Air fryer cooking guide
Air Fryer Scallops
Air fry scallops at 200°C for 5–8 minutes when thawed, or 8–13 minutes from frozen. Cook until opaque and 63°C inside.
200°C / 392°F
5–13 minutes
63°C / 145°F
How long to cook scallops in an air fryer?
Cook scallops in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 5–8 minutes if thawed, or 8–13 minutes from frozen, until opaque and 63°C / 145°F in the center.
Scallops cook fast in the air fryer, so size and frozen versus thawed make the biggest difference. Use 200°C / 400°F, keep them in a single layer, and rely on a thermometer for the safest doneness check.
Time & temperature chart
| Size / cut | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small or medium sea scallops, thawed | 200°C | 5–6 min | Pat very dry; check early to avoid overcooking. |
| Large sea scallops, thawed, about 2.5 cm / 1 inch thick | 200°C | 6–8 min | Flip halfway for more even browning. |
| Extra-large or jumbo scallops, thawed | 200°C | 8–10 min | Leave space between pieces; use 63°C as the doneness check. |
| Frozen scallops, thawed first and dried | 200°C | 6–9 min | Cook like fresh scallops once fully thawed and patted dry. |
| Frozen scallops, cooked from frozen | 200°C | 8–13 min | Check at 8 min; icy or jumbo scallops may need the full time |
Times are a guide — air fryers vary by 10–20%. Always cook to the safe internal temperature, not just the timer.
How to air fry scallops
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes if your model recommends preheating.
- 2
For thawed scallops, pat them very dry with paper towels. Remove any tough side muscle if still attached.
- 3
Arrange scallops in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Do not stack them or crowd the basket.
- 4
Air fry using the timing table: 5–8 minutes for most thawed scallops, 8–13 minutes from frozen. Flip large scallops halfway through.
- 5
Check doneness promptly. Scallops are done when they look opaque and pearly white and the thickest part reaches 63°C / 145°F.
- 6
Remove scallops as soon as they are done; they can turn rubbery if left in the hot basket.
Pro tips
- Dry scallops thoroughly before cooking; wet scallops steam instead of browning.
- Use a single layer. Cook in batches if needed so hot air can reach all sides.
- Start checking at the low end of the time range, especially for small scallops.
- For frozen scallops with heavy ice glaze, rinse off surface ice quickly, pat dry as much as possible, and expect the longer end of the range.
- A light coating of oil can help browning, but the timing stays the same.
Frequently asked questions
How long do scallops take in the air fryer?
Most thawed scallops take 5–8 minutes at 200°C / 400°F. Small scallops may be done in 5–6 minutes, while large scallops usually need 6–8 minutes.
Can you air fry frozen scallops without thawing?
Yes. Cook frozen scallops at 200°C / 400°F for 8–13 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. Larger scallops or scallops with ice glaze will take longer.
What temperature should scallops be cooked to?
Cook scallops to an internal temperature of 63°C / 145°F. They should also look opaque and pearly white rather than translucent.
Do you need to flip scallops in the air fryer?
Flipping is helpful for large or jumbo scallops because it gives more even browning. Small scallops can cook through without flipping if they are in a single layer.
Why did my air fryer scallops turn rubbery?
Rubbery scallops are usually overcooked. Use 200°C / 400°F, check early, and remove them as soon as they reach 63°C / 145°F.
Scallops recipes to try
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Bite-size salmon cubes cook fast with caramelised edges, then get tossed in a glossy garlic-ginger teriyaki glaze for easy rice bowls.
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Tender salmon cubes get crisp Cajun-spiced edges in the air fryer, then a creamy sweet-spicy bang bang drizzle for bowls, tacos or appetisers.
SeafoodAir Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls
Juicy air-fried shrimp tossed in a glossy honey-garlic-soy glaze, served over rice with crisp vegetables for a fast weeknight bowl.