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Air Fryer Calamari: Crispy Squid Rings Recipe

Calamari is a beloved delicacy enjoyed across the globe, especially in coastal regions. Traditionally deep-fried, it can sometimes feel a tad greasy. However, with the advent of air fryers, it’s possible to enjoy this classic dish in a healthier, crispier fashion. Air fryer calamari transforms squid rings into a delectable treat that maintains all the flavours and textures you love, minus the excess oil. Here’s how to whip up your very own crispy squid rings in an air fryer.

Ingredients

For the Calamari

• 500g fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 100g breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Dipping Sauce (optional)

• 100g mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to your spice preference)
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Marinating the Squid

Begin by marinating the squid rings in buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, simply add a splash of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps tenderise the squid and adds flavour. Allow the squid to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, though a couple of hours is even better.

Step 2: Preparing the Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the plain flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, place the breadcrumbs. This two-step coating process will give your calamari an incredible crunch.

Step 3: Coating the Squid

Remove the squid rings from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each ring in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess, before dipping it back into the buttermilk. Finally, coat each ring with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure that they adhere well.

Step 4: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (or 390°F). Arrange the coated squid rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overcrowd. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the calamari with cooking spray or brush with a little oil – this helps achieve that golden-brown finish.

Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the calamari are crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model.

Step 5: Serving

Once done, remove the calamari from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce. The creamy sriracha mayo complements the crispy squid perfectly, adding a tangy kick.

Tips and Tricks

• Squid Preparation: Make sure to clean the squid properly. If you’re unfamiliar with cleaning squid, you can ask your fishmonger to do it for you.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add cayenne pepper or your favourite spices to the flour mix for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Consider using cauliflower or zucchini slices instead of squid for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Conclusion

Air fryer calamari is an exquisite dish that’s quick to prepare and bound to impress at any dinner party or casual gathering. With its crispy exterior and tender inside, it’s perfect as a starter or a light snack. This healthier method allows you to enjoy the essence of traditional calamari without the guilt. So grab some squid, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy the culinary delight that is crispy squid rings!

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