Air-Frying Calamari Rings: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Calamari rings are a delicious treat, but deep-frying them can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a convenient, low-fuss, low-fat way to cook, but can you air-fry calamari rings to perfection? Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen calamari, and the whole process is easy and quick. You can even reheat cooked calamari in an air fryer. So, if you're looking for a simple, tasty snack, read on to discover how to make crispy, golden calamari rings with minimal oil and fuss.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for calamari rings in an air fryer depend on several factors, including personal preference, the type of air fryer, and whether the calamari is fresh or frozen.

For frozen, breaded calamari rings, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 8-10 minutes. If you are cooking from frozen, it is recommended that you do not thaw the calamari beforehand, as this can make the dish soggy. Cooking from frozen is said to ensure the calamari stays juicy and tender on the inside while getting crispy on the outside. However, if you are using fresh calamari, it is recommended that you reduce the cooking time.

For fresh calamari rings, it is recommended that you cook them at 380°F for 8–12 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking at 400°F for 4 minutes, flipping the rings, spraying them again with oil, and then cooking for another 3–4 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the calamari to ensure it does not burn, and to adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

If you are reheating frozen, fried calamari, cook at 400°F for about 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Calamari preparation

Preparing calamari in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this seafood dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy calamari rings without the grease.

Firstly, you will need to prepare the calamari itself. Fresh calamari is inexpensive and easy to work with, but you can also buy it frozen. If you buy it fresh, you will need to clean it yourself. Pull the tentacles away and keep them to one side. Empty the inside of the mantle, remove the cartilage, and peel the squid. Take the tentacles back and cut away the eyes, removing the beak from the centre. Rinse the squid and cut it into rings. The rings should be around 1/2-inch thick. Pat the rings dry with paper towels to remove excess water, as this will ensure the calamari is crispy rather than soggy.

Next, you will need to prepare a breading mixture. Add breadcrumbs to a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. You can also add some cornmeal for polenta to make the calamari more fragrant. In a separate bowl, add some olive oil or buttermilk. You can also soak the calamari rings in milk to tenderize them. Now, you are ready to start breading the calamari rings. Dip the rings in the oil or buttermilk, shake off any excess, and then toss them in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to coat.

Now you are ready to start cooking. Lightly grease the basket of the air fryer with oil or line it with greased tinfoil. Place the calamari rings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd the basket, or they won't cook evenly or get crispy. You may need to work in batches. Preheat the air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F, and cook for around 8-10 minutes, flipping the rings halfway through. You may want to cook the calamari for a shorter time at first and then check on them to ensure they are not burning. The calamari is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.

You can serve the calamari as an appetizer with dips such as marinara sauce, aioli, or tartar sauce. It also works well as a topping for pasta or in tacos.

Flour and breadcrumbs

When preparing your calamari rings for the air fryer, it's important to ensure they are dry. Pat them down with a paper towel to remove any excess water. This will help you achieve a crispy texture.

For the flour, you can use all-purpose flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free alternative. If you're going for a keto or paleo option, coconut flour is a good choice to keep the carb count low. You can also experiment with other flours like almond or rice flour, but note that these may not yield the same optimal results as all-purpose flour.

Create a flour mixture by adding salt and pepper to the flour. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. If you're using eggs, beat them in a separate bowl and add some lemon juice to this mixture. Dip the calamari rings first in the egg mixture, then in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour.

For the breadcrumbs, you can use store-bought ones or make your own by blending pitta bread until it becomes coarse. Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl and season with salt and pepper and any other desired herbs like parsley or dill. You can also add some parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra savoury flavour.

After coating the calamari rings in the flour mixture, dip them in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated. Again, shake off any excess. Arrange the coated rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch to prevent sogginess. Spray the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.

Now you're ready to air fry! Cook at 380-400°F for 4-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a golden brown and crispy texture, aim for around 8 minutes, flipping the rings halfway through.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, golden-brown calamari rings. Serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, tartar, or aioli. Enjoy!

Oil usage

When cooking calamari rings in an air fryer, it is recommended to lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with oil before adding the calamari. This helps to prevent the rings from sticking to the surface and ensures even cooking. The type of oil used can vary, but it should have a high smoke point to withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer. Examples of suitable oils include avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.

After greasing the air fryer basket or tray, the calamari rings themselves may also be lightly coated or sprayed with oil. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness of the rings. It is important not to overuse oil at this stage, as it can make the calamari greasy. The calamari rings are then placed in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the cooking process.

During the cooking process, the calamari rings may be flipped or shaken halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. At this point, an additional light spray or drizzle of oil can be applied to the rings, followed by further cooking until they are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the rings, the specific air fryer model, and the desired level of crispiness.

Overall, the amount of oil used when cooking calamari rings in an air fryer is significantly less than traditional deep frying, resulting in a healthier and less greasy dish. The use of oil, even in small quantities, helps to enhance the texture and flavor of the calamari, creating a delicious and crispy appetizer or meal.

Reheating calamari

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time. For example, at 400°F, you only need to reheat the calamari for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. At 350°F, this will take 3-4 minutes. You can also reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the calamari has space around it in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the calamari to steam and become soggy. It is best to reheat in a single layer, and you can use multiple foil packets if you are reheating a large batch.

You can also reheat calamari in an oven, on a grill, in a deep fryer, in a microwave, or on a stove-top.

Frequently asked questions