Air Fryer Calamari
Air fryer calamari gives you a crisp, golden coating on tender squid rings with just a light spray of oil instead of a deep pan of it. The rings are dusted in flour, dipped in egg and pressed into seasoned panko, then cooked in two batches so they stay in a single layer. It makes a starter for four or a light supper with salad and a squeeze of lemon.
- Total
- 41 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 21 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 225kcal
Getting the texture of air fryer calamari right
Calamari has two settings: tender or rubbery, with very little in between. Squid is mostly protein that tightens quickly under heat, so a high temperature and short cooking time keep it soft inside the crust. That is why the rings are cooked at 200°C for 9 minutes, rather than longer at a gentler heat.
Moisture is the other enemy. If the rings are wet, the flour turns to paste and the crumbs slide off in the basket. Dry them well, coat firmly and rest them before cooking, as in the steps below. The lemon zest in the panko gives a fresh note without making the coating wet.
Air fryer calamari: the method
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Dry the squid Pat the squid rings very dry with kitchen paper. If they were frozen, they must be fully defrosted first, in the fridge overnight, and dried again.
- Set up three bowls Put the flour and pepper in one bowl and the beaten eggs in a second. In the third, mix the panko with the paprika, salt and lemon zest.
- Coat the rings Toss a handful of rings in the flour, shake off the excess, dip them in the egg and then press them firmly into the panko, until completely covered. Set them on a plate in a single layer and leave them for , so the coating can set.
- Preheat and arrange Heat the air fryer to 200°C for . Spread half of the rings in the basket in a single layer, without letting them overlap, and spray them lightly with oil.
- Cook the first batch Cook at 200°C for , shaking the basket or turning the rings with tongs after . They are done when the coating is deep golden and crisp and the rings feel firm. Tip them onto a plate.
- Cook the second batch and serve Cook the rest in the same way for . Serve straight away with lemon wedges and a dip.
Dips, swaps and serving
Serve the rings hot, because they lose their crunch as they cool. A bowl of aioli and a lemon wedge on each plate is traditional. For a lighter meal, pile the rings on a salad of rocket and tomatoes.
You can use ordinary dried breadcrumbs instead of panko, but the coating will be finer and less crunchy. If you only have a small basket, work in three batches and shorten nothing: each layer still needs 9 minutes.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Calamari
- The coating falls off the squid.
- Wet squid is the usual cause. Dry the rings thoroughly, coat them in flour before the egg, press the panko on firmly, and give them the 5-minute rest before cooking.
- The rings are tough and rubbery.
- Squid toughens when it is cooked too long. Keep to 9 minutes at 200°C, and do not cook more than one layer at a time, as crowded rings steam instead of crisping.
- There are pale, dry patches on the coating.
- The oil spray missed them. Turn the rings halfway, spray any dry-looking patches and cook for the last few minutes.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Calamari
How long does air fryer calamari take?
Each batch takes 9 minutes at 200°C, so two batches plus a 3-minute preheat take about 21 minutes. Add 15 minutes to prepare and coat the squid.
Can you use frozen squid rings?
Yes, raw frozen rings work once they are completely defrosted in the fridge overnight and patted dry. Ready-breaded frozen calamari is different: cook that from frozen, following the packet.
Can you make the coating gluten-free?
Yes. Swap the plain flour for cornflour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the panko. Check the label of any dip you serve with it.
What do you serve with calamari?
Lemon wedges and aioli are the classics. Tartare sauce, sweet chilli sauce or a simple dip of mayonnaise with garlic and chopped parsley also work well.
How did you like the recipe?
4.6 / 5 · 49 ratings
