Tender & Cheesy Air Fryer Scallops
Super Easy Air Fryer Scallops with Cheese Recipe
Dive into the ocean’s bounty with this incredibly simple and quick Air Fryer Scallops with Cheese recipe! Experience the fantastic combination of chewy scallops and savory cheese right in your own kitchen. Perfect for special occasions or as a delicious appetizer with drinks!
Ingredients- Fresh Scallops
- Mozzarella Cheese (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Minced Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Minced Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before cooking, soak the scallops in lukewarm salt water for about 30 minutes to remove any impurities. (While a separate purification process isn’t strictly necessary, thorough cleaning is crucial since we’ll be cooking them in their shells!)
Step 2
Prepare the topping ingredients for the scallops. Finely mince garlic, add chopped chili for a spicy kick (optional), minced onion for flavor, and have plenty of mozzarella cheese ready.
Step 3
Thoroughly scrub the scallop shells, including the crevices, using a brush. Removing any sand or debris from the shells will ensure a cleaner final dish.
Step 4
Arrange the cleaned scallops neatly in a steamer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can steam them in a wide pan with a little water.
Step 5
Steam the scallops for exactly 5 minutes once the water is boiling. Scallops cook very quickly, so avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming tough!
Step 6
Once slightly cooled, the scallop shells should naturally open. Carefully remove the top shell (the lid). (Be cautious as they will be hot; use tongs or oven mitts!)
Step 7
Now, evenly distribute the prepared minced garlic, minced green onion, and minced onion over the steamed scallops. For an extra kick, add a bit of minced chili pepper if you like it spicy.
Step 8
Generously top the scallops with the minced vegetables with a plentiful amount of mozzarella cheese. The more cheese, the better!
Step 9
Place the cheese-topped scallops in the air fryer and cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes. Since the scallops are already partially cooked, you just need to melt the cheese until it’s golden and bubbly. (Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer’s specifications.)
