How To Tell When Scallops Are Cooked When Using An Air Fryer

Air fryers are all the rage in cooking, and for a very good reason. They can make crispy and delicious foods without using a lot of oil, making accessible options for those who need a low-fat diet. They are convenient, easy to clean and use, and you can quickly cook almost any kind of food in them. From chicken wings to vegetables and even desserts, air fryers can do it all.

However, it's important to note that not all foods are suitable for this appliance. Foods that are wet or fresh batter won't always cook all the way through in the fryer. Another thing to keep in mind is that different foods cook at different temperatures in an air fryer. The appearance of those foods may not be the same as they are in traditional cooking methods like grilling or frying. For example, scallops are usually brown when they are grilled or pan-seared. But in an air fryer, they won't look that way. So how can you tell when scallops are done in an air fryer? Without that golden brown crust that comes with regular cooking methods, it can be hard to tell if your scallops are done. You'll need to check the internal temperature using a digital meat thermometer.

Cooking scallops in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious seafood dish. With an air fryer, you can make these little bite-sized delights any time you want. There are various scallops recipes that are perfect for the air fryer because the appliance can make the seafood tender and juicy without drying it out. Regardless of the recipe you use, you should always make sure that your scallops are cooked all the way through to the center. You can check this too by cutting into one to check the meat's color. Otherwise, you risk getting food poisoning.

Most scallops will take around six minutes to cook in an air fryer. But cooking times may vary depending on the size of your scallops and the wattage of your air fryer. This is why it's best to check them periodically to avoid overcooking, as overcooked scallops can become tough and chewy.

To check the internal temperature of the scallops, insert the meat thermometer probe into the center of the thickest part of the largest scallop. Be careful not to touch the basket of your air fryer, as that can affect the temperature reading. Wait for the thermometer to stabilize and give you a reading. The temperature should be between 120°F and 135°F. If the temperature is below 120°F, the scallops are undercooked and may not be safe to eat. You should put them back in the air fryer for two more minutes, then recheck the temperature. Do this until you reach the required temperature. If the temperature is above 135°F, the scallops are overcooked and may be tough and dry — sorry, there's not much you can do to fix this.

Once the scallops have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes, allowing the juices to settle. You can then serve the scallops with a squeeze of lemon or some garlic butter — whatever best fits your scallops recipe.