Air Fryer Calamari
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This Air Fryer Calamari is a simple and delicious Italian dish with perfectly tender calamari, a crispy breadcrumb coating, and bright lemon flavor. You can enjoy the classic taste of fried calamari with a lighter cooking method that still delivers the perfect crunch.
For more seafood appetizers, try my Italian Seafood Salad and Italian Baked Stuffed Clams.
Quick Look: Air Fryer Calamari
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Dietary Info: Dairy-free, can be made gluten-free
- Method: Breaded calamari + air frying
- Technique: Pat calamari dry, lightly bread, then air fry in a single layer at high heat to create a crisp golden crust
- Flavor & Texture: Crispy, light, tender, savory
A Lighter Way To Enjoy Calamari
I love this air fryer calamari because it captures the deliciousness of the traditional Italian favorite while making it lighter and easier to prepare at home.
Growing up in Sardinia, where fresh seafood is part of everyday life, calamari has always been a beloved dish shared around the table with family. This recipe delivers the same irresistible crispy coating and tender bite you love from classic fried calamari, without the need for deep frying. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that brings a taste of the Italian coast to any meal.
Try my Italian Stuffed Calamari Recipe in Tomato Sauce next!
Made With Amore,
“Great, simple recipe! Came out perfect.”
– Roberto
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
With just a few key ingredients, you can recreate the flavors of classic calamari fritti right at home with a lighter touch.
- Calamari: Offers a mild seafood flavor and tender bite that pairs beautifully with the breadcrumb coating.
- Breadcrumbs: Create the crispy golden coating.
- Olive Oil: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up while adding flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a bright finish.
- Lemon Wedges: Adds a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the calamari.
See recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it Spicy: Add chili pepper flakes or cayenne pepper just before serving!
- Bread Crumbs Variation: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of the traditional breadcrumbs. You can also substitute any GF breadcrumbs. If you love crispy, fried seafood, try my Panko Fried Shrimp.
- Flavor Boost: Add old bay seasoning, garlic/ onion powder, or Homemade Italian Seasoning to the breadcrumbs before frying the calamari.
How To Make Air Fryer Calamari
A quick and delicious way to enjoy perfectly crispy calamari Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- To help tenderize, pound the calamari gently a few times on each side using a kitchen mallet (be careful not to tear the flesh). Cut the calamari into ½ inch thick rings. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, add the olive oil.
- Quickly dip the calamari rings in the oil and shake off excess. Toss the calamari rings into the breadcrumb mixture; gently pressing to coat.
- Lay the prepared calamari on a baking sheet or cutting board lined with parchment paper as you finish preparing the batch. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Lightly grease the basket of the air fryer with oil (or line it with tinfoil and spray). Place the calamari rings in a basket, in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, or they won’t crisp properly. Cook in multiple batches if needed. Cook the calamari for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Repeat the steps above with the remaining calamari
- Transfer the calamari to a plate and immediately season with a sprinkle of salt. . Eat the calamari immediately with some lemon wedges and dipping sauce (if desired).
Air Fryer Calamari FAQs
It’s easy to prepare; unless you’re buying it fresh, most squid comes frozen and prepped for cooking. You can also ask your fishmonger to clean it and cut it.
Look for calamari that has firm, shiny white bodies, with a pleasantly salty aroma, like the ocean. (Pass up any that have a pink or purplish hue.)
The smaller the squid, the more tender the texture.
Yes! Preheat oven to 500°F. Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and spray with cooking spray. Place prepared calamari (not touching or close together) on the baking sheet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking. For the last minute of cooking, turn the oven on broil to get a nice crisp on the calamari.
Calamari turns tough only when it is overcooked. The trick to coaxing it to a soft, tender texture is to cook it quickly over high heat or slowly over low, whether sautéing, roasting, stir-frying, grilling, or even deep-frying.
Transfer the leftover to an airtight container. Properly stored, the cooked calamari can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat frozen fried calamari in an air fryer, cook in the preheated air fryer at 400°F for about 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
To reheat in the oven, preheat oven to 450°F. Place frozen calamari rings and tentacles on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crispy calamari as an appetizer with classic Italian toppings like fresh lemon wedges and parsley for a simple, traditional finish. For a burst of fresh flavor, try it topped with Salsa Fresca, or add a little heat with our Chili Salsa. In America, calamari is often served with dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, fresh Tomato Marinara, or Lemon Garlic Aioli for an extra layer of flavor.
If you’re serving this fried calamari as a main, pair with sides like a fresh Lemon Arugula Salad or Lemon Butter Pasta.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Pat the Calamari Dry: Remove excess moisture before coating to help the breadcrumbs stick and create a crispier texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the calamari in a single layer so the hot air can circulate and crisp each piece evenly.
- Cook In Batches: Overfilling the basket can cause the calamari to steam instead of becoming golden and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Calamari is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while the coating is crunchy.
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Air Fryer Calamari Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari, cleaned with skins removed
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil or avocado
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: Dipping sauce of choice, for serving
Instructions
- To help tenderize, pound the calamari gently a few times on each side using a kitchen mallet or a heavy skillet (be careful not to tear the flesh).
- Cut the calamari into ½ inch thick rings. Pat dry with a paper towel. Make sure they are dry or you risk that they will be more soggy than crispy.
- In a large bowl add the breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl add the olive oil. Quickly dip the calamari rings in the oil and shake off excess. Toss the calamari rings into the breadcrumb mixture; gently pressing to coat. Lay the prepared calamari on a baking sheet or cutting board lined with parchment paper as you finish preparing the batch.
- Preheat the air fryer oven to 400° degrees F. Lightly grease the basket of the air fryer with oil (or line it with tinfoil and spray). Place the calamari rings in a basket, in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, or they won’t crisp properly. Cook in multiple batches if needed.
- Cook the calamari for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Transfer the calamari to a plate and immediately season with a sprinkle of salt. Repeat the steps above with the remaining calamari. Eat the calamari immediately with some lemon wedges and dipping sauce (if desired).
Notes
- Pat the Calamari Dry: Remove excess moisture before coating to help the breadcrumbs stick and create a crispier texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the calamari in a single layer so the hot air can circulate and crisp each piece evenly.
- Cook In Batches: Overfilling the basket can cause the calamari to steam instead of becoming golden and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Calamari is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while the coating is crunchy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great simple recipe! Came out perfect.
Yay! Happy you loved them!
You will love how light and fresh these air fryer calamari taste. They are so easy to prepare!