Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh sea scallops (wild-caught from Carmelita Seafood, patted dry)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Scallops
   • Select fresh, high-quality large sea scallops or giant scallops for the best results. If you're unsure about freshness, remember that scallops should never taste like ammonia—this can be a sign of spoilage.
   • Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the side muscle if present.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
   • In a shallow bowl, add the flour.
   • Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
   • In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Scallops
   • Lightly coat each scallop in flour, shaking off the excess.
   • Dip the floured scallop into the beaten eggs.
   • Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.
4. Air-Fry the Scallops
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
   • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
   • Arrange the breaded scallops in a single layer, leaving space between them.
   • Spray the tops of the scallops lightly with cooking spray.
   • Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. (Ensure the scallops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.)
5. Serve
   • Transfer the scallops to a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
   • Enjoy alongside your favorite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or tangy cocktail sauce.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving; Approx. 4 Servings)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you refreeze scallops after thawing? It's best to avoid refreezing scallops after thawing to maintain their quality and texture. To ensure you always have the freshest seafood, order scallops delivered directly from Carmelita Seafood.
• What do scallops taste like? Fresh scallops have a sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture. If scallops taste like ammonia, they may not be fresh and should not be consumed.

Whether you're enjoying wild-caught scallops, searching for scallops on sale, or indulging in giant scallops for sale, this air-fried recipe guarantees a crispy, flavorful treat every time. Perfect for any seafood lover!