Frying Calamari: Air Fryer Method For A Crispy Treat

If you're craving fried calamari but want to avoid the mess and health implications of deep-frying, you'll be glad to know that it's possible to make crispy, tasty, and healthy calamari in an air fryer. This method uses little oil, reducing the fat and calories in your food without sacrificing taste.

To make air-fried calamari, you'll need to prepare your calamari by cleaning it, cutting it into rings, and drying it. You can then season and bread your calamari before placing it in the air fryer for around 10 minutes, shaking the basket and spraying more oil on the calamari halfway through.

You can serve your air-fried calamari with a variety of dips, including marinara sauce, garlic aioli, salsa fresca, or lemon wedges.

How to tenderize the calamari

How to tenderize calamari

There are several ways to tenderize calamari before frying it in an air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to note that the thickness of the calamari rings will affect the cooking time and the texture of the final dish. Rings thicker than half an inch will cook more slowly and may become rubbery, while rings thinner than a quarter of an inch are more prone to overcooking and becoming tough. Therefore, it is recommended to cut the calamari into rings between a quarter and half an inch thick.

One method to tenderize the meat is to soak the rings in milk for about an hour in the refrigerator. This process helps to tenderize the calamari and also reduces any fishy odour. You can also use buttermilk or lemon juice as an alternative to milk. For best results, pat the rings with a paper towel until they are almost, but not completely, dry before coating them with flour or cornmeal.

Another way to tenderize calamari is to brine it in a solution of baking soda, salt, and water. This technique, recommended by food experts at Cook's Illustrated, involves briefly soaking the meat in a solution of baking soda and water, which raises the pH on the meat's surface. This interferes with the proteins and prevents them from bonding excessively, keeping the meat tender and moist when cooked.

Additionally, freezing the squid overnight and then thawing it in the refrigerator before cooking can also help tenderize the meat.

Once the calamari has been tenderized, it is important to cook it quickly at a high heat to prevent it from becoming rubbery.

How to prepare the calamari for frying

Preparing calamari for frying in an air fryer is simple and can be done in a few steps.

Firstly, clean the calamari by pulling away the tentacles and emptying the inside of the mantle. Extract the cartilage and peel the squid. Cut off the eyes and remove the beak from the centre of the tentacles. Rinse the squid and cut into rings. If the tentacles are large, cut them in half.

Next, pat the calamari dry with kitchen paper. If you are using frozen calamari, ensure that it is completely defrosted before this step and dry it well.

Now, you can season the calamari with a little oil and cornmeal or flour. Mix well, ensuring all the calamari is coated.

Finally, you are ready to cook the calamari in the air fryer. Place the calamari in the basket, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. Spray with a little oil and cook at 390-400°F for 13 minutes, shaking the basket after 7 minutes.

Your calamari is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

The best oils for frying calamari

Frying calamari is an art, and the key to achieving that delicate crunch lies in the oil you use. Here's a guide to the best oils for frying this seafood favourite:

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a fantastic choice for frying calamari, especially if you're using an air fryer. It has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning, making it ideal for the hot air fryer environment. Avocado oil also has a great fatty acid profile, predominantly made up of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. This oil will give your calamari a nice crispy exterior without compromising the tender texture within.

Vegetable, Canola, or Peanut Oil

For traditional deep frying, you can't go wrong with vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils all have high smoke points, making them perfect for the high temperatures needed to fry calamari quickly. They have mild flavours, ensuring that the delicate taste of the calamari shines through. Just remember to discard the oil after frying, as it will take on a fishy flavour that you don't want lingering in your next batch of fries!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

If you're looking for a healthier option, extra virgin olive oil is a great choice. While it has a lower smoke point than the other oils, it can still be used for frying calamari, especially in an air fryer where the temperature is more controlled. The benefit of olive oil is its distinct flavour, which pairs beautifully with the squid. Just be mindful that the oil may take on a stronger flavour, so it's best to use it for smaller batches.

Tips for the Perfect Fried Calamari

• Cut the calamari rings about 3/4-inch thick. This ensures the inside is cooked tenderly while the exterior gets golden and crispy.
• Tenderise the calamari by soaking it in buttermilk, milk, or a baking soda and salt brine. This process improves texture, adds flavour, and helps the coating adhere better.
• Use a combination of all-purpose flour and rice flour for a delicate, shatter-like coating.
• Maintain a steady oil temperature of around 375ºF.
• Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make the calamari soggy and greasy.
• Serve immediately with a spritz of lemon or a dip of your choice!

How to cook the calamari in an air fryer

How to Cook Calamari in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

• Fresh or frozen calamari
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Optional: dipping sauce of choice for serving
• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal or breadcrumbs
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
• Egg (optional)
• Milk (optional)

Instructions

• Clean the calamari: Pull the tentacles away and keep them aside. Empty the inside of the mantle, extract the cartilage, and peel the squid. Cut off the eyes and remove the beak from the centre of the tentacles. Rinse the squid and cut into rings (around 2 cm or 0.5 inches thick). If using frozen squid, ensure that it is fully defrosted before cooking.
• Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal or breadcrumbs, and spices. You can also add an egg and milk to the mixture if desired.
• Coat the calamari: Dip the calamari rings into the breading mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
• Cook the calamari: Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil. Place the calamari rings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops of the rings with oil. Cook for around 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the calamari are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Calamari is best served immediately. It can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, aioli, or cocktail sauce, and garnished with lemon wedges and parsley.

How to store and reheat leftover calamari

Calamari is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, but if you have leftovers, proper storage and reheating techniques can help maintain its distinctive characteristics. Here's a guide to storing and reheating your leftover calamari to ensure optimal crispiness and flavour.

Storing Leftover Calamari

To retain crispiness, store leftover calamari in an airtight container in the fridge to keep out moisture. If not consumed within a few days, freezing is recommended. For freezing, lay the calamari in a single layer on a cookie sheet before transferring to an airtight container to prevent pieces from sticking together.

Reheating Techniques

The key to successful reheating is choosing a method that provides consistent heat and promotes even airflow. Ovens and air fryers are preferred as they circulate hot air around the calamari, mimicking the initial frying process.

#### Air Fryer

The air fryer is an excellent option for reheating leftover calamari and getting that crispy texture back. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for thawed calamari or 400°F (200°C) if frozen. Place the calamari in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space around them to prevent steaming. Lightly spray the calamari with oil and cook for about 3-5 minutes for thawed calamari or 6-9 minutes for frozen until they regain their desired crispiness.

#### Oven

Using an oven for reheating ensures even hot air circulation, which is crucial for achieving crispy calamari. Preheat the oven to 370°F (190°C) and place the calamari on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil for easy cleanup. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the calamari, preventing sogginess. Reheat for approximately 10 minutes, checking the texture to avoid overcooking.

#### Stovetop

For stovetop re-frying, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the calamari and cook each side for 1-2 minutes until crispy. This method allows for quick reheating, and the added oil helps restore texture and flavour similar to the original frying.

Enhancing Flavour and Presentation

After reheating, enhance the flavour of your calamari with a final touch of seasoning. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to highlight its natural taste, and add a dash of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. A light dusting of garlic powder can also introduce an aromatic warmth to the dish. Serve the calamari immediately to maintain crispness, and accompany it with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara sauce, aioli, or lemon wedges. Presentation is key, so consider serving the calamari on a platter garnished with parsley to enhance visual appeal and suggest freshness.

Frequently asked questions