Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) calamari rings, fresh or thawed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free panko.
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by patting the calamari rings dry with silicone liners. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- Season the Flour: In one of the shallow bowls, mix the all-purpose flour with half the garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Beat the Eggs: Crack the eggs into another bowl, add a pinch of salt, and beat well.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: Combine panko breadcrumbs with the remaining garlic powder, paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper in the third bowl.
- Coating: Dip each calamari ring into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko mixture. Shake off any excess at each step.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to warm up for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange Calamari: Place the coated calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for optimal air circulation.
- Cooking: Cook for about 4-6 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Serving: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each calamari ring cooks evenly.
- For best results, serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Experiment with different seasonings or marinades to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
- Always check the calamari at the lower end of the suggested cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound (approx. 113g)
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 264mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Calamari