Air Fryer Calamari
Enjoy a healthier twist on classic calamari with this air fryer recipe! Crispy, golden, and flavorful, this dish is perfect as an appetizer or light main course. Made with minimal oil, it's a guilt-free treat that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
Ingredients
For the Calamari:
- 1 lb 450g fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into ½-inch rings
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free alternative
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal for gluten-free
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
Optional Marinade:
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Your favorite dipping sauce e.g., marinara, tartar sauce, or aioli
Instructions
Prepare the Calamari:
- Rinse the calamari rings under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- If marinating, combine the lemon juice, garlic, and oregano in a bowl. Add the calamari rings and marinate for 30 minutes.
Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
Coat the Calamari:
- Dredge the calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured rings into water or a beaten egg for extra adherence, then coat them with panko breadcrumbs.
Cook the Calamari:
- Arrange the calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the rings with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve:
- Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Add a grated Parmesan to the panko breadcrumbs before coating.
- Storage: Leftover calamari can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Customization: Adjust the spices to your preference or experiment with seasonings like Italian herbs or chili flakes.