Air-Fried Calamari: A Quick, Crispy Treat

If you're craving fried calamari but don't want to deal with the mess and health implications of deep frying, then air frying could be the perfect solution. This method uses little oil, minimises mess from oil splatter, and produces a crispy, tasty, and healthier version of this popular restaurant appetiser.

How to tenderise the calamari

There are several ways to tenderise calamari before frying. One of the most popular methods is to soak the calamari in buttermilk for 30 minutes to an hour. Buttermilk contains enzymes that help to tenderise the meat and also add flavour. It is also possible to use milk or salted milk as an alternative to buttermilk. In this case, the calamari should be soaked in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes.

Another option is to use a brine made from baking soda, salt, and water. The calamari is submerged in the brine and left to tenderise in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This method helps to prevent the meat from becoming too rubbery.

Finally, physical methods such as beating the calamari with rocks or using a steak tenderiser can also be effective.

How to make a gluten-free version

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb calamari, sliced into rings
• 1/3 cup gluten-free flour
• 3 tbsp arrowroot starch
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, whisked (or full-fat coconut milk for an egg-free alternative)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Avocado oil spray
• Marinara sauce and lemon wedges, to serve

Method:

• Make a brine by mixing together 1/3 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp baking soda in a small bowl. Add the calamari and toss. Place in the fridge for 20-25 minutes. Then, strain the water and pat dry.
• Prepare the breading by combining the flour, arrowroot starch, and Italian seasoning in one bowl. In another bowl, add the whisked egg.
• Working with one piece at a time, dip the calamari into the egg to coat, letting the excess drip off. Then, place the calamari in the flour mixture and dredge to coat.
• Add the coated calamari to the base of the air fryer basket. Repeat for all the calamari.
• Spray the calamari well with avocado oil spray on both sides.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Air fry for 6-8 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the calamari is crisped to your liking.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve topped with parsley and with a side of marinara sauce and lemon wedges.

Tips:

• Don't skip the tenderizing step with the brine, as this will help keep the texture perfect.
• You can use either calamari tubes or tentacles, or a combination of both.
• If you don't have arrowroot starch, you can use tapioca starch or corn starch instead.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the calamari in the oven at 450°F for 10-12 minutes.

How to make a dairy-free version

How to Make Dairy-Free Fried Calamari in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 lb calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup arrowroot flour/cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Avocado oil spray, as needed
• 2 tsp lemon juice, plus zest from half a lemon
• 1/4 tsp sumac, ground (optional)
• A pinch of salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayo
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Zest from half a lemon
• 1/4 tsp sumac, ground (optional)
• A pinch of salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

• In a large bowl, soak the calamari rings in enough dairy-free milk to cover them. Allow them to soak for at least one hour, or up to four to five hours if you have the time. This helps to tenderize the rings, as the lactic acid in the milk tenderizes the muscle fibres of the calamari.
• In a separate large bowl, add your flour, arrowroot, spices, and salt and mix well to combine.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF for a few minutes so it's nice and hot.
• Take one calamari ring from the milk mixture and toss it in the flour. Tap any excess flour off the rings. Place on a large plate until enough are done to fill one layer of the air fryer.
• When your air fryer is ready, spray some oil on the bottom of the tray. Add the calamari rings (working in batches to ensure they aren't touching) and spray oil on the rings.
• Bake at 380ºF for four to five minutes. Flip them over, spray again (lightly) with oil, and bake for four to five minutes longer, until golden brown and crispy.
• In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the optional dipping sauce.
• Keep the cooked calamari stored in the oven on the lowest temperature while you cook all the calamari rings. If you need to crisp them up again, bake in the air fryer for one minute.

Tips:

• Don't be afraid to open and check on the calamari to ensure they aren't burning. Turn down the heat or lessen the cooking time if needed.
• You don't want to overcook the calamari as they will turn rubbery. They shouldn't take longer than 10 to 12 minutes in total.
• Work in batches so that the rings aren't touching. This will help to make sure they can all get crispy.

How to store and reheat your fried calamari

Storing fried calamari is simple: place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge or freezer. Be sure to reheat and eat your fried calamari within the next few days, as it will lose its crunch and become soggy. It is best to consume leftovers that include seafood within 3 days.

There are several ways to reheat fried calamari. One of the easiest methods is to use the oven: preheat your oven to between 350°F and 375°F, spread your calamari on a baking pan, and bake for around 7 minutes. Flip the calamari halfway through to ensure they warm up evenly on both sides.

Another option is to use a skillet: heat a small amount of oil in a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) and fry the calamari on both sides until evenly heated. Keep the heat low to avoid overcooking.

You can also reheat fried calamari in an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or in the microwave on medium power for short intervals, regularly checking the temperature and moisture level.

If you want your fried calamari to be crispy, the best option is to deep fry it again straight from the fridge at 375°F for about 2 minutes.

How to make a spicy version

How to Make Spicy Fried Calamari in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 pound calamari, cleaned and skins removed
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1½ cups cold water
• 1 cup cassava flour
• ½ cup tapioca flour
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large egg whites
• 6 cups avocado oil or avocado oil spray for the air fryer
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• ½ cup marinara sauce (optional dipping sauce)
• Spicy seasoning of your choice (e.g. cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika)

Instructions:

• Pat the calamari dry and cut the body into rings that are ¾-inch thick. Trim any super long tentacles.
• Mix baking soda, 1½ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, and water in a large bowl. Submerge the calamari and brine in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
• While the calamari is brining, whisk the cassava flour, tapioca flour, black pepper, and your chosen spicy seasoning in a shallow bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Lastly, place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
• When the 15 minutes is up, take the calamari out of the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Add the calamari to the whisked egg whites and toss well.
• In batches, shake off excess egg whites and dredge the calamari in the flour mixture. Make sure the insides of the calamari rings and all the tentacles are well coated.
• Shake off any excess flour and set the coated calamari on the prepared wire rack in the rimmed baking sheet.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• When it reaches temperature, spray the bottom of the basket with avocado oil and add enough calamari to make a single layer on the bottom of the basket. Spray the calamari generously with avocado oil.
• Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy, shaking the contents of the basket at the halfway point.
• Transfer the calamari to a plate and immediately season with a sprinkle of salt. Repeat the above steps with the remaining calamari.
• Serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce, if desired.

Tips:

• The key to perfectly fried calamari is making sure the oil temperature is correct. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature if possible.
• To get perfect fried calamari from the air fryer, spray on a nice coat of avocado oil onto the squid before cooking and shake the basket midway through the cooking process.
• Start checking on your calamari at the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions