air fried calamari recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best air fried calamari recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my air fried calamari recipe, a dish that’s been a staple in our household for years. As an Italian-American, I grew up loving the taste of fried calamari, but as I got older and wiser, I realized that traditional deep-frying wasn’t the healthiest option. That’s when I discovered air frying, and it changed everything!

With air frying, I can still achieve that crispy exterior and tender interior without all the extra oil. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday party. My kids love helping me make it, and it’s become one of their favorite dishes too.

We love serving it with a side of marinara sauce and some crusty bread for dipping. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cleanup!

I’ve tried this recipe with various seasonings and spices, but my go-to is a simple mix of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The result is always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve also experimented with different types of squid, but the most tender ones come from the Asian market.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and make this recipe your own! The health benefits are undeniable – less oil means fewer calories and a lighter meal overall. My family and I have enjoyed this recipe countless times, and it never gets old.

Whether we’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, air fried calamari always hits the spot.

Air Fried Calamari Recipe

4.9 from 1522 votes

Crispy and tender calamari rings cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Served with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Calamari

1 lb calamari rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup water

For the Marinara Sauce

1 cup marinara sauce
1 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
1 tsp dried oregano

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the calamari rings dry with a paper towel.
2In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Gradually add water while whisking until a smooth batter forms.
4The batter should be thick enough to coat the calamari but not too thick.
5Dip the calamari rings into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
6Shake off any excess batter.
7Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
8This allows the batter to adhere better to the calamari.
9Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
10Arrange the battered calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
11This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
12Air fry the calamari at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
13Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
14Remove the calamari from the air fryer and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
15While the calamari is cooking, prepare the marinara sauce.
16In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
17Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
18Add the marinara sauce and dried oregano, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
19This allows the flavors to meld together.
20Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
21Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and keep warm.
22Serve the air-fried calamari hot with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
23Enjoy immediately while crispy.
24The calamari should have a golden-brown exterior and a tender, slightly chewy interior.
25The marinara sauce should be warm and flavorful, complementing the crispy calamari perfectly.

🔧Equipment

Air fryer
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper to the batter. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Watch Video Of How Air Fried Calamari Recipe Works

This air fried calamari recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick dinner solution. My family loves how easy it is to make and how customizable it is with various seasonings and spices.

For longer storage, you can freeze cooked calamari in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply place them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fried Calamari

Q: What type of squid should I use for this recipe?

For the best results, use Asian-style squid or ‘baby’ squid – they’re usually more tender than other varieties.

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Nope! Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter coating that won’t overpower the flavor of the squid.

Q: How do you keep the calamari crispy in the air fryer?

I shake the basket halfway through cooking to redistribute any excess oil – this helps maintain crispiness throughout.

Q: What’s the ideal temperature for cooking air fried calamari?

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Q: Can you store leftover air fried calamari in an airtight container?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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