Crispy Frozen Calamari In The Air Fryer (Easy Recipe)

Discover the ease of creating golden and crispy calamari right from your freezer with our Frozen Calamari In The Air Fryer, perfect for a no-fuss appetizer. Enjoy the delightful texture and taste of perfectly cooked calamari, without the need for deep frying.

Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of indulging in your favorite fried foods, but not so much the calories that come with it. 

Well, I’ve got some good news for you. Today, we’re going to dive into the world of air frying—a magical technique that gives us that crispy texture we all crave without all the oil. 

Let’s talk about making frozen calamari in the air fryer!

First off, let’s be real, calamari is delicious, but it can be a bit of a hassle to make from scratch. That’s why we’re going for the frozen variety—super convenient and perfect for a last-minute appetizer or a quick addition to your meal prep. 

Plus, when you cook it in the air fryer, you’re cutting down on grease without sacrificing that golden crunch.

If you love this easy recipe you may also want to try my Tilapia In The Air Fryer or my Air Fryer Kirkland Tempura Shrimp.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FROZEN AIR FRYER CALAMARI RECIPE

Who doesn’t love a good kitchen hack, especially when it makes a classic dish easier and healthier? This air fryer calamari recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. You’ll love it because it’s:

• Super quick and easy to prepare, even on your busiest days.
• A healthier alternative to deep-fried calamari, with way less oil.
• Perfectly crispy and tender, just like restaurant-style calamari.
• Great for entertaining, as it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in minutes.
• Adaptable with different seasonings and dips to suit all taste buds.

WHY CHOOSE TO AIR FRY CALAMARI VS USE THE DEEP FRYER?

Choosing the air fryer for cooking frozen calamari is a total game-changer! It’s all about simplicity and health without compromising on that crispy, golden finish we all crave. 

The air fryer circulates hot air around the calamari, cooking it evenly and quickly, which means you get to enjoy your snack faster than traditional methods. Plus, you’re using way less oil, so it’s a healthier option that still delivers on taste and texture.

Not only does the air fryer save you time and calories, it’s also a breeze to clean up. No splattered oil or messy stovetops. 

Just a quick wipe down of the basket, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious appetizer or a quick meal with minimal fuss. 

So, for a healthier, cleaner, and faster way to cook, the air fryer is definitely the way to go for that perfect calamari!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CRISPY CALAMARI

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the air fryer frozen calamari rings (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Frozen calamari rings
• Nonstick cooking spray – olive oil spray or avocado oil (for crispiness)
• Your choice of seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, etc.)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Your favorite dipping sauces (marinara sauce, tartar sauce, aioli, tzatziki sauce, sweet chili sauce, cocktail sauce, yogurt dip, etc.)

HOW TO MAKE THE CRISPY FRIED CALAMARI

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray the frozen calamari with olive oil and toss with seasonings.
3. Place the calamari in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
5. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite dipping sauce.

STORING THE LEFTOVER CALAMARI TUBES

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:

1. Let the calamari cool down completely to room temperature before storing.
2. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
3. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

For the ultimate crispy calamari, straight out of the freezer and into the air fryer, follow these handy tips and tricks. 

First, make sure your calamari rings are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. No need to thaw—cook them from frozen for the best texture.

Next, a light spritz of oil will give your calamari that desirable golden crispness, mimicking the deep-fried version with a fraction of the oil. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning. 

Finally, don’t overcook; just a few minutes is all it takes for calamari to become tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your favorite dipping sauce for a quick and delightful treat!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers:

CAN I USE FRESH CALAMARI INSTEAD OF FROZEN?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as fresh calamari may cook faster.

IS IT NECESSARY TO THAW THE CALAMARI BEFORE AIR FRYING?

Nope, you can cook them straight from frozen.

CAN I ADD BREADING TO THE CALAMARI

Sure, if you prefer a breaded version, just dip the calamari in some flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SERVE AIR FRYER CALAMARI?

I love serving them with a squeeze of lemon and a variety of dips to choose from!

CAN I COOK SQUID RINGS IN AN AIR FRYER OVEN?

Absolutely! Air fryer ovens are perfect for cooking squid rings as they circulate hot air to create a consistent golden brown finish. Just make sure to arrange them in a single layer for the best results.

WHAT SHOULD THE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF CALAMARI BE?

The ideal internal temperature for calamari is 145°F. It’s high enough to ensure it’s cooked through but not so high that it becomes rubbery.

Other Easy Air Fryer Recipes You May Want To Try!

• Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Frozen Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bagels
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Frozen Potstickers In The Air Fryer

IF YOU TRIED THIS PEPPER CALAMARI RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS TENDER CALAMARI RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails