Air Fryer Calamari Recipe
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.
Servings: 6 servings
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
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 165mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg
