Air-Fried Panko Calamari: A Quick, Crispy Treat

If you're a fan of fried calamari but want to avoid the mess and health implications of deep-frying, then air-frying could be the perfect solution. Air-fried calamari is a healthier, less greasy alternative that still delivers on taste and texture. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to make delicious, crispy panko calamari in your air fryer. We'll also offer some tips and tricks to ensure your calamari turns out perfectly every time.

How to Make Panko Calamari in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right ingredients

Panko calamari is a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried calamari. Here's a guide to choosing the right ingredients for this tasty treat:

Calamari

You can use fresh or frozen calamari tubes and tentacles. Fresh calamari is available at seafood markets, while frozen options can be found at supermarkets. If using frozen calamari, be sure to thaw it before cooking. You can defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or by running cold water over it for about 30 minutes per pound.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are essential for achieving that light and airy texture. This Japanese-style breadcrumb is made without the crust, resulting in a coarser, flakier crumb that absorbs less oil. You can find panko breadcrumbs at most grocery stores or online. If you can't find them, traditional breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is ideal for tenderizing the calamari and helping the breadcrumbs stick. It's thicker than regular milk due to its slightly curdled state, and it's also lower in fat. If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Eggs

Eggs are a key ingredient in the batter, providing a protein base for the breadcrumbs to adhere to. Whisk the eggs before dipping the calamari to ensure an even coating.

Seasonings

The right seasonings can elevate your panko calamari. Here are some options to consider:

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination for seasoning calamari.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A blend of celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika commonly used for seafood dishes.
• Garlic powder: Adds a garlicky kick to your calamari.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavour to the dish.
• Cayenne pepper: For a spicier twist, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Oil

A small amount of oil is needed to grease the air fryer basket and help the breadcrumbs crisp up. Avocado oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and fatty acid profile. Alternatively, you can use vegetable or canola oil.

Dipping Sauces

Calamari is often served with a dipping sauce on the side. Here are some options:

• Marinara sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Tartar sauce
• Sweet chili sauce

Preparing the calamari

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the calamari, you can use fresh or frozen tubes and tentacles, cut into rings. You will also need buttermilk, all-purpose flour, an egg, panko breadcrumbs, milk, oil, and seasonings such as paprika, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also suggest adding garlic powder, Old Bay Seasoning, or baking soda to enhance the flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, the first step is to marinate the calamari. Combine the calamari strips with buttermilk and let them soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to add flavour and create a light and crisp batter. You can also try marinating the calamari in lemon juice for a zesty twist.

Next, set up your breading station. You will need three dishes for this step. In the first bowl, add all-purpose flour. You can also add garlic powder to the flour for extra flavour. In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by beating an egg with milk. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, oil, and seasonings. You can add paprika, salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning to the breadcrumbs. If you want an extra crispy coating, you can crush the panko breadcrumbs in a ziplock bag before adding the other ingredients.

Now it's time to bread the calamari rings. Remove them from the buttermilk marinade and allow the excess to drip off. First, coat the calamari strips in the flour and shake off any excess. Then, dip them in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off again. Finally, toss the rings into the breadcrumb mixture and gently press to coat. You can let the breaded calamari sit for up to 30 minutes before air frying to help the coating dry and adhere.

Before placing the calamari in the air fryer, spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the calamari rings in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

And that's it! Your calamari is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your chosen recipe, and enjoy your delicious, crispy treat!

Making the breading

Firstly, prepare your calamari by cutting it into rings or tubes. You can use fresh or frozen calamari, but if it's frozen, make sure to thaw it first. Soak the calamari in buttermilk for around 30 minutes to an hour. This step is important as it helps to tenderize the calamari and adds flavour. You can also use dairy-free milk if preferred.

Now, it's time to set up your breading station. You'll need three separate dishes for this step. In the first dish, add some all-purpose flour. You can use regular flour or go for a gluten-free option if needed. The second dish should contain a mixture of egg and milk. Beat the egg and milk together until well combined. For the third dish, it's time to make your panko breading. Combine panko breadcrumbs with oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Old Bay Seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the third dish for extra flavour.

Take the calamari rings out of the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Now you're ready to start breading! First, coat the calamari strips in the flour and shake off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg and milk mixture, again allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, toss the calamari into the panko breading and gently press to ensure an even coating.

Before placing the breaded calamari into the air fryer, it's a good idea to let them sit on a rack for up to 30 minutes. This will help the breading to dry and adhere better. You can also chill them in the fridge for a while to prevent the breading from falling off during cooking.

Some additional tips for making the perfect breading:

• Always shake off excess flour and egg mixture to avoid clumping and ensure a crispier texture.
• Gently press the calamari into the breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating, but don't use too many breadcrumbs as it won't make the calamari tastier.
• If you want to use gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy panko calamari in your air fryer!

Cooking the calamari

Now that you have your ingredients and your breading station ready, it's time to cook the calamari.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If you're using the Wonder Oven from Our Place, remember that the timer function is not digital and can be imprecise, so use a separate timer. When the air fryer is ready, lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil.

Next, take your calamari rings from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the rings in flour, shaking off any excess. After this, dip the rings in the egg and milk mixture, and finally, toss them into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to coat.

Now you're ready to place the calamari rings into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer, and do not overcrowd the pan—work in batches if you need to. Spray the tops of the rings with non-stick cooking spray.

Cook the calamari for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also try 4 minutes on one side, then 2-4 minutes on the other, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Be careful not to overcook the calamari, as this will make it tough and chewy.

Once cooked, the calamari is best served immediately. However, if you need to crisp them up again, you can place them back in the air fryer for one minute.

Serving suggestions

Panko calamari is a delicious, crispy and healthy treat that you can make in an air fryer. It is a perfect appetizer and can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Dipping Sauces

You can serve the panko calamari with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include:

• Marinara sauce
• Tartar sauce
• Cocktail sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Sweet chili sauce
• Lemon juice
• Tzatziki sauce
• Greek yogurt dip

Side Dishes

Panko calamari can be served as a light meal or appetizer with various side dishes, such as:

• Cast Iron Chicken Breast
• Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
• Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted Acorn Squash
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Green Bean Ham and Sweet Potato Soup
• Kale and Sausage Pasta
• Butternut Squash Risotto

Variations

You can also experiment with different variations of panko calamari:

• Drizzle sweet chili sauce over the cooked calamari.
• Dip the calamari in a mixture of Old Bay seasoning and panko breadcrumbs.
• Add cayenne pepper to the coating mix for a spicy kick.
• Substitute panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

Frequently asked questions