Air Fryer Scallops with Garlic Butter Cream Sauce – Quick & Easy Recipe
If you’re looking for an elegant seafood dish that’s easy to make at home, these Air Fryer Scallops are the perfect choice. Cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer and finished with a rich garlic butter cream sauce, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table in just minutes.
Whether you’re on a keto diet, planning a special date night meal, or simply craving a light seafood dinner, this recipe is quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Scallops
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
Rich & Flavorful – Paired with a creamy garlic butter sauce.
Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb – Only 3.5g net carbs per serving.
Light yet elegant – Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Scallops
1 pound sea scallops (fresh or thawed if frozen)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon white wine
3 tablespoons heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges & Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Scallops
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Lightly season with salt and black pepper.
Pro Tip: Patting dry prevents excess moisture, helping scallops cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
Step 2: Air Fry the Scallops
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly mist the scallops with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
Cook scallops for 6–8 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
For a golden crust, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 1–2 minutes.
Check doneness: Scallops should be opaque and reach an internal temperature of 120–130°F (49–54°C).
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
While scallops cook, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream, white wine, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Season with a small pinch of salt.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Place air-fried scallops on a plate and drizzle generously with the garlic butter cream sauce.
Garnish with lemon wedges, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley.
Recipe Tips & Notes
Pat scallops dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear and prevent dryness.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
Avoid over-salting before cooking; salt can draw moisture out of scallops.
Optional sear: For an extra crispy edge, quickly sear scallops in a hot skillet before or after air frying.
Storage & Reheating
Fresh scallops are best cooked the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking.
Leftover cooked scallops should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in the air fryer or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to keep them tender.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 217 kcal
Protein: 19.1 g
Net Carbs: 3.5 g
Fat: 3.5 g
Perfect for keto, low-carb, and high-protein meal plans.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Scallops with Garlic Butter Cream Sauce are a luxurious yet easy-to-make seafood recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-style dish ready to serve at home.
Whether paired with a crisp salad, zoodles, or a side of roasted vegetables, this recipe is light, flavorful, and sure to impress.