Easy breaded cajun Air Fryer Scallops are the most delicious way to cook scallops! They're coated in a cajun-breadcrumb mixture, then fried in the air fryer so that they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Helloooooo air fryer scallops!
I’m on a mission to make virtually everything in the air fryer. You guys are loving my air fryer chicken thighs and these air fryer carrots, so I know you’ll love these air fryer breaded scallops.
They’re coated in a cajun seasoning/breadcrumb mixture, then air fried so they’re perfectly crispy without being dry. …what’s not to love?
Recipe features
- Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish
- Seasoned with cajun seasoning, which makes them incredibly flavorful
- Crispy on the outside, perfectly soft on the inside
Ingredient notes:
- Scallops: Fresh or frozen; I tested this recipe with both, and both turned out great. The key is patting them dry. Also, if you’re using frozen scallops, try to remember to thaw them in the refrigerator ahead of time.
- Cajun seasoning: I adore cajun seasoning, so I opted to use it to flavor the scallops; feel free to use your favorite fish seasoning if cajun isn’t your thing.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain or whole wheat, regular or gluten free; I would NOT recommend seasoned breadcrumbs as it’ll alter the flavor too much.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Remove side muscle. This is the first step in any good scallop recipe. Trace your finger along the side of the scallop and you should feel a small rectangular “tag” -- that’s the side muscle. Simply pull it off and discard it.
Step 2: Pat dry. Once all of the side muscles are removed, place the scallops in a bowl or on a plate, then use a paper towel to pat them dry. You want the scallops to be dry so that they crisp up in the air fryer (otherwise, they could get soggy).
Next, drizzle them with olive oil and stir so that they’re coated.
Step 3: Make the seasoning. In this case, that’s a mixture of cajun seasoning and breadcrumbs. Stir them together in a bowl then set it aside.
Step 4: Season the scallops. Transfer the scallops into the bowl with the breadcrumbs and stir so that they’re completely coated.
Step 5: Air fry. Line your air fryer with a piece of foil, then place the scallops in your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook them in batches.
Air fry the scallops at 400° for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket half way through.
Tips and tricks
-Always remove the side muscle. It's a step that takes 2-3 minutes and improves the overall texture of the finished dish. You can read this article from The Kitchn on why it's important to remove the side muscle from scallops.
-Don't overlap the scallops in the air fryer; it’s ok if the ends touch a bit, but if in order to get them to all fit they have to overlap, then cook them in batches.
-Make sure to line your air fryer with a piece of foil, which will make the clean-up process a lot easier.
-Though it may be tempting to cook the scallops for longer so they’re even crispier, I wouldn’t. Over-cooking scallops results in a chewy and somewhat dry texture that’s less than ideal. Instead, stick to the recommended 8-10 minute cook time.
What size scallops should I use?
I used the frozen wild-caught 10-12 scallops per pound from Trader Joe's.
Can I air fry frozen scallops?
Yes, but for this recipe, I do recommend thawing them first, rather than putting them directly from the freezer into your air fryer. Once they’re thaw, make sure to pat them dry, which will ensure that they’re nice and crispy.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store scallops in a sealed container, or cover with foil, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked scallops in the microwave, or in the oven at 350° until just warm. You want to be careful to not cook the scallops any more, or they’ll become dry.
More seafood recipes:
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Air Fryer Scallops
Ingredients
- 1 lb. scallops thawed, large (10-20 per pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs plain or whole wheat (regular or gluten free)
- 2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- olive oil/avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Run your finger along the side of each scallop and remove the side muscle; discard it. Place scallops on a plate then pat them dry with a paper towel. Drizzle the scallops with the olive oil.
- Next, combine the breadcrumbs, cajun seasoning and salt in a bowl, then transfer the scallops to that bowl and stir so that the scallops are coated.
- Line your air fryer with foil, then place the scallops into it, making sure they're not overlapping. If they don't all fit, you'll have to cook them in batches. Spray the scallops with a little olive oil/avocado oil spray (optional, but makes them a little crispier).
- Air fry the scallops at 400° for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket half way through.
Anna says
Tried your recipe tonight adjusting for a no salt added diet. I used no salt seasoned bread crumbs, no salt added cajun seasoning and no salt. My husband who is from New England and loves seafood and now has a low/no salt diet he follows, loved this recipe. We will be doing this again.
Erin says
I'm glad you both enjoyed the scallops!
Lina says
This is the BEST recipe!!! So delicious and easy to make.
Erin says
I appreciate the 5-star rating -- happy to hear you love this recipe!
Deb Donaldson says
This came out great!!
Erin says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Kris says
I made this for dinner and it’s a winner! 8 minutes total cook time. I shook the basket at 4 minutes. I seasoned Pablo with garlic powder and season salt.
Erin says
Thanks Kris -- happy to hear these were a hit!
Laura says
I'm new to air frying. Pan frying is only 2-3 minutes each side. I thought air frying was a quick method, but this days 8-10min. Is it due to the bread crumb coating? Just curious and can't wait to try!
Erin says
Great question, and yes! They'll still be fine if you only cook them for 6 minutes total, the breading just won't be as crispy (hopefully that makes sense!).
NancyC says
Ugh, this is really making me want an air fryer! I've been resisting due to kitchen space, but darn it, you just made my case 🙂
Erin says
Ha, I totally get that -- they do take up a bit of space, but 100% worth it in my opinion!
NancyC says
Bought one.. coming tomorrow 🙂
Jeff Friedmann says
You don't necessarily have to store it in the kitchen. I store our air fryer and our slow cooker in an extra bedroom. As long as they are washed and clean, where you store them isn't really an issue.
Sherry ross says
I have a question. How long would it take in my air fryer with the smaller frozen scallops?
Erin says
Hi! I'm not sure about the exact cook time -- maybe try 6 minutes and go from there.