Restaurant-Style Crispy Calamari Made in an Air Fryer

Why Air Fryer Calamari?

Air fryer calamari delivers that golden, crispy texture without the mess of deep frying. It uses minimal oil while still achieving a light, crunchy coating. Plus, it’s faster and healthier than traditional frying.

The air fryer locks in moisture, preventing rubbery calamari while keeping the outside crisp. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a restaurant-style snack at home, air frying ensures even cooking and cuts down on excess grease, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Choosing the Best Calamari

Fresh calamari yields the best texture, but frozen works well if properly thawed. Look for firm, white squid tubes without a strong fishy odor. If buying frozen, ensure it’s labeled as “cleaned,” meaning the beak and cartilage are removed.

Opt for whole tubes and cut them into uniform rings for even cooking. Pre-sliced calamari can work, but ensure it’s fully defrosted and patted dry before breading to prevent excess moisture.

Prepping Calamari for Maximum Crispiness

Proper prep is key for crisp calamari. First, pat the squid completely dry using paper towels—excess moisture leads to sogginess. If using frozen calamari, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then drain and dry it.

Some chefs soak calamari in milk or buttermilk for 30 minutes to an hour to tenderize it and remove any fishy taste. This step also helps the coating adhere better, resulting in extra crunch.

The Perfect Breading for Crispy Calamari

A combination of flour, cornstarch, and breadcrumbs creates a light, crispy texture. Cornstarch enhances crispiness, while panko or crushed crackers add extra crunch.

For restaurant-style flavor, season the flour mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Double-dipping—coating the calamari in flour, then an egg wash, and back into the flour mixture—helps create a sturdier crust that holds up in the air fryer.

Secret Ingredient for Extra Crunch

Want next-level crispy calamari? Add a bit of baking powder to the flour mixture. This creates air pockets that make the breading lighter and crunchier.

Another trick is mixing a small amount of finely grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs—it adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the crust crisp up beautifully. For an ultra-thin, delicate crunch, some chefs even mix rice flour into the coating.

Air Fryer Temperature and Cooking Time

For perfectly crispy calamari, set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Cooking for too long makes calamari tough, so check for a golden-brown color and crispy texture. If using an oven-style air fryer, rotate the trays for even browning. If your air fryer runs hot, lower the temperature slightly to prevent overcooking.

The Key to Even Browning

To avoid uneven cooking, never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overlapping calamari traps steam, leading to a soft texture instead of crispiness.

Work in batches if necessary, leaving space between the rings. Lightly spraying the breaded calamari with oil before air frying also ensures even browning. A high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola works best.

Avoiding Soggy Calamari

Soggy calamari usually means too much moisture or not enough airflow. Make sure the squid is fully dried before coating it, and use a light hand with oil.

If your calamari isn’t crisping up, increase the air fryer temperature by 10–15 degrees. Also, avoid using fresh mozzarella or other high-moisture cheeses in the coating, as they can weigh down the breading.

The Best Oil for Air Fryer Calamari

A light mist of oil is crucial for crispy air fryer calamari. Use an oil sprayer with avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil—these have high smoke points and won’t burn easily.

Avoid olive oil for air frying at high temperatures, as it can give a slightly bitter taste. For extra flavor, try a garlic-infused oil spray before cooking.

Seasoning Tips for Maximum Flavor

While salt and pepper are a must, adding a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or lemon zest elevates the flavor. For a Mediterranean twist, mix in dried oregano or a little sumac.

If you love spice, a light dusting of Cajun seasoning after frying adds a bold kick. Always season calamari immediately after air frying to ensure the spices stick to the hot, crispy coating.

Classic Dipping Sauces for Calamari

Crispy calamari pairs best with bold dipping sauces. Traditional marinara sauce offers a tangy contrast, while garlic aioli brings a creamy richness. Tartar sauce, sriracha mayo, or a spicy remoulade are great options for variety.

For a light, refreshing twist, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Offering multiple sauces makes your calamari even more irresistible.

Lemon: The Secret Finishing Touch

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the crispy breading. Instead of just slicing lemon wedges, try lightly charring them in the air fryer for a caramelized, slightly smoky touch.

Another option is to zest the lemon directly over the calamari before serving for an extra burst of citrus aroma.

Calamari can be enjoyed as both a snack and an appetizer. If you’re looking for some more snack recommendations, check out how to make authentic Mexican street corn at home. You can also make crispy loaded nachos in an air fryer in minutes for the yummiest snack.

Read Next:

• Savory Meat Pies You’ll Want to Try This Week
• Why Japanese Katsu Curry Is Loved and Its Recipe
• How to Nail the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich