Lemon Pepper Scallops

These air fried Lemon Pepper Scallops are to die for! Sweet, succulent, buttery scallops coated in Lemon Pepper nut crumbs....are you drooling yet? I served them over Cauliflower rice mixed with spinach, a little garlic and ghee and it was the perfect dinner! Next time I will be doubling this recipe as we ate the whole pound of scallops ourselves. Sorry not sorry! You may also like this Mustard Dill Salmon.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delicious meal is ready in less than 30 minutes and the buttery scallops are sweet and tender inside with a crispy flavorful coating outside, just perfect for a lemon pepper scallops meal. Scallops pack a whopping 20 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving too!

Ingredients You Will Need

Scallops: have a delicate, sweet, and slightly briny flavor, often compared to a combination of lobster and crab.

Ghee: incorporating ghee into this lemon pepper sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor. I love Fourth and Heart ghee.

Arrowroot flour: (or flour), a versatile thickening agent in recipes, serves as an excellent alternative to cornstarch or flour without impacting the flavor of a dish.

Salt: elevates the overall flavor of any dish. Always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences.

Garlic powder: is best for when you want a milder flavor that will also coat meats easier for sautéing or quickly frying.

Lemon: adds a fresh, bright, and tangy element, which can help balance the richness of the other ingredients, especially in lemon pepper scallops.

Lemon Pepper Nut Crumbs: can be a fun alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. Nut Crumbs is my favorite brand!

Parsley: brings a burst of fresh, herby goodness and is used as both a garnish and an addition to various dishes, from salads and sauces to soups and stews.

Instructions

Pat scallops: dry with paper towels.

In one bowl: mix arrowroot with the salt and garlic powder.

Melt ghee: in a second bowl.

In a third bowl: place the nut crumbs.

Spray: the air fryer basket with oil.

Toss scallops: in the arrowroot mixture.

Then one at a time: dip them in the melted ghee and allow excess drip off.

Next: roll them in the nut crumbs, ideal for lemon pepper scallops.

Now place: them into the air fryer trying not to touch one another.

Continue: until all are coated and in the basket.

Set air fryer: to 400˚ and cook for 7-10 minutes depending on scallop size. Larger scallops will take 10 minutes.

Garnish: with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Double this recipe: to feed a family of four as my husband and I ate a whole pound between the two of us. It's that good! Ensuring satisfaction when making lemon pepper scallops.

Make sure the scallops: are not touching each other in the air fryer. This allows them to brown and crisp up evenly.

Recipe Variations

Almond flour: mixed with black pepper and lemon zest can be used in place of the Nut Crumbs.

Dill: added to the arrowroot for a delicious lemon dill scallop dish.

Storage Tips

You can store these Lemon Pepper Scallops in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight glass container. Perfect for keeping lemon pepper scallops fresh!

FAQs About Lemon Pepper Scallops

What not to do when cooking scallops?

Do not skip patting your scallops as dry as possible dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy sear or coating, especially for lemon pepper scallops.

Why did my scallops turn out rubbery?

If they overcook, they become rubbery and chewy.