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Air Fryer Calamari: So Crispy but Not Greasy

Calamari, with its tender texture and delicate flavour, is a beloved dish across many cuisines. Traditionally deep-fried, it often finds itself heavy with grease, which can detract from its natural appeal. However, with the advent of air fryers, there is now a healthier alternative that retains all the satisfying crunch without the excess oil. Enter Air Fryer Calamari: a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic seafood dish in a lighter manner.

Ingredients

To prepare Air Fryer Calamari, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 500g fresh calamari rings (or whole calamari, cleaned and sliced)
• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 150g breadcrumbs (panko or regular, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Prepping the Calamari: If you are using whole calamari, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly before slicing them into rings. Pat them dry with kitchen paper to ensure excess moisture is removed, which helps achieve that all-important crispiness.

2. Dredging Station: Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the plain flour, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the smoked paprika and garlic powder for added flavour.

3. Coating the Calamari: Take each calamari ring and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the ring in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat with all the calamari rings.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (or 400°F) and preheat it for about 5 minutes, if required.

2. Cooking the Calamari: Arrange the coated calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent proper air circulation and can lead to uneven cooking. You may need to do this in batches.

3. Air Frying: Spray the calamari lightly with a cooking spray or drizzle with a tiny bit of oil for extra crispiness. Air fry for about 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The calamari should turn golden brown and crispy when done.

Serving Suggestions

Once the calamari is perfectly cooked, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a moment. Serve your Air Fryer Calamari with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. They pair beautifully with a garlic aioli or a simple marinara sauce for dipping.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Calamari provides a delightful way to indulge in this classic dish without the guilt of traditional frying. With its crispy exterior and tender centre, this version will surely please both calamari aficionados and newcomers alike. Whether as a starter, a snack, or a main course, air-fried calamari is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, grab your air fryer and dive into the crispy goodness – your taste buds will thank you!

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