Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Scallops with Crispy Broccoli

This Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Scallops with Crispy Broccoli recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a quick, blood sugar friendly approach. Tender sea scallops cook in minutes and develop a gorgeous crust while a simple broccoli and bell pepper mix turns crisp and caramelized. If you love air fryer meals keto style but want something lighter than steak or bacon, this dish will become a new favorite for busy weeknights and special dinners alike. Scallops are naturally lean, high in protein, and low in carbs, which makes them ideal for diabetes management. Each serving lands at about 6 grams net carbs, 27 to 29 grams of protein, and satisfying fats from olive oil and a touch of butter to keep you full without spiking glucose. Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and a small amount of red bell pepper provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C with a gentle glycemic impact. Compared with heavier cuts, these scallops offer satiety with fewer calories, supporting balanced blood sugar. If your usual rotation includes keto air fryer ribeye, keto air fryer bacon, keto air fryer salmon, or low carb air fryer ground beef, think of this scallop dinner as a feather-light, elegant alternative. The quick cook time and clean flavors fit seamlessly into a low carb plan while still bringing that air fryer magic. For best results, pat scallops very dry before seasoning, preheat the air fryer thoroughly, and avoid overcrowding to encourage browning. Aim for an internal temperature near 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, then rest briefly to finish cooking. A [dual basket air fryer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) makes it easy to cook vegetables and scallops back to back. An instant read thermometer like this [kitchen thermometer](https://rocktopgear.com/amazon) helps prevent overcooking. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley. You can swap broccoli for zucchini or mushrooms to rotate vegetables without increasing carbs. Leftovers keep up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat scallops at 350 degrees in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to preserve tenderness. For more meal ideas, visit [Keto Recipes](/blog/keto-basics) or try our reader favorite [Air Fryer Salmon](/recipes/air-fryer-salmon) next.

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 12 min. Servings: 2.

Ingredients

• 12 oz sea scallops, side muscle removed and patted very dry
• 2 cups broccoli florets (about 150 g)
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 60 g)
• 1.5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Pat scallops dry again to remove any surface moisture.
2. In a bowl, toss broccoli and bell pepper with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Air fry the vegetables in a single layer for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking once, until crisp-tender and lightly browned. Transfer to plates and keep warm.
3. While the vegetables cook, season scallops with garlic powder, smoked paprika, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and remaining black pepper. Drizzle with the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil and toss to coat.
4. Lightly mist the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange scallops in a single layer with space between each piece. Air fry at 400 degrees for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping once at the 3 minute mark, until opaque with a browned surface. Target 125 to 130 degrees internal temperature.
5. Whisk melted butter with lemon juice and lemon zest. Plate scallops over the vegetables and spoon the lemon butter on top. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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