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Delicious garlic butter scallops cooked in an air fryer, garnished and ready to serve.

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Scallops

Quick and elegant garlic butter scallops made in an air fryer, ready in under 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 pound fresh scallops, patted dry Use fresh scallops for best results.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Adjust based on your taste preference.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) Adds flavor and visual appeal.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel.
Mixing
  1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then stir.
Coating
  1. Toss the scallops in the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange scallops in a single layer in the fryer basket.
  2. Cook for 8-10 minutes until opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Serving
  1. Remove scallops from the air fryer, plate them, drizzle with remaining garlic butter sauce, and sprinkle with parsley.

Notes

For best results, make sure to thaw scallops in the fridge overnight if frozen. Do not overcrowd the air fryer, and consider adding extra lemon juice just before serving for added brightness.