Air Fryer Calamari
Ready in about 24 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Crispy golden squid rings with a light, crunchy coating and none of the deep-fried oiliness. The air fryer gives you tender calamari and a shatteringly crisp crust in minutes.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 400 g cleaned squid, sliced into rings
- 80 g plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 100 g fine breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Lemon wedges, to serve
- Oil spray
Method
- 1Pat the squid rings very dry with kitchen paper.
- 2Season the flour, then coat the rings in flour, egg and breadcrumbs.
- 3Mist generously with oil spray.
- 4Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F for 3 minutes.
- 5Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp and golden.
- 6Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garlic aioli.
Tips for the best results
- Do not overcook or the squid turns rubbery; small rings need only 8 minutes.
- Drying the squid well is essential for the coating to stick and crisp.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer calamari steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the shake every 8 min, which leaves one side pale.
- Letting wet coating pieces touch, which peels the crust and keeps it soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer calamari?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 8-10 min, shake every 8 min. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
Can I make air fryer calamari ahead?
Cook it, cool it quickly, and refrigerate. Reheat in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature so the outside does not dry before the middle is hot.
How many people does air fryer calamari serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.