Marianne Martinez
If you're a fan of calamari, you'll be glad to know that it's easy to make at home with an air fryer. This cooking method is healthier than deep-frying, with less mess and fuss. You can use fresh or frozen squid, and the preparation is simple: cut the calamari into rings or strips, then bread and season them before placing them in the air fryer. The exact cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer, but on average, it takes 8-10 minutes to cook breaded calamari at 200°C/400°F. You'll know it's done when it's golden brown and crispy.
How to cook breaded calamari in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Soak the calamari rings in milk or a dairy-free alternative for at least one hour to tenderize the rings. |
| Breading | In a large bowl, mix flour, arrowroot, spices, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, use breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, or panko with seasonings. |
| Preheat Air Fryer | Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F for a few minutes. Some sources recommend preheating to the highest setting, which can be 425°F. |
| Coating | Coat the calamari rings in the flour or breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess. For a wet batter, dip the rings in oil first. |
| Cooking | Place the rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes at 380-400°F, shaking the basket halfway through. |
| Cooking Time | Check the calamari at the 6-minute mark to prevent overcooking. It should be golden brown and crispy after 8-10 minutes. |
| Flip | Flip the rings after 3-4 minutes and spritz with oil if the breading looks dry. Continue air frying for another 1-2 minutes. |
| Cooling | Allow the calamari to cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack before serving. |
| Reheating | Reheat in an air fryer at 350-400°F for 2-5 minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
Tenderising the calamari
Soaking in Milk or Buttermilk
Soaking the calamari rings in milk or buttermilk for at least an hour helps tenderise the muscle fibres. The lactic acid in the milk breaks down the muscle fibres of the calamari, making it more tender. If you are dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative or try an alternative method, such as a brine solution.
Brine Solution
A brine solution can be used as an alternative to milk. This involves mixing baking soda, salt, and water to create a solution that the calamari rings are soaked in. The baking soda and salt brine not only tenderises but also adds flavour to the squid. The chemical process involves raising the pH level on the surface of the meat, preventing the proteins from bonding excessively and keeping the meat tender and moist.
Pounding the Calamari
Gently pounding the calamari rings with a kitchen mallet or heavy skillet a few times on each side can help tenderise the meat. However, be careful not to tear the flesh of the calamari when doing so.
Thickness of the Rings
The thickness of the calamari rings can impact the cooking time and tenderness. It is recommended to cut the rings to be approximately 1/2-inch thick. Thinner rings may overcook and become rubbery, while thicker rings may require longer cooking times.
Pre-Cooking Preparation
Before cooking, ensure the calamari rings are patted dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture can impact the breading process and affect the final texture of the cooked calamari.
By using one or a combination of these methods, you can effectively tenderise your calamari and create a delicious, tender, and crispy breaded calamari in your air fryer.
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Preparing the breading
Next, prepare your breading station. In one bowl, add your flour, arrowroot, and spices, including salt and pepper, and mix well. You can also use breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs instead of flour for a crispier texture. If you choose to use breadcrumbs, add olive oil to a separate bowl and dip the calamari rings in it before coating them in the breadcrumb mixture. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the calamari. You can also add seasonings to your breadcrumbs for an extra flavour boost. Try adding old bay seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder to elevate your dish.
If you're using flour for your breading, you'll need to coat the calamari rings in an egg mixture before tossing them in the flour. This will help the flour stick to the calamari and create a crispy coating. After coating the calamari in the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to shake off any excess to ensure an even and light coating.
Finally, if you're looking for a low-carb alternative, you can use a combination of nuts and Parmesan cheese as your breading. This method will give your calamari a unique flavour and texture.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect breaded calamari. It helps to ensure a crispy texture and prevents the calamari from becoming soggy. The ideal temperature and duration for preheating your air fryer may vary slightly depending on the model and brand. However, most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 10 minutes. For example, if you're using a Ninja Dual Drawer Air Fryer, preheat it to 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes.
It's important to remember that every air fryer is unique, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing based on your specific model. Some air fryers may have a preheat setting, making it convenient to reach the desired temperature. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, you can manually preheat it by turning it on and allowing it to heat up for the recommended duration.
When preheating your air fryer, always ensure that the cooking surface or basket is inside. This helps to evenly distribute the heat and ensures that your cooking surface is also at the optimal temperature for cooking. Additionally, if you're using frozen breaded calamari, it's advisable to let the air fryer preheat while you prepare the calamari for cooking.
While preheating, you can also use this time to prepare your breading station. In a large bowl, combine your chosen breading, such as breadcrumbs, panko, or flour, with seasonings like salt and pepper. You can also add spices or herbs to enhance the flavour of your calamari. By the time your air fryer is preheated, you'll be ready to start breading and cooking your calamari to perfection.
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Cooking the calamari
Firstly, you'll want to prepare your calamari. If it is frozen, you should place it in the fridge to thaw for 8 to 10 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can place the calamari in a colander and run cold water over it for 15 minutes. It is important to pat the calamari dry with paper towels to remove excess water. You can then cut the calamari into 1/2-inch thick rings.
To tenderise the calamari, you can either gently pound the rings on each side using a kitchen mallet or a heavy skillet, or soak the rings in milk for at least one hour. This process helps to prevent the calamari from becoming rubbery. If you are dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free milk or a brine made with baking soda, salt and water.
Next, prepare your breading station. In a large bowl, mix flour, arrowroot, and spices, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, add olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use a combination of panko and breadcrumbs with seasonings for a crispier texture.
Take one calamari ring and shake off any excess milk. Coat the ring in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess flour. Then, dip the ring in the oil and shake off any excess. Finally, toss the ring in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to coat.
Preheat your air fryer to between 380ºF and 425ºF for a few minutes. Lightly grease the basket of the air fryer with oil or line it with tinfoil and spray. Place the calamari rings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap or overcrowd. Work in batches if needed.
Cook the calamari for 8 to 10 minutes at this temperature, shaking the basket and flipping the rings halfway through. The calamari is ready when it is golden brown and has a firm, but tender texture. It should not be chewy.
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Reheating and serving
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the leftover calamari in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, and cook for 2-5 minutes, or until crunchy and heated through. The exact time will depend on your preference for texture and the original temperature of the calamari. It is important to keep an eye on the calamari while reheating, as you don't want to overcook it.
Once the calamari is reheated, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the calamari to crisp up further and prevent sogginess. Serve the calamari with your choice of sides and enjoy! Some suggested sides include a warm white bean salad with arugula and mozzarella, Italian fennel, citrus, and pomegranate salad, or warm, fresh Italian bread.
Reheating breaded calamari in an air fryer is a convenient and effective way to enjoy your leftovers, ensuring they stay crispy and tasty.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the frozen breaded calamari in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If they are not golden brown and crispy after this time, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Soak the calamari rings in milk or a dairy-free alternative for at least one hour. This helps to tenderize the rings as the lactic acid in the milk breaks down the muscle fibres. You can also use a baking soda and salt brine as an alternative method.
In a large bowl, mix flour, arrowroot, and spices, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, add olive oil or avocado oil. Dip the calamari rings in the oil and shake off the excess. Then, toss the rings in the flour mixture and tap off any excess flour.
It is recommended to cook the calamari at 380ºF for about 10 minutes total. However, this may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is recommended to check on the calamari regularly to ensure they are not burning.
Transfer the leftover calamari to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, cook in the preheated air fryer at 400°F for about 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
