Air-Fried Calamari Rings: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

If you're craving crispy, tender, and perfectly fried calamari without the mess and guilt of deep frying, then air frying is the way to go! Air-fried calamari is a healthier alternative that's simple to make and absolutely delicious. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about preparing and cooking calamari rings in an air fryer, from tenderising the squid to getting that perfect golden crunch. So, get your air fryer ready and let's cook up a storm!

Preparing the calamari

Firstly, you will need to start with fresh or frozen calamari tubes and tentacles. You can buy these at your local seafood market or in the frozen section of most supermarkets. If using frozen calamari, ensure that it is completely thawed before proceeding.

Once you have your calamari, it's time to clean and prepare the squid. Pull away the tentacles and keep them separate. Empty the inside of the mantle and remove the cartilage. Rinse the squid and cut it into rings of approximately 2 cm in thickness. If the tentacles are large, cut them in half as well. It is important to ensure that your calamari is dry before proceeding to the next step.

Now, you will need to set up a breading station. This typically involves three bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour or instant flour for polenta. You can also experiment with other types of flour, such as cassava flour or gluten-free flour, if you prefer. In the second bowl, beat an egg with a small amount of milk or buttermilk. You can also add lemon juice to this mixture for extra flavour. The third bowl will contain your breadcrumb mixture. For a classic breading, use Panko breadcrumbs, or for a thicker layer, blend stale pita bread into coarse breadcrumbs. You can also use gluten-free oats or cornstarch for a gluten-free option. Season your breadcrumb mixture with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder.

Take each calamari ring and dip it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, toss the ring in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process until all your calamari rings are breaded. It is important to work in batches and not overcrowd your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Once your calamari rings are breaded, place them on a wire rack or plate while you prepare the rest. You can also chill them in the fridge for a while to help the breading stick better. This is a crucial step to ensure your breading doesn't fall off during cooking.

Your calamari is now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or another high-smoke-point oil to prevent sticking. Place the calamari rings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the rings with oil to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Now, you are ready to air fry your calamari! Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip the rings and spray again with oil. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on your calamari to ensure it doesn't burn, and adjust the time or temperature as needed.

Making the breading

Firstly, prepare your calamari by cleaning and cutting it into rings. You can also remove the tentacles and cut them into smaller pieces if desired. It's important to ensure the calamari is dry before proceeding to the next step.

Next, set up your breading station. You'll need three bowls for this process. In the first bowl, add your chosen type of flour. You can use all-purpose flour, cornmeal for polenta, or a gluten-free alternative. In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by beating an egg with milk or buttermilk. You can also add lemon juice to the egg wash for extra flavour. The third bowl will contain your chosen breadcrumbs. You can use traditional breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or blend stale pita bread into coarse breadcrumbs for a thicker layer. Season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices such as paprika or garlic powder. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like parsley and dill.

Now you're ready to start breading! First, dip the calamari rings into the flour, making sure they are well coated. Shake off any excess flour, as this can make the breading soggy. Next, dip the floured calamari into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, toss the calamari into the bowl of breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded calamari on a wire rack or plate while you prepare the rest.

It's important to work in batches to ensure the breading is done properly and to avoid overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the calamari in multiple batches to avoid overlapping.

Once all your calamari rings are breaded, they are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Cooking the calamari

Now that your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the calamari. Place the rings in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Spray the tops of the rings with cooking spray or oil.

Cook the calamari for 4 minutes, then flip the rings and spray the other side with cooking spray or oil. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until they are browned and crispy. The total cooking time will be around 8-10 minutes.

Keep an eye on the calamari while it's cooking to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature depending on your air fryer.

Once the calamari is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. The calamari is best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat the calamari, return it to the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes, or until it is heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat it in the oven at 450°F for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating the calamari

Once you've cooked your calamari rings, it's best to serve them immediately. However, if you do have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Reheating fried calamari in the air fryer is a great way to get crispy results. Pop them back into the air fryer at around 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes, or until crunchy. You can also reheat them in the oven: preheat the oven to 450°F and bake the rings and tentacles for 10-12 minutes.

If you're reheating already-cooked calamari that has been stored in the fridge, a temperature of 160°C/320°F for 5 minutes will be perfect.

It's important not to overcook the calamari, as this will make it rubbery. It shouldn't take longer than 10-12 minutes in total to reheat.

Serving the calamari

Now that your calamari is cooked, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving this delicious dish:

• Serve immediately: Calamari is best served fresh and hot out of the air fryer. It tends to lose its crispiness over time, so it's not recommended to store it for later.
• Dipping sauces: Calamari is often served with dipping sauces on the side. Some popular options include marinara sauce, garlic aioli, cocktail sauce, ketchup, sriracha, sriracha mayonnaise, and ranch dressing.
• Garnishes: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a lemon wedge on the side adds a tangy flavour to the dish. You can also garnish with parsley for a pop of colour and freshness.
• Sides: Calamari can be served as an appetizer or a main course. If serving as an appetizer, consider pairing it with other small plates or finger foods. For a main course, it goes well with sides such as roasted vegetables, salads, or grains like rice or quinoa.
• Reheating: If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes or until crispy again. This will help restore the crispiness and warmth of the dish.
• Presentation: Calamari can be plated in a variety of ways. You can stack the rings or spread them out, creating a visually appealing arrangement. Adding some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika on top can also enhance the presentation.
• Portion size: Depending on the serving size, you can adjust the amount of calamari you cook. As an appetizer, 4-6 rings per person is usually sufficient. For a main course, you can serve a larger portion, around 8-12 rings or more, depending on the size of the calamari and the sides you're serving with it.

Frequently asked questions