Teresa's Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Calamari
Indulge in the delightful crunch of crispy calamari, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier twist on this classic dish. With a golden, crispy exterior and tender, succulent rings inside, this calamari is paired with zesty lemon wedges and a rich marinara sauce for dipping. Originating from Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, calamari has become a beloved appetizer worldwide, known for its versatility and flavor. Whether served at a seaside restaurant or made at home, this dish brings a taste of the coast to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cleaned Calamari rings
- 1, beaten Egg
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- as needed Cooking spray
- 1 cup, for serving Marinara sauce
- for serving Lemon wedges
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Dip each calamari ring into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
- Arrange the coated calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the calamari rings with cooking spray to promote crispiness.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the calamari is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the calamari in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before coating and cooking.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to achieve the crispiest results.