Easy Air Fryer Calamari: A Light and Crispy Seafood Delight

If you’ve ever craved crispy, golden calamari but didn’t want to deal with the greasy mess of deep frying, you’re in for a treat! With the air fryer, you can achieve the perfect texture, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with far less oil. It’s not only healthier, but it’s also faster and cleaner.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through how to make Easy Air Fryer Calamari: A Light and Crispy Seafood Delight. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this simple recipe will help you recreate restaurant-quality calamari at home, no deep fryer required. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to make it extra crispy and flavorful, whether you’re using fresh or frozen calamari.

Ready to impress your friends and family with a light, crispy seafood dish that’s both delicious and easy to make? Let’s get started!

Why Air Fryer Calamari Is the Perfect Recipe for Seafood Lovers

If you’ve been hesitant about making calamari at home, the air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Traditional deep-fried calamari can be heavy and greasy, but with the air fryer, you can create a light, crispy texture that’s just as satisfying. Here are a few reasons why this air fryer calamari recipe is a game-changer:

1. Healthier Option

The beauty of the air fryer is that you can cook with little to no oil, making it a healthier choice than deep frying. While traditional fried calamari is often cooked in a vat of oil, air frying uses hot air to crisp up the breading, reducing the overall fat content. You still get that golden crunch you love, but without all the extra grease.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With the air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked calamari in about 10 minutes. There’s no need to wait for oil to heat up, and you won’t have to deal with splattering oil either. The air fryer does the hard work, leaving you with crispy calamari in less time than it would take to make it the traditional way.

3. Perfectly Crispy Every Time

When done right, air fryer calamari is a crispy masterpiece. The hot air circulates evenly around the calamari, ensuring a consistent golden crunch. You’ll never have to worry about soggy calamari again, just a perfectly crisp exterior with a tender, juicy interior.

4. Minimal Cleanup

If you’ve ever deep-fried at home, you know the cleanup can be a nightmare. Not so with the air fryer! All you need to do is wipe down the basket and you’re done. No greasy splatters to scrub away, just a quick and easy clean-up after your delicious meal.

5. Great for Both Fresh and Frozen Calamari

Whether you’re working with fresh calamari from the seafood counter or frozen calamari rings, the air fryer can handle both. In fact, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen calamari without even needing to thaw it, making it a super convenient option for last-minute meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Air Fryer Calamari

Before we jump into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything you need to make the perfect air fryer calamari. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple, and you probably already have most of these in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Calamari (Fresh or Frozen)

• Whether you’re using fresh or frozen calamari, both work perfectly in the air fryer. If you’re using frozen calamari, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand—just pop it straight into the air fryer! Fresh calamari, on the other hand, may need a quick rinse and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.

2. Buttermilk

• Soaking calamari in buttermilk not only tenderizes it but also helps the breading stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes.

3. Panko Breadcrumbs

• Panko breadcrumbs are your secret weapon for achieving that light and crispy texture. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko is flakier and absorbs less moisture, which means your calamari stays crispier for longer. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily find gluten-free panko breadcrumbs at most grocery stores.

4. All-Purpose Flour

• A light dusting of all-purpose flour helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the calamari and adds an extra layer of crunch. Feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version.

5. Seasonings

• You can keep it basic by using just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or paprika for an extra kick. Seasoning the flour and breadcrumbs ensures your calamari is bursting with flavor in every bite.

6. Olive Oil Spray

• While the air fryer does a great job of crisping up food, a light spray of olive oil helps achieve that golden color and extra crispiness. You can also use avocado oil spray if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Air Fryer Calamari

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make crispy, golden air fryer calamari that’s perfect every time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is foolproof.

Step 1: Prepare the Calamari

• Fresh Calamari: If you’re using fresh calamari, start by cleaning it. Slice the body into rings (about ½-inch thick) and cut the tentacles into bite-sized pieces. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential to avoid soggy calamari.
• Frozen Calamari: If you’re using frozen calamari, skip the thawing process, just take it straight from the freezer to the air fryer. If it’s frozen in a block, break it apart first.

Step 2: Soak the Calamari in Buttermilk

• In a medium bowl, add the calamari rings and tentacles. Pour in enough buttermilk to fully submerge the calamari. Let it soak for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps tenderize the seafood and ensures that the breading sticks better during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

• In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings (like cayenne or paprika) to add a little extra flavor.
• In another shallow bowl, you can place a bit more buttermilk to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the calamari.

Step 4: Coat the Calamari

• After the calamari has soaked in the buttermilk, it’s time to coat it. Take each piece of calamari, dip it into the flour mixture first, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-coated for that crispy crunch.

Step 5: Air Fry the Calamari

• Heat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes. Once heated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
• Arrange the coated calamari in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, this ensures that the hot air circulates properly for an even crisp.
• Cook the calamari at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The calamari should be golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the calamari is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for just a moment. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara, spicy aioli, or lemon wedges. For a fresh touch, pair it with a side salad or crispy fries.

Air Fryer Calamari Pro Tips for the Best Results

To make sure your air fryer calamari comes out crispy and perfect every time, here are some pro tips that will elevate your cooking game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time air fryer user, these tricks will ensure your calamari is restaurant-quality!

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

While it’s tempting to load up the air fryer basket with as much calamari as possible, overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, so make sure to leave some space between the pieces. If necessary, cook the calamari in batches to get the perfect crispy texture.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving that perfect crisp. If you place the calamari in a cold air fryer, it won’t cook as evenly or get that golden crunch. Preheat the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding your calamari.

3. Use a Light Coat of Oil

Although the air fryer uses little to no oil, a light spray of oil on the calamari before cooking helps to achieve that perfect golden color and extra crisp. You don’t need to soak the calamari in oil, just a light mist will do the trick. Opt for olive oil or avocado oil for the best results.

4. Shake the Basket Halfway Through

For even crispness, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the calamari cook evenly on all sides, giving you that crispy exterior. You can also use tongs to flip the calamari pieces if you prefer.

5. Don’t Overcook the Calamari

Calamari can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on your calamari during the last few minutes of cooking, and check for that golden brown color. As soon as it’s crispy, remove it from the air fryer. It usually takes around 8–10 minutes, but depending on your air fryer model, it could vary slightly.

6. Experiment with Seasonings

While a simple garlic and paprika seasoning works wonders, don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices. Add cayenne pepper for heat, or lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy kick. You can even mix in some parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra savory touch. The sky’s the limit!

7. Serve Immediately for the Best Crisp

The beauty of air fryer calamari is that it stays crispy for a little while after cooking, but it’s best served right away. If you need to prepare in advance, you can keep it warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) for a short time, but it won’t have that just-cooked crunch.

Serving Ideas and Dipping Sauces for Your Air Fryer Calamari

Once your air fryer calamari is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up with some delicious sides and dipping sauces. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more satisfying and memorable.

1. Classic Marinara Sauce

There’s nothing like the classic pairing of crispy calamari with marinara sauce. The rich, tangy tomato sauce complements the crunchy calamari perfectly, making it an easy choice for dipping. You can use store-bought marinara or whip up a quick homemade version with garlic, tomatoes, and a hint of basil.

2. Spicy Aioli

For those who love a bit of heat, spicy aioli is a fantastic dipping sauce. Simply mix mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha, lemon juice, and garlic powder to create a creamy and spicy dip. This sauce adds a rich, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy calamari.

3. Lemon Wedges and Garlic Butter

If you prefer something lighter, fresh lemon wedges are a great option. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of acidity that brightens the dish. Pair it with a side of melted garlic butter for dipping, and you’ve got a simple, yet flavorful combination that will elevate your calamari.

4. Tartar Sauce

For a classic seafood experience, tartar sauce is always a winner. Its creamy texture and pickled flavor work beautifully with the crispy calamari. You can make your own by combining mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard, or use a store-bought version for convenience.

5. Fresh Salad and Roasted Veggies

To balance out the rich, crispy calamari, serve it with a fresh, light salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh crunch that complements the seafood. You could also add roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini to make the meal more filling.

6. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries

For a true comfort food experience, serve your fried calamari in air fryer with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries. The crispiness of the fries mirrors the texture of the calamari, and the sweetness of the sweet potato fries pairs nicely with the savory seafood.

7. Greek Yogurt Dip

For a lighter and healthier dip option, consider serving your calamari with a cool, creamy Greek yogurt dip. Add some dill, garlic, lemon, and cucumber to Greek yogurt for a refreshing dip that complements the crispy calamari without overwhelming it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Perfect Air Fryer Calamari

There you have it, a foolproof, easy-to-follow recipe for making crispy and delicious air fryer calamari at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a snack, or as part of a larger meal, this calamari in air fryer is sure to be a hit.

Not only is it quicker and less messy than traditional deep frying, but it’s also a healthier option, giving you the same crispy texture with less oil. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make fried calamari in air fryer that’s golden, tender, and bursting with flavor every time.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your air fryer, get cooking, and enjoy your perfectly crispy calamari with your favorite dipping sauce and sides. Your taste buds, and your guests, will be glad you did!

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