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Air Fryer Calamari: Crispy Squid Rings Recipe

Calamari, or squid rings, is a popular delicacy enjoyed in many parts of the world, especially by seafood lovers. Traditionally deep-fried, this mouth-watering starter can often be heavy and greasy, but with the advent of air fryers, you can achieve the same crispy texture without the excess oil. This article will guide you through a straightforward recipe for Air Fryer Calamari that will leave you with perfectly golden, crispy squid rings ready to be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal.

Ingredients

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

For the Calamari:

• 500g fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings
• 1 cup plain flour (or gluten-free flour, if preferred)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil for misting

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 100g mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

Start by preparing your squid. If you haven’t already purchased prepared squid, clean it under cold water, removing any innards and the beak. Cut the tentacles and body into 1 cm rings. Pat the squid dry with kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that desired crispiness.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and set aside. In another bowl, combine the plain flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Squid

Dip each squid ring first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, submerge it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before transferring it to the breadcrumbs. Ensure the squid is fully coated, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 390°F) for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve an even and quick cooking process, providing that crispy result.

Step 5: Arrange the Calamari in the Air Fryer

Arrange the coated squid rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket – do not overcrowd them. Mist lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a tiny amount of olive oil to promote browning.

Step 6: Cook the Calamari

Air fry the squid rings for approximately 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on the size of your rings and your specific air fryer model. The calamari should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Step 7: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While the calamari cooks, whip up a quick dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch.

Step 8: Serve

Once the calamari is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it sit for a minute. Serve the crispy squid rings warm, alongside the dipping sauce, lemon wedges, and perhaps a side of aioli or marinara sauce for extra flavour.

Tips for Perfect Calamari

• Choose Fresh Squid: Fresh squid tends to have a superior texture and flavour compared to frozen.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook in batches if necessary. This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices in the flour mixture to suit your taste. Chilli powder or dried herbs can also add a unique twist.

Air fryer calamari makes for an excellent appetiser for dinner parties or casual gatherings. With its crispy exterior and tender inside, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for seafood. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this easy and healthier take on a classic favourite!