Image Source from kimpengitore

How to Make Air Fryer Calamari: A Crispy Delight

If you’re a fan of seafood, there’s a good chance that calamari has found its way onto your plate at least once or twice. Traditionally deep-fried, this delicious dish can be made healthier without sacrificing taste by using an air fryer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making perfectly crispy air fryer calamari that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

For the calamari:

• 500g fresh squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• Cooking oil spray

For serving:

• Fresh lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce or aioli (optional)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Shallow dish for coating
• Tray or plate for the coated calamari

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Calamari

Start by preparing your squid. If you have whole squid, ensure they are cleaned properly by removing the innards and the transparent quill. Rinse them under cold running water, then slice into rings – about 1cm thick. Pat the rings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help them crisp better in the air fryer.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In a shallow dish, combine the plain flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your calamari a delightful flavour. In another bowl, whisk the egg until it’s well beaten. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Calamari

Take each ring of calamari and first dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the calamari in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well. Transfer the breaded calamari rings to a plate and repeat the process until all pieces are coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (or 390°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to achieve that delectable crispy texture.

Step 5: Air Fry the Calamari

Arrange the breaded calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly. Lightly spray the calamari with cooking oil to help them brown beautifully.

Cook the calamari at 200°C (390°F) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook, as calamari can become tough if left for too long.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the calamari to a serving platter. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges, and, if you like, a side of tartar sauce or aioli for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calamari

• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to air fry the calamari in batches if you’re making a larger quantity. This ensures that all the pieces cook evenly and become crispy.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings in the flour mix to suit your tastes. A little cayenne pepper can add a lovely kick!
• Use Fresh Squid: Fresh squid will provide the best flavour and texture. If using frozen squid, ensure it is thawed and properly drained before cooking.

Conclusion

Making air fryer calamari is an enjoyable and straightforward process that results in a delectable dish that can compete with any restaurant offering. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, this calamari recipe is perfect for a starter or even as a main dish. So why not give it a go? Your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy your culinary adventure into the world of air-fried delights!

No items listed in the response.