Air Fryer Calamari Recipe

Calamari rings: These are the main ingredient, providing a tender and slightly sweet seafood flavor.

All-purpose flour: Used to coat the calamari, giving it a crispy texture when cooked.

Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color to the coating.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Olive oil: Helps to achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer without the need for deep frying.

When coating the calamari rings in the flour mixture, make sure to shake off any excess flour before placing them in the air fryer basket. This ensures an even, crispy texture without any clumps of flour. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or lemon zest to the flour mixture.

• calamari rings - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp has a similar texture and cooks quickly, making it a good alternative for air frying.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch provides a crispy coating and is gluten-free, which can be beneficial for those with gluten sensitivities.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar color and a bit more heat, enhancing the flavor profile.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder offers a different but complementary flavor, adding depth to the seasoning.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for air frying.

• Allow the calamari to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
• Transfer the cooled calamari to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that minimizes air exposure.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the calamari within 2-3 days. This keeps the calamari fresh and maintains its texture.
• For longer storage, place the calamari in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the calamari to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen calamari in the basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until heated through and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover calamari in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method helps maintain the crispy texture.

• For a quick oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the calamari on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures the calamari stays crispy without drying out.

• If you prefer the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and place the calamari in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through. This method can add a bit of extra crispiness.

• For a microwave option, place the calamari on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Cover with another paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Note that this method may not retain the crispy texture as well as others.

• Air fryer: This is the main appliance used to cook the calamari, ensuring they become golden and crispy without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and to coat the calamari rings with the flour mixture.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the all-purpose flour.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the coated calamari rings into the air fryer basket and for shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

• Olive oil spray bottle: Used to lightly spray the calamari rings with olive oil before cooking.

• Brush: An alternative to the spray bottle, used to brush olive oil onto the calamari rings.

• Serving plate: For serving the cooked calamari immediately after they are done.

• Dipping sauce bowl: To hold your favorite dipping sauce for serving with the calamari.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-cleaned calamari: Purchase pre-cleaned calamari rings to save time on preparation.

Mix spices in bulk: Create a larger batch of the flour mixture and store it for future use.

Oil spray bottle: Use an oil spray bottle for quick and even application of olive oil.

Batch cooking: Cook in batches if necessary, but ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded for even cooking.