Tiffany Haney
Cooking frozen calamari in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this dish. It is also a low-mess option that delivers on taste and texture. You can use frozen breaded calamari from any brand, such as Tesco, Aldi, or M&S, or you can bread the calamari yourself. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the calamari evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. This method is perfect for a last-minute appetizer or a quick addition to your meal.
Cooking Frozen Calamari in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 370°F to 425°F (190°C to 220°C) for 3-10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cook Temperature | 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C) |
| Flip Calamari | After 3-5 minutes |
| Crowd Calamari | No, leave space for even cooking |
| Oil | Lightly spray or spritz for a golden crispness |
| Seasoning | Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc. |
| Dipping Sauce | Marinara, tartar, aioli, tzatziki, sweet chili, cocktail, etc. |
| Reheat | At 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C) for 3-5 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer is crucial when cooking frozen calamari, as it helps to achieve a crispy texture. To preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), start by setting the temperature to 400°F and allowing it to heat up for about 3 to 5 minutes. This preheating time ensures that the calamari will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can take the frozen calamari out of its package. There is no need to thaw the calamari before cooking, as cooking it from frozen will help achieve the desired crispy texture and prevent sogginess. In fact, defrosting the calamari can lead to undesirable results, with the calamari becoming soggy after cooking.
During the preheating time, you can also prepare the calamari by rinsing it briefly to remove any ice crystals or excess moisture, although this step is optional. After rinsing, you can season the calamari with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or seasonings you desire, such as garlic powder or paprika. Make sure to distribute the seasoning evenly for maximum flavor.
Once the air fryer has preheated to 400°F, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the calamari from sticking. Then, lay the seasoned calamari rings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap and that the basket is not overcrowded. This arrangement allows for even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.
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Lightly spray the frozen calamari with olive oil
Lightly spraying the frozen calamari with olive oil is an optional step when cooking frozen calamari in an air fryer. The oil gives the calamari a golden crispness, mimicking the deep-fried version with a fraction of the oil. If you are using frozen breaded calamari, the oil is not necessary as the breading already contains some oil.
If you are using unbreaded calamari, lightly spray the frozen calamari with olive oil and toss with your choice of seasonings. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes. If you are using frozen breaded calamari, you can spritz the calamari with oil before freezing to help prevent ice crystals and eliminate the need for spritzing when you cook them.
When you are ready to cook the calamari, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 3 minutes. You can also preheat to 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 370 degrees Fahrenheit if that works better for your air fryer model. Place the frozen calamari in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they do not overlap. This will allow the hot air to circulate freely, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the calamari rings, as well as the brand of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the calamari for 8-10 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. After 8-10 minutes, the calamari should be golden brown and crispy. If not, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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Cook for 8-10 minutes
Place the frozen calamari in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 200°C. Cooking in batches is advisable if you have a large quantity to prevent overcrowding, which could result in uneven cooking. Close the air fryer and let the calamari cook for 8-10 minutes. This timing ensures that the calamari reaches the desired level of doneness and crispness without becoming rubbery or overcooked.
During this cooking time, the hot air circulated by the air fryer will surround the frozen calamari, rapidly thawing and cooking it. The high temperature and circulating hot air create the ideal environment for achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, moist interior—the hallmark of perfectly cooked calamari.
While the calamari cooks, you can prepare any desired sauces or dips. A classic option is a simple marinara sauce, but other possibilities include a garlic aioli or a tangy lemon-garlic sauce. Preparing these sauces or dips during the cooking time ensures they are ready to serve alongside the calamari when it's done, enhancing the overall flavour and enjoyment of the dish.
Once the 8-10 minutes have passed, use tongs to carefully remove the calamari from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving plate. The calamari should be golden brown and crispy, indicating that it's cooked to perfection. If you prefer your calamari with a bit more colour and crispness, you can always increase the cooking time by a minute or two, but be cautious not to overcook it to avoid a rubbery texture.
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Serve with a dip
There are many dips and sauces that you can serve with your air-fried calamari. Here are some ideas:
Creamy dips
- Aioli
- Tzatziki sauce
- Yogurt dip
- Tartar sauce
- Mayonnaise, such as chipotle mayo
- Sweet chilli sauce
Tomato-based dips
- Marinara sauce
- Ketchup
Other dips
- Vinaigrette
- Cocktail sauce
You could also make a Greek yogurt and herb dip by mixing 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and add a tiny pinch of sugar if the yogurt is low-fat. For a different taste, substitute the mint with fresh dill.
For a more substantial meal, you could also serve your air-fried calamari with a fresh salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette works well. You could also use the calamari as a topping for your pasta. It pairs perfectly with spaghetti aglio e olio or linguini with white clam sauce.
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Reheat any leftovers
If you have any leftover air fryer calamari, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it won't be crispy anymore.
To reheat, place the leftovers in the air fryer and heat at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes or until hot all the way through. You can also reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. Reheated calamari may be a little rubbery, but it will still be warm and slightly crispy.
You can serve reheated calamari with a dip, such as Greek yogurt and herb, sweet chilli sauce, or aioli.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook frozen calamari in an air fryer.
First, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the frozen calamari in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
It takes about 8-10 minutes to cook frozen calamari in an air fryer. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the brand of frozen calamari and your air fryer.
Yes, you can reheat calamari in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 400°F (200°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes until hot all the way through.
