Baked Clams
Seafood·intermediate

Baked Clams

Yield
Prep
Total
12 clams
15m
21m
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These baked clams are easy to make in the air fryer, no oven required. Breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, and parsley create a classic topping. This recipe provides all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and air frying details for perfectly cooked clams.

Ingredients

  • 12 littleneck or cherrystone clams, shucked (save the half shells)
  • 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • pinch salt and black pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving
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Season it upPairs with Garlic Parmesan, Lemon Herb, or Old Bay ClassicSee all seasonings →

Steps

  1. 01If the clams aren't already shucked, shuck them or have your fishmonger do it. Save one half shell per clam.
  2. 02Chop the clam meat roughly. Not too fine. You want pieces, not paste.
  3. 03Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, melted butter, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  4. 04Toss the chopped clam meat with the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. 05Spoon the mixture back into the reserved half shells, pressing gently to mound it.
  6. 06Ready for the air fryer. Place the shells on a rack or nestle them in crumpled foil to keep them level.
Crumpled foil in the basket creates a stable surface for the shells. Without it, they tip over and you lose the filling. Some air fryer racks have holes perfectly sized for clam shells. If yours does, use it. If not, foil nests work great.
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How to Air Fry It

Temp
Cook
Prep
Flip?
375°F
6m
15m
No
  1. 01Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 02Place frozen store-bought stuffed clams in a single layer in the air fryer basket, shell-side down.
  3. 03Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes.
  4. 04Check that the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy, adding 2-3 more minutes if needed.
  5. 05Carefully remove the hot shells using tongs and let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe Notes

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Season it up

Pairs well

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