Tiffany Haney
Cooking fresh calamari in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this Italian favourite. It's also a healthier alternative to deep-fried calamari, without sacrificing any of the flavours. You can use fresh or frozen calamari tubes and tentacles for this recipe, but be sure to pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. The calamari should be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and you may need to work in batches. You can also tenderize the calamari by soaking it in milk or buttermilk, or even a baking soda and salt brine, to keep it moist and tender. After breading the calamari, spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the rings, spray again and cook for another 3 minutes or until golden brown.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Fresh Calamari in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of seafood | Calamari (squid) |
| Seafood form | Fresh, not frozen |
| Seafood parts | Rings (tubes) and/or tentacles |
| Seafood preparation | Tenderize by soaking in milk or buttermilk, or use a baking soda and salt brine; pat dry with paper towels |
| Battering | Dip in a mixture of egg and water, then coat with flour or gluten-free flour; alternatively, use xanthan gum or guar gum to thicken the wet mixture |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, hot sauce |
| Cooking temperature | 380-400°F |
| Cooking time | 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Serving suggestions | Marinara sauce or other dipping sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right air fryer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular since their introduction in 2010. They are versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, from reheating leftovers to cooking pizza, toast, grilled cheese, and even baking. When choosing an air fryer, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get one that suits your needs.
Firstly, consider the capacity. Air fryers come in different sizes, from mini air fryers to larger ones that can fit a 12" pizza or a 12-lb turkey. Choose a size that aligns with the types of dishes you plan to cook and the number of people you typically cook for.
Secondly, decide on the type of air fryer that best suits your needs. There are single basket, double basket, and oven-style air fryers with smart cooking features. Single basket air fryers are great for basic frying needs, while double basket air fryers can be useful if you want to cook multiple items at once or in large quantities. Oven-style air fryers offer more advanced features and a wider range of cooking functions, such as air-roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating.
Additionally, pay attention to the features and functions of the air fryer. Some models come with preset cooking programs, adjustable temperature controls, and timers, allowing for more precise cooking. Also, consider the ease of cleaning, as some air fryers may have removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup more convenient.
Lastly, think about your budget. Air fryers can vary in price, with basic models starting at around $100, while more advanced models with additional features can be more expensive. It's important to determine your budget and compare the features and capacities of different models within your price range.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right air fryer that aligns with your cooking needs, capacity requirements, and budget.
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Preparing the fresh calamari
Preparing fresh calamari for air frying is simple and can be done in a few steps. Firstly, purchase fresh calamari from your local fish market or seafood spot. Look for calamari that has firm, shiny white bodies and a pleasantly salty, ocean-like aroma. Avoid any with a pink or purple hue. The smaller the squid, the more tender the texture.
Once you have your fresh calamari, you can tenderize it by soaking it in milk or buttermilk. This is an important step as un-tenderized calamari can become rubbery when cooked. If you are dairy-free, you can use dairy-free milk, or alternatively, a brine of baking soda and salt. After tenderizing, cut the calamari into 1/2-inch thick rings.
Next, pat the rings dry with paper towels to remove any excess water. It is important that the calamari is dry before cooking, or it will be soggy rather than crispy. Then, prepare your breading station. You can use flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, with a touch of salt, or a combination of xanthan gum, guar gum, water, and egg to create a batter.
Coat the calamari rings first in flour, then in egg mixture, and finally in breadcrumbs. Ensure the rings are well coated by spooning the dry mixture over them. Work in batches if needed. Place the coated rings in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they do not overlap, and spray with cooking spray.
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Making the batter
To make the batter for air-fried calamari, you will need a few simple ingredients and a few minutes to prepare. Firstly, decide if you want to tenderize your calamari. If you do, you can soak the rings in buttermilk or milk, or a brine of baking soda and water, for a few minutes. This will help to keep the calamari tender when cooked. If you are using frozen calamari, make sure it is completely defrosted and pat it dry with paper towels.
Next, prepare your wet batter. In a shallow bowl, whisk together an egg and a splash of water. You can also add a pinch of salt and any other spices you like. In a separate bowl, prepare your dry breading by combining flour, panko breadcrumbs, and seasoning with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Now you are ready to batter the calamari. Place the rings into the wet batter and toss to coat. Lift each ring with a fork, allowing the excess to drip off, then place them into the dry breading mixture. Use a spoon to completely coat the rings with the dry mixture.
Finally, place the battered calamari in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops with a cooking spray and cook according to your preferred level of doneness.
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Cooking the calamari
Next, prepare a wet batter by whisking an egg with a small amount of water and a pinch of salt. You can also add other seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning, paprika, or black pepper to the wet batter. In a separate bowl, prepare a dry breading mixture with flour, and optionally, breadcrumbs, and season with salt and pepper. You can also use gluten-free flour or a combination of xanthan gum or guar gum with flour for a crispier texture.
Now, it's time to coat the calamari. First, dip the rings into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, place them in the dry mixture and spoon over the dry ingredients to ensure they are completely coated. If you are working in batches, avoid letting the calamari sit in the flour for too long, as it can become gummy.
Finally, place the coated calamari rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops with a non-stick cooking spray or oil to help them crisp up. Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F, and cook for 7-
Calamari cooks quickly and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked, so keep a close eye on it. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, use an air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Storing and reheating
Firstly, let the calamari cool, then place it in an airtight container. It's important to ensure the calamari is arranged in a single layer, not touching, and separate any subsequent layers with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. You can also lay the calamari out on a cookie sheet and cover it with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze calamari, lay it out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and flash-freeze it for one hour. After an hour, transfer the calamari to a heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen calamari will keep for up to 3 months.
When reheating calamari, it's crucial to use a gentle method that heats the rings without recooking them, as this can ruin the texture and make them tough. The best way to reheat calamari is in an air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at the same temperature for 10 minutes, or in a toaster oven for 5 minutes. If using the oven, spread the calamari on a wire rack or preheated baking tray, and flip halfway through if using a tray to ensure even crisping.
To ensure your calamari is crispy, brush or spray it with olive oil or cooking spray before reheating. You can also sprinkle on extra seasonings like garlic powder, chilli flakes, salt, or pepper to enhance the flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh calamari is inexpensive and easy to work with. You can use both the squid rings and the tentacles, but most recipes use rings. First, tenderize the calamari by soaking it in milk or buttermilk. Then, cut the calamari into 1/2-inch thick rings. Pat the rings dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. Next, coat the rings in flour, then in egg mixture, and finally in breadcrumbs. Place the rings in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops with cooking spray and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the rings, spray with cooking spray again, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until browned and crispy.
Fresh calamari cooks quickly and can turn rubbery if overcooked. It should take around 7-8 minutes in total to cook, flipping the rings halfway through.
Air fry your fresh calamari at 380-400°F.
