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Close-up of crispy air fryer calamari rings served with marinara sauce for dipping.

Air Fryer Calamari

Enjoy crispy, golden air fryer calamari without the mess of deep frying! This quick and easy recipe uses minimal oil while still delivering the perfect crunch and flavor. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a restaurant-quality appetizer at home.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: air fryer, Appetizer, seafood
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb calamari rings
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • Tongs or tongs for flipping calamari

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat each calamari ring in the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Arrange the coated calamari in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  5. Lightly spray the calamari with olive oil.
  6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • For a lighter version, skip the breadcrumbs and use a seasoning mix.
  • Serve with a side of marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.