Air Fryer Scallops Time & Temperature Guide

seafood

Detailed time & temperature conversion guide for scallops in the air fryer. Learn how to adjust oven recipes, cook from frozen, and get juicy results across brands like Ninja, Cosori, Philips, and Instant. See the full air fryer conversion chart for more foods.

Air Fryer Calculator

Enter your oven settings to get air fryer times and temperatures

Safe Cooking Range

Typical oven baseline range for Scallops:

8–12 minutes

Air fryer time is typically ~20% less than oven time

Cooking Tips & Guidelines

Essential tips for perfect air fryer scallops

Temperature Check

Target internal temperature: 125°F (opaque with slight give).

Tip 1

Pat very dry

Tip 2

Do not overcook

Shrimp (large)Salmon Fillet

Air Fryer Scallops Time & Temp Guide

By Airfryer Conversion Chart Culinary Team • Reviewed on 2025-08-14

Air fryer scallops cook quickly and develop a golden sear without the stovetop mess.

In our tests, fresh scallops were perfect at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, while large sea scallops needed 8–10 minutes at 390°F. Frozen scallops cooked after thawing in 7–9 minutes at 390°F, or directly from frozen in about 11–13 minutes total.

Cook in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to ensure proper searing.

Pro tip: Finish scallops with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of garlic butter just before serving for a restaurant-level result.

Additional Information

Cooking Variants

• Fresh scallops: 7–9 min @ 400°F / 204°C
• Large sea scallops: 8–10 min @ 390°F / 199°C
• Frozen scallops (thawed): 7–9 min @ 390°F / 199°C

Brand Adjustments

• ninja: ±0°F, time ×1
• cosori: -5°F, time ×0.95
• philips: 5°F, time ×1.05
• instant: 5°F, time ×1

Frozen Instructions

If cooking directly from frozen, add 3–4 minutes and check doneness with thermometer (target 120–125°F internal).

Sauce Cautions

• Avoid butter sauces in basket — brush scallops lightly instead, then serve sauce on side.

Visual Doneness

• Opaque center with slight golden sear on edges.
• Tender, not rubbery.

Troubleshooting

• Rubbery texture? Overcooked — reduce time by 1–2 minutes next batch.
• Undercooked? Add 1–2 minutes and check internal temp.
• Sticking? Use parchment liner or lightly oil basket.

Leftovers

Best fresh. If needed, refrigerate up to 1 day and reheat gently at 320°F for 3–4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook scallops in the air fryer?

7–9 minutes at 400°F for fresh scallops, 8–10 minutes for large sea scallops.

Can I cook scallops from frozen?

Yes, but add 3–4 minutes and check doneness with a thermometer.

What internal temp should scallops reach?

120–125°F for tender, restaurant-style scallops.

How do I avoid rubbery scallops?

Don’t overcook — check at the lower end of the time range.