Air fryer clams are one of those recipes that you can whip up and have on the table in a few minutes. Talk about a plate of delicious flavors. This recipe takes about 15 minutes. Just wait until you see that beautiful golden brown color! Any seafood lover would love this tasty snack! No more standing up over the stove and waiting for hours. Enough said. Southern Air Fried clams are coming right up!! 

Air Fryer Clams

What are Clams?

Clams are shellfish that live in the ocean. They have a hard shell and a soft body inside. Clams eat by filtering tiny particles from the water. Here in South Carolina, you can dig for fresh clams at a particular time of year. You will only need a freshwater fishing license. In addition, clams can bury themselves in the sand or mud to stay safe. Clams help keep the ocean clean by filtering water, and they are also food for other animals. Clams are a Southern delicacy here in the South. 

Why You Should Make These Air Fryer Clams?

  • Quick and easy– Making air fryer clams is a breeze. I used a few simple steps, and you can have a delicious seafood dish on your table in no time.
  • Healthier alternative—Air-frying clams require little to no oil, making them a more nutritious option than traditional deep-fried clams.
  • Versatile-air fryer clams can be seasoned and flavored in various ways, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences, such as spicy, tangy, garlic-infused flavors or fried clams.
  • Minimal cleanup– Unlike deep frying, air frying clams create less mess and requires minimal cleanup. You won’t have to deal with hot oil splatters or the lingering smell of fried food in your kitchen.
  • Great for entertaining– Air fryer clams make a great appetizer or main course for parties and gatherings. They are sure to impress your guests with their crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior.
  • Budget-friendly—Clams are generally an affordable seafood option, making air-fried clams a budget-friendly choice for seafood lovers.

      Ingredients For Air Fryer Clams 

      Air Fryer Clams
      • Baby Clams—You can use clams still in their soft shells or baby clams already pre-shelled. For the best results, I recommend the pre-shelled clams that come in the can.
      • Olive Oil- Using olive oil ensures that the seasonings will stick well onto the air fryer clam.  You want to ensure you’re not skipping this step because the seasoning is a must for this delicious air fryer meal. 😊
      • All Purpose Flour
      • ​Seasonings- Honestly, you can use any seasonings of your choice. Fresh herbs like thyme, creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper are a great way to start. I used garlic powder, salt, and some creole seasoning.

      How To Make Air Fryer Clams?

      • First, you want to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees f. Next, thoroughly rinse your clams under cold water to remove dirt or sand.
      • In addition, discard any clams that are cracked or open. This is for fresh out-of-the-water clams; if they are store-bought, refer back to step 1.
      • Next, add your clams to a large bowl and pat them dry with paper towels. Combine the clams with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings (garlic powder, creole seasoning, and flour). Now, toss the clams until they are evenly coated.
      • . Place the coated clams in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches. Lightly spray the clams with cooking oil spray to help them brown and crisp up.
      • 6. Cook the clams in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Once cooked, carefully remove the clams from the air fryer using tongs or a slotted spoon. Be cautious as they will be hot.
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      Variations For Air Fryer Clams

      Spicy- If you want to kick things up a notch, add some hot sauce. 

      Sweet and Spicy- so you can drizzle hot honey sauce over the top of your air fryer clams. You will have lovely and spicy all in one!

      Deep Frying- Let’s say you get a little tired of these air fryer clams you can use the same steps just add a little bit of all-purpose flour and add to vegetable oil at 350 degrees for about 8 to 10 minutes and will have some tasty fried clam.

      Equipment 

      The main thing you will need in this recipe is an air fryer. This will ensure that you have the best results when air frying your clams. You can opt to use an air fryer convection oven or a regular air fryer.

      Fried Clam

      Storage 

      You can store these air fryer clams in an airtight container. So, that they can hold their freshness for a longer time. You can store cooked whole belly clam for up to 3 to 4 days.

      Questions 

      Clams typically come in shades of white, cream, beige, and gray. However, some species of clams have colorful shells, such as the purple varnish clam or the sunrise clam, which have purple and orange hues, respectively.

      Note: Before cooking, it’s important to ensure that the fried clams are fresh and properly cleaned. Also, be cautious not to overcook the clams, as they can become rigid and rubbery.

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      In Conclusion

      ​In conclusion, if you are looking for more seafood air fryer recipes with natural flavor like these whole belly clams for your entire family with a similar great taste that will have your taste buds running wild. Check out my seafood feast. I promise this will be an excellent choice for your family gatherings.

      Air Fryer Clams

      Air fryer clams is one of those recipes that you can whip up and have on the table in a few minutes. Talk about a plate of delicious flavors. This recipe takes about 15 minutes.
      DSC03702
      Servings: 2 People
      Calories 229
      Print Recipe Pin Recipe

      Ingredients  

      • 1 Can Baby Clams Drained
      • 1/2 Teaspoons
      • 1/2 Creole Seasoning
      • 1/2 Garlic Powder
      • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
      • Tartar Sauce Dipping

      Instructions

      • First, you want to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees f. Next, rinse your clams thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or sand.
      • Next, in a large bowl add your clams and pat them dry with paper towels, combine the clams with a drizzle of olive oil and seasonings (garlic powder, ground black pepper, creole seasoning and flour. Now toss the clams until they are evenly coated.
        1 Can Baby Clams, 1/2 Teaspoons, 1/2 Creole Seasoning, 1/2 Garlic Powder, 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
      • Shake off any excess flour.
      • Place the coated clams in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches.
      • Lightly spray the clams with cooking oil spray to help them brown and crisp up.
      • Cook the clams in the air fryer for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
      • Once cooked, carefully remove the clams from the air fryer using tongs or a slotted spoon. Be cautious as they will be hot. Serve with tarter sauce.
        Tartar Sauce
      Course Appetizer, Main Course
      Cuisine American, seafood

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