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Air Fryer Calamari Rings

Tender squid rings coated in a seasoned panko crust and air fried to a satisfying crunch without deep frying. Serve with marinara or lemon-garlic aioli for a lighter Italian-style appetizer.

37 minMediumServes 4260 cal/serving

ItalianAppetizerAir FryerPescatarianHalal-friendlyLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb squid (calamari) tubes, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • as needed neutral cooking spray
  • 2 lemons lemons, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak 1 lb sliced into 1/2-inch rings squid (calamari) tubes in 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice) for 15 minutes. This tenderizes the squid and helps the coating stick. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before breading.

  2. 2

    In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper together.

  3. 3

    Place 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs in a second shallow bowl.

  4. 4

    Working in batches, dredge soaked squid rings in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then press firmly into panko on all sides.

  5. 5

    Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket generously with neutral cooking spray. Arrange breaded rings in a single layer - cook in batches to avoid stacking.

  6. 6

    Spray the tops of the rings with neutral cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, flip each ring, spray again, and cook 4-5 more minutes until golden and crispy. Squid is done when opaque and firm - internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

  7. 7

    Serve immediately with 2 lemons cut into wedges lemons and 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving) for dipping.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Air Fryer Calamari Rings?

For Air Fryer Calamari Rings, the air fryer is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 5. The longest stretch at that heat is 6 minutes, in step 6. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The frying oil is held at 400 F (about 205 C) in step 6. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy. The target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What should Air Fryer Calamari Rings look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 6: cook until golden and crispy. A reading of 145 F on a thermometer settles it.

Why pat it dry first in Air Fryer Calamari Rings?

Step 1 reads: "Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before breading." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 1 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

Is there a substitute for panko in Air Fryer Calamari Rings?

The entry for Air Fryer Calamari Rings calls for 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs. In its place: Coarse dry breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers all work. Fine breadcrumbs coat more densely, so use a little less.

Can I make Air Fryer Calamari Rings less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Air Fryer Calamari Rings comes from 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes.

Can I make Air Fryer Calamari Rings dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Air Fryer Calamari Rings is 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice). Swap the buttermilk for plant milk soured with a teaspoon of vinegar per cup. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Does Air Fryer Calamari Rings contain shellfish?

Yes: 1 lb squid (calamari) tubes, sliced into 1/2-inch rings. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and shellfish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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