How to Cook Frozen Scallops

How to cook frozen scallops in a pan, air fryer, Instant Pot or microwave is here! Now you can cook this popular seafood dish fast and perfectly to tender. Golden brown seared on the outside while still soft inside, cooked in all sort of ways.

How to Cook Scallops from Frozen

When cooking frozen fish we just go for simple. That is the best way when you have a delicate food like this and you really want it’s own flavors to shine. Cook only the amount you want to eat at that time, they don’t save very well. A fresh lemon is kinda’ a must and some salt and pepper. That’s really it y’all.

Dry vs. Wet Scallops

Dry scallops and wet scallops differ in how they are processed after harvesting. Dry are untreated and have no added preservatives or chemicals, which means they caramelize beautifully when seared due to the lack of excess moisture. Wet on the other hand are soaked in a solution that helps them retain water and extends shelf life, but also dilutes their flavor and causes them to release liquid during cooking so it’s harder to get a good sear.

While wet scallops are often less expensive, dry scallops are generally preferred by chefs and home cooks for their superior taste, texture, and cooking performance. Both generally require the same basic cook times (1.5-2 minutes per side fresh/defrosted or 3 minutes frozen) in a hot pan for searing. However, wet scallops often take slightly longer (adding 30 seconds per side) because of the extra moisture they release during cooking.

Pan Frying Frozen Scallops

Set aside about 6 minutes for pan seared scallops that start off rock hard. If you have fresh scallops or choose to thaw frozen scallops ahead of time the cook time would be less. For fresh sea scallops you would pat them dry and add seasonings. Add white wine or oil and cook 2-3 minutes.

You just want a good sear on the outside with a light golden brown crust and still very tender in the middle. Biggest tip is do NOT overcook any fish, that is my absolute worst pet peeve. If we had to choose between underdone or dry and cooked too long it would be the first. You don’t have to kill it.

Want to pair this with a healthy side dish? Read our article on how to cook frozen brussel sprouts!

Air Fryer Method

Let’s start with my favorite machine nowadays. You can follow our air fryer scallops recipe, buttery and crisp on the edges. You can use fresh, defrosted or frozen this way. Changes would be the temp is lower at 360 F and cook time obviously with the latter version taking longer at 12 minutes.

Microwave Method

Sounds crazy that you can actually do this but it’s a thing. I mean if you are in an rv or hotel room and this is your primary or only way of cooking it can come in handy. It is best to defrost scallops in microwave first on low power and then cook covered until tender.

You can thaw in a sealed bag set into a bowl of cold water, changing out every 30 minutes until softened or leave bag in the fridge overnight so you are set to go. The third method of defrosting frozen scallops would be to;

1. Set to 30% power
2. Place frozen scallops on two folded together paper towels on top of a plate
3. Heat for 4 minutes if you just want them defrosted
4. To cook them beyond this, remove paper towel and set on plate with small pats of butter on top of each piece (season to your liking too)
5. Cover with vented plastic wrap and heat on high power for approx. 4 -5 minutes or until tender thru to the middle

If you wanted to get a golden brown on the outside beyond that you could use a hot pan on the stovetop with a bit of olive oil and butter or an air fryer. For the latter set to 380 for a few minutes.

Set on top of parchment paper and drizzle melted butter on top. 1 minute on each side is enough to get that seared look. We share how to cook frozen tilapia this way too. Great served with a green bean side dish.

Instant Pot Method

If you just wanted to cook them by themselves you’d essentially use a pressure cooker to steam. You’ll want a trivet to set them on or a vegetable basket to keep them out of the liquid below. Similar to cooking Instant Pot shrimp you’d only need about 1 minute to get tender, then I’d suggest air frying to crisp.

Another way of cooking frozen scallops in pressure cooker would be to throw them in with some sauce and pasta. This recipe explains how that should be done. You only need a few minutes, beyond that they will become rubbery and the texture will be way off.

We go super simple with this and most all fish in general. You really want to taste the flavor of the meat, not all the seasonings. Simple salt and pepper is really all that is needed. Beyond that a gentle squeeze of fresh lemon juice is good but that is generally it.

How to save leftovers

If you do have leftovers you know I hate wasting food. You can save them to reheat and enjoy the next day, but I would eat within the next 24 hours. Use a slotted spoon to remove pieces from pan so they are not in liquid. It is better to package them up not surrounded with oil and/or butter so they get mushy.

You’ll want to wait until they are cooled to room temperature and then transfer into a container with a lid you can seal tight. You can use freezer bags too, you just want to keep as much air out from around the fish. Air is the enemy and will dry your pieces out which means it won’t be ideal for eating later on.

How to reheat

The next day the best way is to reheat is to use your air fryer! Preheat to 380 F for 5 minutes. Lay a piece of parchment paper in bottom and set inside. Spray tops with olive oil and air fry for 1 minute on each side or until warmed in the center. I highly suggest browning a bit. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If you make a fresh batch of noodles you can drizzle some butter on top of that and make an entirely new and 2nd meal out of what is left which is a win win in my book. 😉