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–+ servings
Air Fryer Calamari

Air Fryer Calamari

Crispy, healthy air fryer calamari is a popular seafood appetizer and is always a fan favorite. Garnished with lemon wedges and served with your favorite marinara sauce, it’s perfect for a family treat or entertaining with friends.  
5 stars
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 6 people
Calories 251 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb calamari rings if using frozen, thaw first
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1½ cups coconut or all purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper fresh ground
  • ½ tsp paprika sweet or smoked
  • ¼ tsp cayenne
  • Cooking oil spray
  • Lemon wedges
  • Marinara sauce

Instructions
 

  • Coat calamari with buttermilk in a large bowl.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  • Combine cornstarch, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne in a shallow bowl or plate.
  • Remove calamari rings from buttermilk and shake off excess buttermilk.
  • Place the calamari a handful at a time in the flour mixture making sure to coat each calamari ring completely with the flour mixture.
  • Arrange calamari in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if need be).
  • Spray the tops with cooking spray.
  • Air fry for 8 minutes at 400˚F, flipping and spraying with oil halfway.
  • Serve with lemon wedges and marinara.

Notes

  • This recipe can easily be made gluten-free just by substituting a gluten-free flour for the regular flour.
  • Try adding a 3rd bowl of a small amount Panko breadcrumbs and dip the calamari into it just before placing in the air fryer basket to add even more crunchiness.
  • Let the buttermilk-coated calamari sit for a few minutes before dredging in the flour mixture. This helps the flour mixture stick to the calamari.
  • Plan ahead your total cooking time since calamari needs to be cooked in a single layer, in batches.
  • If you need to double this recipe, prepare the whole recipe one batch at a time so the flour mixture does not become soggy.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Calamari
Amount per Serving
Calories
251
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
178
mg
59
%
Sodium
 
312
mg
14
%
Potassium
 
222
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
11
g
46
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
17
g
34
%
Vitamin A
 
112
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
54
mg
5
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.