Air Fryer Calamari

Air Fryer Calamari is a perfectly crispy appetizer that’s light, tender, and bursting with flavor. Coated in a golden, flavorful homemade breading and paired with a zesty lemon dill dipping sauce, this dish makes for a delicious seafood snack or a party appetizer. With the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy calamari without all the extra oil—quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Calamari offers the best of both worlds: a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The homemade wet batter and breading ensure that every bite is perfectly seasoned, while the air fryer gives you a crispy finish without all the excess oil. The zesty lemon dill dipping sauce brings the dish together with a refreshing, tangy twist. Whether you’re craving a seafood snack or preparing an appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 10 ounces calamari rings

• Non-stick cooking spray

For the Lemon Dill Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill

For the Wet Batter:

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the Breading:

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Thaw the calamari according to package instructions. Once thawed, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill for the dipping sauce. Mix until well combined, then place the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Add the flour and mix until a thick batter forms.

4. In another shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, panko, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

5. Dip each calamari ring into the wet batter, ensuring it’s well coated, then transfer to the breading mixture. Toss to coat evenly and place the breaded calamari on a baking sheet. Repeat with all calamari rings.

6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

7. Place a layer of calamari rings into the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, then fry for 4 minutes. Flip the rings, spray again with cooking spray, and fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

8. Remove the calamari from the air fryer and transfer to a platter. Repeat until all calamari is cooked.

9. Serve with the chilled lemon dill sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 6 minutes

• Total Time: 26 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture or drizzle the calamari with hot sauce before serving.

• Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the breading mixture for extra flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko and breadcrumbs in the breading, and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.

• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the breaded calamari before cooking. Place the breaded rings on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the calamari in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp them back up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?

Yes, frozen calamari works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make the lemon dill sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the lemon dill sauce can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different dipping sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different dipping sauce, you can use tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy mayo.

4. How do I prevent the calamari from becoming rubbery?

The key to tender calamari is not overcooking it. Air fry for just a few minutes and check frequently to ensure it’s crispy but not overdone.

5. Can I use this recipe for fried shrimp instead of calamari?

Yes! You can follow the same method for shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the shrimp. It should take about 3-4 minutes to cook.

6. Do I need to use both bread crumbs and panko?

Using both provides a nice balance between a crispy texture (panko) and a more traditional breading texture (bread crumbs), but you can use either one if that’s what you have on hand.

7. Can I make these calamari without an air fryer?

Yes, you can fry them in hot oil if you prefer. Heat oil in a pan to 375°F (190°C) and fry the calamari in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While calamari is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the calamari and breading ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry.

9. How do I know when the calamari is done?

The calamari is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check with a thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

10. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even hot sauce to the batter or breading mixture for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Calamari is the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and flavorful, making it an irresistible snack or appetizer. The homemade breading gives it the perfect crunch, and the zesty lemon dill dipping sauce adds a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual snack or a special occasion, this air fryer calamari will impress with its delicious flavors and quick preparation!

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