Alright, listen up, because I’m about to drop a recipe so ridiculously easy and deceptively fancy, you might just get an ego boost. We’re talking about Garlic Butter Air Frier Scallops, which sounds like something you’d order at a restaurant that charges extra for bread, but in reality, it’s just me being lazy with an air fryer and a craving for something that isn’t pasta again. Seriously, these little beauties are plump, tender, soaked in garlicky goodness, and come together faster than your kids can ask for a snack. It’s perfect for when you want to impress without, you know, actually *trying*.

The other night, I decided to whip these up, thinking I’d be the domestic goddess of the hour. My husband, bless his heart, walked into the kitchen as the air fryer beeped. “Ooh, what’s that fancy smell?” he asked, peering over my shoulder. Before I could even plate them, he reached in with a fork, snatched one, and proclaimed, “Honey, you’ve outdone yourself! These are amazing!” And then he proceeded to hover like a seagull, trying to snag another before I’d even put them in a serving dish. The kids, naturally, heard the commotion, demanded to know what “fancy smell” was, and then declared scallops were “too squishy.” More for us, I guess! It’s a delicate balance of trying to feed your family and hoarding the good stuff for yourself.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes every week. Yes please!

🧡

MORE OF OUR FAVORITE…

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Air Frier Scallops

Because “air fryer” means you get to feel like a culinary genius without actually breaking a sweat or splattering oil everywhere. Your stovetop will thank you.
They taste ridiculously gourmet, but your secret is safe with me. We can pretend you slaved over a hot pan, painstakingly searing each one.
It’s faster than deciding what to order for takeout, and probably healthier, too. Win-win, unless you *really* wanted those questionable noodles.
Scallops are inherently fancy, so even if everything else in your life is chaos, at least dinner looks sophisticated. Just try not to burn them.
Honestly, they’re just plain delicious. Plump, juicy, garlicky – they hit all the good notes without asking too much of you.

Time-Saving Hacks

Buy the pre-minced garlic. Yes, I said it. Your kitchen will smell less like a vampire’s worst nightmare, and your fingers will be spared the sticky agony.
Don’t bother preheating your air fryer. Live dangerously. It still works, I promise, and shaves off a whole five minutes you could be scrolling TikTok.
Use a silicone liner in your air fryer basket. Less mess, fewer scrubbing battles with baked-on marinade. Wipe it down, toss it in the dishwasher. You’re welcome.
No time for a fancy lemon wedge? A quick squeeze from a bottle of lemon juice works. Don’t tell anyone I told you that.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a side of creamy pasta if you’re feeling ambitious, or just plain old rice if you want to keep your sanity.
A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is always a good idea – it makes you feel healthy and balances out all that garlic butter.
Pair it with a crisp white wine (if the kids finally went to bed) or a sparkling water (if they’re still asking “why” for the hundredth time).
Honestly, sometimes I just eat them straight out of the air fryer basket with a fork. No judgment here.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Yep. Use tamari or coconut aminos. You’ll survive and still brag about it online.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first?

Unless you enjoy chewing bark… yes, peel it. Your teeth will thank you.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Sure. Just drain it well or enjoy syrup soup. Still tasty, though.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down?

Absolutely. Cut the sugar—or don’t, and embrace the sugar rush.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Then you’ll miss the nutty vibe, but relax—it’s still food. You’ll live.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!