Calamari is a delicious seafood dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. One of the most popular methods is to air fry it until it is crispy.

Air frying calamari is a healthier alternative that still yields delicious results. This air fryer calamari recipe will show you how to make calamari that is crispy and light, without all the oil.

What Is Calamari?

Calamari is a type of squid that many use in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. It is typically cooked until it is tender and then served with a variety of dipping sauces.

This Italian word is most commonly referred to as squid. The squid rings are placed in a deeper fryer and served as appetizers or side dishes. With a deep fryer you are able to cook more at one time.

Calamari can also be breaded and fried, which is how it is most commonly served in the United States. This dish is often referred to as calamari fritti or calamari alla romana.

When you fry calamari, it is important to not overcook it. If it is cooked for too long, it will become tough and rubbery. The perfect calamari should be tender and slightly chewy.

You might enjoy it at a local restaurant as a delicious appetizer or entree. Next time you decide to try calamari recipes dip in a cocktail sauce or garlic aioli.

How to Make Crispy Calamari in an Air Fryer

Making air fryer calamari is a much healthier and good choice alternative to deep frying.

Air frying calamari results in calamari that is just as crispy as the deep fried version, but without all the oil and calories.

What You Will Need

• 1 pound calamari rings (fresh squid)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg or 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs Italian style
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature of 400 degrees F.

Low heat can make your fried calamari soggy.

Side note: If calamari tubes are not already cut into rings cut them before you do anything else.

Optional: season your calamari with a teaspoon sea salt and cayenne pepper or old bay seasoning before you coat calamari. Pepper calamari is full of flavor but just don’t add to much.

2. In a shallow bowl wisk your eggs together.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Be sure not to add any excess flour.

4. In a third bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.

For a juicy and tasty end result you can add more cups panko bread crumbs.

5. Working in small batches, take your calamari rings and coat in flour mixture.

You can transfer your flour mixture over to a large bowl to coat the calamri.

6. Then place calamari in egg mixture and toss.

7. Add the calamari to the bread crumb mixture and toss to coat.

Be sure to shake off any excess breading. For added flavor add in some garlic powder or onion powder.

6. Spray a nonstick cooking spray or avocado oil spray in the preheated air fryer.

This will help to prevent the breaded calamari from sticking. You will not need any extra oil for an air fryer recipe.

7. Place the calamari in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

8. Cook time for calamari is 6-8 minutes, or until calamari is golden brown and crispy.

For frozen calmari cook it at the same high heat for 8-10 minutes. If overcooked you will have tough calamari.

If this is your first time cooking calamari you might want to keep an eye on it so that it is not undercooked or overcooked. The best time to check it is at the 6-minute mark.

You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the calamari which should be 165 degrees F when done.

9. When done pull the basket of the air fryer out and place the air fry calamari on a sheet of paper towels to cool.

10. Serve your prepared calamari with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of lemon wedges.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor. Enjoy!

Fresh calamari is a flavorful light meal that anyone is sure to enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• If you calamari is fresh, there is no need to pre-cook it before air frying. Simply clean and cut it into rings. If you are using frozen calamari, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
• You can use any type of bread crumb for this recipe. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can use crushed up corn flakes or rice cereal.
• For an extra crispy calamari, try double breading it. Simply dredge the calamari in a flour coating, then dip it in beaten egg, and finally coat it in bread crumbs. This method will yield a calamari that is extra crunchy on the outside.
• Serve calamari with your favorite dipping sauce. Popular options include marinara sauce, aioli, or even ketchup. Get creative and enjoy!
• Cooked calamari can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the leftover calamari in an air fryer for the best results. For the microwave, there is no exact cooking time, reheat in intervals.

The Perfect Seafood Appetizer

Crispy calamari is sure to be one of your favorite appetizers. It is light, flavorful, and will leave your guests wanting more. The great thing is there is less oil the cooking process is much simpler.

With an air fryer oven it is easy to set the temperature, time, and cook in a matter of no time!

This air fried calamari recipe is easy to follow and yields calamari that is crispy on the outside and tender calamari on the inside. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

For any new recipes be sure to add them to your recipe card. This is the best way to keep track of them!

Get the scoop on more easy air fryer recipes like this:

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