and parsley for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and scallop size.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/air-fryer-sea-scallops-with-lemon-and-panko-recipe/