Air Fryer Calamari is made with calamari rings and tentacles, buttermilk, flour, cornstarch; air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes to serve 4. 240 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Equipment
Steps
- 1
Soak calamari in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- 2
Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Remove calamari from buttermilk. Toss in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- 4
Spray generously with cooking spray.
- 5
Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking once, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with marinara, lemon, and Parmesan.
Tip: The cornstarch-flour mix is the secret to a light, crispy coating that isn't heavy or bready. Calamari needs HIGH heat and SHORT time — overcooking makes it rubbery. 6-8 minutes is the sweet spot. Serve immediately; it loses its crunch fast.
Why Air Fry This?
- 🫒Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, bringing this down to 240 calories per serving.
- ✨Achieves the same golden, crispy texture without submerging food in oil.
- 🧹No splatter, no lingering oil smell — cleanup is just a quick basket wipe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Air Fryer Calamari at 400°F for 8 minutes. The cornstarch-flour mix is the secret to a light, crispy coating that isn't heavy or bready. Calamari needs HIGH heat and SHORT time — overcooking makes it rubbery. 6-8 minutes is the sweet spot. Serve immediately; it loses its crunch fast.
You need: 1 lb calamari rings and tentacles, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, Salt and pepper, Cooking spray, Marinara sauce, Lemon wedges, Fresh parsley, Grated Parmesan. This recipe serves 4 with 240 calories per serving.
Air Fryer Calamari takes 8 minutes total at 400°F. Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking once, until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with marinara, lemon, and Parmesan.
This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 4 and takes just 8 minutes at 400°F.
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