Q&A for How to Cook Frozen Scallops

For air-frying frozen scallops, it's essential to set the air fryer at a high temperature. Begin by preparing a mixture of butter, herbs, salt, pepper, or any desired flavoring for the scallops. Ensure they are well-coated before placing them in the air fryer. Cook the frozen scallops for about three to four minutes, taking care to prevent any potential burning. If the scallops are breaded, the process becomes simpler. Just spray the air fryer with non-stick oil and place the breaded scallops inside. Cooking breaded items in the air fryer tends to be more straightforward than dealing with non-breaded items.

While they may not be quite as tasty as fresh scallops, frozen scallops are still delicious, especially if they’re stored and prepared properly. For the best results, let them defrost in your fridge overnight before cooking them.

Once you thaw the scallops, they don’t take long to cook. They can be ready in as little as 3 minutes if you cook them in a skillet, or 6-10 minutes if you broil them in the oven.

Scallops are a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as important minerals like zinc, selenium, and copper. Avoid eating them if you’re allergic to shellfish, however. Since some scallops may contain small amounts of heavy metals, like cadmium, mercury, and lead, talk to your doctor about whether you can safely eat them while pregnant or nursing.