Cooking Calamari In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Calamari, the Italian word for squid, is a popular dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One method that has gained traction is using an air fryer, which can produce a crispy and tasty result with less oil. This approach is also praised for its convenience and speed, making it a great option for those seeking a healthier alternative to deep-frying. With a range of air fryer brands and models available, each with its own unique features and cooking settings, there is flexibility in preparing this dish to suit individual preferences.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking calamari in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of air fryer, the quality of the air fryer, and the size and thickness of the calamari rings. It is important to note that cooking times may vary, and it is recommended to start checking on the calamari at the 6-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer before cooking calamari. The suggested preheating temperatures range from 380°F to 400°F, with preheating times varying from a few minutes to a full 10 minutes. It is worth noting that some sources suggest preheating the air fryer with the cooking surface or basket inside, while others recommend having them ready separately.

Once the air fryer is preheated, the cooking temperature for calamari is typically set between 380°F and 400°F. The cooking time varies, with most sources recommending a total cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes at 200°C (400°F). However, it is important to shake the basket or flip the calamari halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

For smaller air fryers or to serve the calamari warm, it is suggested to cook the calamari in batches of about 4 minutes each. After cooking all the batches, place them all in the air fryer and heat them at 400°F for an additional 2 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking frozen calamari may require a longer cooking time, and it is recommended to thaw the calamari before cooking to ensure even cooking and to preserve the quality of the product. Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided to allow for even cooking and crispiness.

Preparing the calamari

Once thawed, you can cut the calamari into 1/2-inch thick rings. You should then pat the rings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water, as this will ensure they are crispy rather than soggy. If you want to tenderize the calamari, you can gently pound the rings a few times on each side using a kitchen mallet or a heavy skillet, being careful not to tear the flesh. Another method is to soak the rings in buttermilk or milk, or a baking soda and salt brine, to help make the squid more tender.

Next, you can set up a breading station. Place the dry calamari rings into a wet batter and toss to coat, then lift them up and allow any excess to drip off. After this, place the calamari into a dry breading mixture, such as cornmeal or flour, and toss to coat. If you are using flour, be sure to shake off any excess. You can also season the breading with salt and pepper.

Now your calamari is ready to cook in the air fryer!

Tenderising the calamari

Another option for tenderising is to use baking soda. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in enough water to cover the calamari rings. Allow the rings to sit in this solution for about 15 minutes, then rinse and pat them dry. It is important to ensure the calamari is thoroughly dried before proceeding with the next steps of your recipe.

Once your calamari is tenderised, you can proceed with coating the rings in flour or batter. A light coating is recommended to ensure the flavour of the calamari shines through. You can use a variety of flours, such as semolina, all-purpose flour, or a combination of flour and cornstarch. Seasoned flour can also add extra flavour to your calamari; consider adding garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, or black pepper to the flour mixture.

After coating, allow the calamari a few minutes to rest in a colander before frying. This step helps the flour coating to rehydrate and ensures it doesn't fall off when fried. It's also important to manage the heat of your air fryer to ensure your calamari cooks evenly. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time to avoid overcooking or burning your calamari.

Battering and breading the calamari

Firstly, ensure your calamari is thawed and cleaned. If you're using frozen calamari, it's important to thaw it completely before proceeding. Place the calamari in the refrigerator to thaw slowly, which can take up to 24 hours. Alternatively, for a quicker method, place the frozen calamari in a colander and run cold water over it for about 15 minutes.

Once thawed, gently pat the calamari dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential to achieving a crispy texture. You can also gently pound the calamari rings with a kitchen mallet or heavy skillet to tenderise them, but be careful not to tear the flesh.

Prepare your breading station by setting up a shallow bowl or tray with your chosen wet batter. This can be a simple mixture of egg and water, or you can experiment with different ingredients like milk or buttermilk for tenderising. In a separate dry mixture, combine your choice of breading, such as breadcrumbs or cornmeal, and season with salt and pepper.

Now, it's time to coat the calamari. Dip each ring into the wet batter, allowing the excess to drip off before placing it into the dry breading mixture. Use a spoon to completely coat the calamari with the dry mixture. Make sure the rings are entirely covered, as any exposed areas may become soggy during cooking.

After breading, it's important to let the calamari sit for a moment to allow the coating to set. This will help ensure that the breading doesn't slide off during cooking. You can also use this time to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 380-400°F (200°C).

Finally, place the battered and breaded calamari rings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or touch. Spray the rings with a light coat of oil to promote even crisping. Now, they're ready for air frying!

Reheating and storing leftovers

If you have leftover cooked calamari, there are a few ways to store it for later use. It is recommended to let the calamari cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can then be placed in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days.

When reheating, remove the calamari from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 3-5 minutes. Season the calamari lightly with salt, black pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper. You can also brush the calamari with olive oil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure crispiness.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175°C). Place the calamari in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces have some space around them. Reheat for 2-7 minutes, depending on the amount and starting temperature of the calamari. If you are reheating a large amount, you may need to do so in batches.

While the air fryer is the recommended method for reheating, you can also use an oven, grill, or deep fryer. To use an oven, preheat it to 350°F and place the calamari on a foil-lined baking sheet. Toss the calamari with coarse salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper, then bake for 10-12 minutes. For a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and cook the calamari for 2-3 minutes on each side. Season with kosher salt and pepper. If you have access to a deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F and fry the calamari for 2-3 minutes, or until the pieces float to the top.

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