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Air Fryer Calamari

Name: Air Fryer Calamari
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound calamari (fresh and cleaned); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: November 24, 2020

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Air Fryer Calamari is a delicious, crunchy alternative to traditional deep-fried calamari. The Air Fryer cooks the squid quickly and evenly, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. The Air Fryer also uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option for enjoying this classic appetizer

Air fryer calamari is a delicious and easy twist on the traditional fried appetizer. The air fryer creates a crisp outer layer without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier option as well

What Is Calamari?

What do you think of when you hear the word “calamari”? If you’re like many people, it conjures up images of breaded and fried rings served as an appetizer. While this is a popular preparation method, calamari actually just refers to a type of seafood – specifically, the edible tentacles and bodies of certain types of squid.

It can also be called squid or squids, but “calamari” is more commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Calamari can be cooked in a variety of ways – grilled, sautéed, stewed, or even eaten raw as sushi or sashimi. Despite its unique texture, calamari has a mild taste that pairs well with bold flavors like lemon, garlic, and herbs. So next time it’s on the menu, don’t be afraid to give this versatile seafood a try!

Can You Make Calamari In Air Fryer

es! Air fryers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, including fried calamari.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fried Calamari

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried calamari, air frying is the way to go.

Calamari: Use fresh or frozen calamari tubes or tentacles. You can usually find calamari, fresh or frozen at your local grocery store.
All-Purpose Flour: You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Milk: Helps tenderize the calamari. You can also use a dairy-free alternative, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Egg: Use a large, room-temperature egg.
Panko: This will give you the crispy calamari, that you will love! It helps give it some texture and crunch!
Seasonings and Spices: Salt and Black Pepper.

How To Cook Crispy Calamari In An Air Fryer

Step 1. Clean Your Calamari

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil.
Clean the calamari. If you purchased it whole, you would need to slice it into rings, about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2. Prepare the Breading

Set one bowl with flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
In the other bowl, mix the egg and milk.
Then the last bowl, add the panko.

Step 3. Bread the Calamari Rings

Dip your cleaned, sliced calamari into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko mixture.
As your bread, the calamari, place them into the air fryer basket.

Step 4. Cook the Calamari in an Air Fryer

Set the temperature to 400 degrees F for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway during the air frying process.

Tips For The Best Fried Calamari In Air Fryer

Calamari may seem like a tricky dish to make in an air fryer, but with the right technique, it can be a delicious and crispy addition to any meal.

To ensure crispiness, pat the calamari dry before coating them in flour or breadcrumbs. This will help create a crispy outer crust.
To add flavor, try marinating the calamari in your favorite seasonings before coating. Make sure to carefully shake off any excess marinade, as this can cause sticking during cooking.
Watch the cooking time closely, as overcooking can result in rubbery calamari.
Serve immediately for the best texture and enjoy!

With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best air fryer calamari!

FAQ About Air Fried Calamari

How to Double this Air Fryer Calamari Recipe

You can easily double or triple this recipe, but you will have to cook in batches, leaving plenty of room around the calamari, which will help it crisp up!

Do I Need to Thaw Frozen Calamari Before Air Frying?

Yes. The key to cooking frozen calamari is thawing it before you cook. This will ensure that your dish comes out perfectly and with minimal effort on behalf of both yourself and someone else who might be preparing this for a crowd!

How to Defrost Frozen Calamari

The best way to defrost calamari is to submerge it in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. You can also defrost it overnight in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it!

How to Store Leftover Cooked Calamari

Cooking calamari can be a quick and healthy meal, but what do you do with the leftovers? Here are a few tips on how to store leftover cooked calamari so you can enjoy it later. Leftover cooked calamari can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To store it in the fridge, simply place it in an airtight container or bag. To store in the freezer, first, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a sealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it either by leaving it out at room temperature overnight or by microwaving it for a few minutes

How to Reheat Frozen Fried Calamari

To reheat frozen fried calamari in an Air Fryer: Place the leftover calamari in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. To add extra crispiness, try spritzing the calamari with some oil before cooking.

To reheat in the oven: If you have leftovers of fried calamari that you want to enjoy again, the oven is a great option for reheating. To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the frozen fried calamari on a baking sheet and heat for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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