In the quest for a quick, succulent, and health-conscious seafood dish, spicy garlic air fry bay scallops emerge as a standout choice. This recipe transforms the humble bay scallop into a mouth-watering delicacy, combining the heat of spicy seasoning with the aromatic allure of garlic, all brought together in the convenience of an air fryer. Below, we walk you through the simple steps to achieve this culinary delight, ensuring a dish that’s full of flavor, perfect for fans of bay scallops, and ready in just about 15 minutes.
Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Air Fry Bay Scallops
- Bay scallops
- Oyster sauce
- Fresh garlic
- Salt
- Spicy seasoning
- Hot pot base (half piece)
Prepare Your Bay Scallops: A Quick Thaw and Clean
Begin by thawing your frozen bay scallops. To expedite this process without sacrificing texture or flavor, sprinkle some salt into water to aid the thawing. Once thawed, it’s crucial to give the scallops a thorough rinse, removing any inedible black parts. Repeat the rinsing process to ensure the scallops are perfectly cleaned and ready for seasoning.
Seasoning: The Flavor Foundation
Chop the garlic finely and combine it with an appropriate amount of oyster sauce and salt to create the base of your dish’s seasoning. Toss the cleaned bay scallops in this garlic-oyster sauce mixture until well-coated, ensuring each scallop is infused with flavor.
The Air Fryer: Your Culinary Ally
Transfer the seasoned scallops into the air fryer, spreading them out to allow even cooking. Take the half piece of your chosen hot pot base and lay it atop the scallops, being mindful not to overdo it as the base will melt and meld with the scallops during cooking, intensifying the flavors.
Set your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it work its magic for 8 minutes. After this initial cooking period, you’ll find the hot pot base has melted over the scallops. Open the air fryer, stir the scallops to evenly coat them in the now-melted base, and return them to the air fryer for another 7 minutes at the same temperature.
The Result: A Spicy, Garlicky Delight
After a total of 15 minutes, your spicy garlic air fry bay scallops are ready to be enjoyed. This dish promises not only a punch of flavor but also aligns with health-conscious dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, indulge in your love for seafood, or simply explore new recipes, this spicy garlic bay scallop dish is an excellent choice. Its simplicity and quick cooking time make it perfect for those new to cooking or anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal in minutes.
Beyond the rich flavors and health benefits, this recipe offers the versatility to save and practice at your own pace, ensuring you can perfect your air frying skills and dazzle with your culinary expertise whenever the occasion arises.
In essence, spicy garlic air fry bay scallops merit a spot in your repertoire of go-to recipes, offering a delightful blend of taste, health, and convenience that’s sure to please any palate and fit into any schedule.
