Ingredients and preparation
To create a delicious batch of air fryer calamari, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to make a crispy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of calamari rings: Fresh or frozen, thawed if necessary.
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour: For dredging the calamari, giving it a light, crispy coating.
- 1/2 cup of cornmeal: Adds extra crunch to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: For a subtle, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt: To season the calamari.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper: For a hint of spice.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten, to help the coating adhere to the calamari.
- Cooking spray: To lightly coat the calamari before air frying, ensuring a golden, crispy finish.
- Lemon wedges: For serving, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to the fried calamari.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare the calamari properly. Begin by patting the calamari rings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture, as moisture can cause the coating to become soggy.
Next, set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. The third bowl will remain empty for now, as it will be used to hold the coated calamari before air frying.
Now, you’re ready to coat the calamari. Working in batches, dip each calamari ring into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, dredge the calamari in the flour mixture once more, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the coated calamari rings in the empty bowl, and repeat the process until all the calamari is coated and ready for the air fryer.
Cooking instructions
With your calamari rings perfectly coated, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is essential as it ensures that the calamari cooks evenly and achieves that desirable crispy texture.
Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the calamari from becoming crispy. If necessary, cook the calamari in batches to ensure each ring has enough space.
Lightly spray the tops of the calamari rings with cooking spray as well. This additional spray helps to achieve a golden-brown finish. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, around the 4-5 minute mark, open the air fryer and gently shake the basket or use tongs to flip the calamari rings. This step ensures even cooking on all sides.
Keep an eye on the calamari during the last few minutes of cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the calamari rings and the specific model of your air fryer. The calamari is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer a slightly darker or lighter finish, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Once the calamari is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place the calamari on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps to keep the calamari crisp and light.
Serving suggestions
Now that your air fryer calamari is perfectly crispy and golden, it’s time to think about how to serve it in a way that enhances its flavors and makes for a delightful dining experience. Calamari is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
For a classic presentation, serve the calamari with a side of marinara sauce. The tangy, slightly sweet tomato sauce complements the savory, crispy calamari beautifully. You can either use a store-bought marinara or make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
If you prefer a lighter, more refreshing option, consider serving the calamari with a lemon aioli. To make the aioli, simply mix mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The creamy, zesty sauce adds a bright contrast to the fried calamari and is perfect for dipping.
For a Mediterranean twist, serve the calamari with a side of tzatziki sauce. This Greek yogurt-based sauce, made with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill, offers a cool and tangy complement to the warm, crispy calamari. You can also add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a few Kalamata olives to the plate for an extra burst of flavor.
To elevate the dish even further, consider serving the calamari over a bed of mixed greens or arugula, lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The peppery greens provide a nice contrast to the rich, fried calamari, and the lemon juice ties the flavors together. Add a few cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions for color and extra freshness.
For a more substantial meal, you can serve the calamari alongside a side of garlic parmesan fries or a simple pasta dish, such as spaghetti aglio e olio. The combination of crispy calamari and garlicky, buttery pasta is sure to be a hit.
Finally, don’t forget the lemon wedges! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the calamari just before serving adds a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried coating, brightening up the entire dish.
Whether you’re serving the calamari as an appetizer, a main course, or part of a larger spread, these serving suggestions will help you create a memorable and delicious meal that showcases the versatility and flavor of air fryer calamari.