Air Fryer Calamari Crispy Easy (Printer-Friendly)
Crispy calamari rings with golden coating, ready in 20 minutes with minimal oil and maximum crunch.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Calamari Preparation
01 -
1 pound calamari rings, fresh or thawed
→ Coating Mixture
02 -
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
1 cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
04 -
1 large egg
05 -
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
06 -
0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Optional Seasonings
07 -
0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
08 -
Nonstick avocado oil spray (optional, as needed)
→ To Serve
09 -
Lemon wedges
10 -
Finely chopped fresh parsley
11 -
Marinara sauce or cocktail sauce
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
Pat calamari rings dry thoroughly with paper towels, ensuring all excess moisture is removed for maximum crispiness.
02 -
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, pepper, and optional seasoning; the second with whisked egg; the third with panko breadcrumbs.
03 -
Dredge each calamari ring in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the whisked egg, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
04 -
Place breaded calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary. Optionally, apply a light mist of avocado oil spray for extra crispiness.
05 -
Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Rotate rings or gently shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
06 -
Transfer cooked calamari to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, cocktail sauce, or lemon juice.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Cook calamari in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even air circulation for optimal texture.
02 -
Cooking times may vary based on air fryer model and ring thickness, so begin checking for doneness after 6 minutes.
03 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.