Cody Casey
Cooking squid in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this seafood classic. The cooking time will depend on the size of your squid, the temperature of your air fryer, and whether you are cooking from frozen. On average, it takes around 6-13 minutes to cook squid in an air fryer, but you should always check the progress of your squid to make sure it is cooked to your liking.
Air Fryer Squid
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Pull the tentacles away from the body, remove the entrails, cut the tentacles and remove the beak. Rinse and cut the squid into rings or tubes. Tenderize the squid by soaking in buttermilk, milk, or a baking soda and salt brine. Bread the squid with flour, cornmeal, or polenta. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or another oil. |
| Temperature | 380-400°F (200°C) |
| Cooking Time | 6-13 minutes, turning halfway through. Check after 4 minutes to ensure it is not burning. |
| Serving | Serve hot and crispy, with a dip or lemon halves. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparing the squid
First, you'll need to clean the squid. If you bought a whole squid, start by pulling the head and tentacles away from the body. You can do this by grasping the squid tail in one hand and the head in the other, then firmly pulling apart with a slight twisting motion. The head and innards should slip out of the body. Cut the tentacles away from the head just below the eyes and discard the head. The tentacles are completely edible, but you must remove the hard, bony beak located in the centre. To do this, squeeze the connective tissue at the top of the tentacles and the beak will easily come out.
Next, pull out the clear backbone or cuttlebone (thin, clear sliver of cartilage) from inside the body. Remove any remaining innards by scraping with a knife, then rinse the body, tentacles and wings under running water. If you want to harvest the squid ink, which is used as a flavouring in many recipes, be sure to wear gloves and an apron as it stains easily. The ink sac is located in the innards and looks like a black vein. Puncture the ink sac and squeeze it into a small amount of water, wine, or another cooking liquid.
Now, remove the side wings from the body and rub off the membrane. Starting where you removed the wings, peel off the skin by peeling sideways, rather than lengthwise. You can use a dry paper towel to grab onto the skin to make this step easier. Once the skin is removed, thoroughly wash the inside of the squid body tube, using your finger to pull out any residual innards. Pat the body, tentacles and wings dry with paper towels.
Finally, cut the squid hoods down one side, then open them out and pat dry. Score the inside lightly with a small, sharp knife in a criss-cross pattern without cutting all the way through. Cut the hoods into your desired size—for rings, cut the body crosswise into 2 cm to 2.5 cm x 5 cm pieces. Your squid is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for squid in an air fryer depend on various factors, such as the quantity of squid, the specific air fryer model, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked squid:
- Preheat your air fryer: It is recommended to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes, ideally around 3 minutes, to ensure it reaches the desired temperature. Some sources suggest preheating at the hottest setting for a full 10 minutes to ensure the cooking surface is thoroughly heated.
- Cooking temperature: Most recipes suggest setting your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for cooking squid. However, if you find that your air fryer tends to brown the squid too quickly, consider reducing the temperature to 380°F, as a lower temperature can help prevent burning.
- Cooking time: The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your squid pieces. On average, it takes around 6 to 13 minutes to cook squid in an air fryer. For thinner squid rings, 4 to 7 minutes per side is usually sufficient. For thicker pieces or larger quantities, you may need to cook in batches and increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Checking for doneness: It is important to keep an eye on your squid to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn. Most recipes recommend checking on your squid after about 6 minutes of cooking time. Open the air fryer and inspect the colour and texture. The squid should be golden and cooked through. If needed, you can adjust the temperature or cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Cooking in batches: If you are cooking a larger quantity of squid, it is recommended to work in batches. This ensures that the squid cooks evenly and doesn't overlap in the air fryer basket, allowing each piece to get crispy.
- Flipping and spraying: To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to flip the squid halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, spraying the squid with oil before placing it in the air fryer and again after flipping can help achieve a crispy texture.
- Reheating and recrisping: If you have leftover cooked squid, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes to regain its crispiness.
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The importance of oil
When it comes to cooking squid in an air fryer, the use of oil is crucial for achieving the desired crispy texture and flavourful taste. Here are several reasons why oil is important in this cooking process:
- Crispiness: Oil plays a vital role in creating the signature crispiness associated with fried squid. By coating the squid with oil before placing it in the air fryer, you encourage the formation of a crispy exterior while retaining the tenderness of the meat inside. This contrast in textures is what makes fried squid a delightful culinary experience.
- Even Cooking: Oil helps distribute heat evenly across the surface of the squid, ensuring that it cooks uniformly. This even heat distribution prevents the squid from drying out or burning in certain spots, resulting in a more consistent and desirable final product.
- Flavour Enhancement: Oil acts as a flavour carrier, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It helps to seal in the natural juices and flavours of the squid, making it more succulent and appetising. Additionally, oil can be infused with herbs and spices, further amplifying the flavour profile of the dish.
- Non-Stick Coating: Applying a thin layer of oil to the air fryer basket is essential to prevent the squid from sticking to the surface. This not only ensures that the squid releases easily but also facilitates a more even cooking process. It eliminates the need for excessive flipping or handling, reducing the chances of the squid breaking apart during cooking.
- Temperature Control: Oil has a higher smoke point than water, allowing you to cook at higher temperatures without burning. This is particularly advantageous in an air fryer, where achieving the optimal temperature for frying is crucial for that distinctive crispy texture.
- Moisture Retention: Oil acts as a moisture barrier, preventing the squid from drying out during the cooking process. It helps lock in the natural moisture, resulting in tender and juicy squid rings. This is especially important when cooking in dry heat, as air fryers typically use little to no water.
In summary, oil is indispensable when cooking squid in an air fryer. It contributes to the desired texture, flavour, and overall cooking experience. By understanding the importance of oil and its various roles in the cooking process, you can better control and optimise the outcome of your air-fried squid dishes.
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Tenderising the squid
To tenderise the squid with milk or a dairy-free alternative, soak the calamari rings for at least one hour, or longer if possible. If you are using buttermilk, you can brine the squid in this instead of milk. If you are tenderising with baking soda, create a brine with baking soda, kosher salt, and water. Soak the squid in this mixture for an hour or longer.
After tenderising, it is important to pat the squid dry with paper towels before coating it in flour or cornmeal. This will help to ensure an even coating. If you are using flour, it is best to coat the squid just before placing it in the air fryer to avoid the coating becoming gummy. If you are using cornmeal, you can coat the squid in oil first, then add the cornmeal, mixing until all the squid is breaded.
Once the squid is tenderised and coated, it is ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F for a few minutes, or on its hottest setting for 10 minutes. Place the squid in the air fryer basket, ensuring the rings do not overlap, and spray with oil. Cook for 6 minutes, shaking the basket midway through, then check to ensure the squid is not overcooking. Turn the squid and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried squid is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces, and can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried squid:
Dipping Sauces
Dipping sauces are a classic accompaniment to air-fried squid. Some popular options include garlic aioli, sweet chilli sauce, marinara, lemon garlic butter, and spicy chilli sauce. These sauces add flavour and moisture to the dish, enhancing the taste experience.
Salads and Vegetables
A fresh salad can be the perfect side dish to accompany air-fried squid. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the squid. Alternatively, roasted or stir-fried vegetables, such as leafy greens, can also be a great choice to add some crunch and nutritional value to your meal.
Carbohydrates
For a more substantial meal, consider serving air-fried squid with rice or pasta. A light pasta dish tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs can complement the flavours of the squid beautifully. Similarly, a bowl of steamed white jasmine rice can balance out the dish, especially if you're serving spicy squid.
Lemon Wedges
Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your air-fried squid can brighten up the dish. It adds a zesty touch and enhances the flavour profile.
Spices and Seasonings
If you're looking for a bolder flavour, try seasoning your squid with salt, pepper, and spices. Chinese salt and pepper squid, for example, features a garlicky, spicy, and salty profile that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. Alternatively, you can experiment with other seasonings like chilli powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to add some heat to your dish.
Sides and Snacks
Air-fried squid can also be served as a side dish or snack. It pairs well with other seafood classics like shrimp, pork, or tofu. You can also enjoy it with a cold beer, making it the perfect appetiser for a casual get-together with friends.
With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your air-fried squid game and impress your family and friends with a delicious and versatile dish.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10 minutes to cook squid in an air fryer. However, the time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the size of the squid.
Before air frying, the squid should be cleaned, cut into rings or pieces, and patted dry. Some recipes also recommend tenderizing the squid by soaking it in milk or a baking soda and salt brine.
Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 380-400°F (200°C). However, it is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model and the size of the squid.
