Calamari rings, with their crispy coating and tender texture, are a popular seafood dish enjoyed in many cuisines. While traditionally deep-fried, using an air fryer offers a healthier and less messy alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture. In this article, we'll explore how to make delicious air fryer breaded calamari rings that are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb squid (cleaned and sliced into rings)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Marinara sauce or aioli, for dipping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Calamari Rings:

   • Rinse the squid rings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Breading Station:

   • In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
   • In another dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • In a third dish, beat the eggs.

3. Coat the Calamari Rings:

   • Dredge each squid ring in the flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Dip the floured squid ring into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Coat the squid ring in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the squid.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Calamari Rings:

   • Arrange the breaded calamari rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
   • Cook the calamari rings in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once cooked, remove the calamari rings from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter.
   • Serve hot with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For an extra crispy coating, you can spray the breaded calamari rings with cooking spray before air frying.
• Serve the calamari rings immediately to enjoy them at their best.

With this easy air fryer breaded calamari rings recipe, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic seafood dish without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture. Perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a tasty snack!

If you like this type of recipe, click HERE to find simple and delicious recipes that you can cook in an air fryer.

This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive yet concise guide on making crispy air fryer breaded calamari rings. Do you have any additional tips or variations you'd like to share?