Air Fryer Frozen Calamari

Crispy fried air fryer frozen calamari, a delicious snack ready in about 10 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dip.

Learn how to cook frozen calamari in the air fryer; it’s super-fast and easy, a one-ingredient recipe for a great snack or light meal. Well, this cannot really be called a recipe; it’s just a technique, something worth knowing if you happen to love fried calamari just as much as we do.

And if you are looking for more quick snacks, check out the Simple Fried Gnocchi and the Hot Lemon Pepper Wings.

Advantages of using the air fryer

• No deep-frying: And that’s the best! I avoid deep-frying anything; it’s not just about the calories but also the mess, the lingering smell, and the costs of using so much oil.
• Healthier: Not frying the breaded calamari also means that they are better for you.
• Cooking from frozen: There’s no need to defrost the food; just place the frozen calamari in the air fryer and cook them.
• Super quick:  10 minutes are all the time you need.

What do you need?

• An air fryer and the breaded frozen calamari.
• I can fit the contents of a 10.5 oz (300 g) bag of rings into the basket of my kitchen gadget, about 15-16 pieces. They should not overlap, but if the last 2-3 pieces overlap a bit, don’t stress; everything will work out fine.

How to make air fryer frozen calamari?

• Preheat the machine according to its instructions, the one I have needs to be preheated for 3 minutes to 370°F (190°F).
• Place the frozen calamari into the basket in a single layer. If the last 2 or 3 are overlapping slightly is fine (1).
• Cook for 5 minutes, flip the pieces (with tongs or two forks) and cook for another 3 minutes (2).

Recipe tips

• There’s no need to oil the basket or spray the rings with cooking oil; the breading already contains fat, so the calamari will be as crispy as possible.

• The cooking time depends on the machine you are using and the size of the rings; those I have are standard, I suppose, not particularly large or thick. A piece weighs between 0.5-0.7 oz (15-20 g).

Recipe FAQ

How to serve them?

• As a snack with a nice dip. I love them with a Greek yogurt and herb dip, sweet chili sauce, or aioli. My kids are happy to eat the air fryer frozen calamari with plain ketchup.

• Serve them on top of green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.

Bonus dipping sauce recipe

• Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint.
• Season to taste with salt, pepper, and maybe a tiny pinch of sugar (only needed if the yogurt is low-fat).
• For a different taste, sub the mint with fresh dill.
• You can add a small piece of super finely chopped or grated cucumber or 1-2 chopped or grated sweet-sour pickled cucumbers.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Quick Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

📖 Recipe

Air Fryer Frozen Calamari

Crispy fried air fryer calamari, a delicious snack ready in about 10 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dip. Air fryer

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 350kcal

Author: Adina

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Ingredients  

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• ▢ 10.5 oz frozen calamari rings breaded, 300 g, Note

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer according to its instructions; my air fryer needs to be preheated for 3 minutes to 370°F (190°F).
• Place the frozen calamari into the basket in a single layer. If the last 2 or 3 are overlapping slightly is fine.
• Air fry frozen calamari for 5 minutes, flip the pieces, and cook for another 3 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dip.

Notes

If you want to cook more frozen calamari, you should do it in two batches, they should not overlap too much, and the hot air should be able to circulate. This will ensure that they are crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 150g | Calories: 350kcal

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