Golden, crackly calamari without a pot of oil: the air fryer gets restaurant-level crunch with a fraction of the mess. Serve it hot with lemon and a garlicky dip.
Ingredients (serves 3)
- 1 lb calamari rings, patted very dry
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges and marinara or garlic-yogurt dip to serve
Instructions
- Mix the panko, parmesan, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
- Dredge each ring in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko mixture.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray generously with olive oil.
- Air fry at 400 F (200 C) for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden.
- Season immediately and serve hot with lemon wedges and dip.
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Do not overcrowd the basket - work in batches so every ring crisps. Overcooking makes calamari chewy, so pull it as soon as it is golden.
For more crispy-without-the-fryer ideas, browse our Heart Healthy Mediterranean Cookbook.