Air fryer parmesan calamari (squid)
Perfect as an appetizer or a main, this simple and healthy parmesan calamari (ringed squid) made in the air fryer in 30 minutes or less.
Main ingredients:
 | Squid – any type of squid and calamari will do in this recipe, the wings, hood and tentacles will all work well. |
 | Parmesan – fresh grated parmesan cheese. |
 | Vegetable oil with a high smoking point like avocado, sunflower, or peanut oil. |
 | Eggs – to bind the breadcrumbs |
 | Flour – to coat the fish for a crunchy flavor. |
 | Breadcrumbs – any type of breadcrumbs, such as panko, fresh toasted, etc. |
Spices and flavoring ingredients:
 | Lemons – fresh yellow lemon for juice. |
 | Garlic powder or flakes for the spice rub |
 | Onion flakes or powder |
 | (Optional) Smoked paprika powder |
 | Pinch of salt and pepper |
If you love the taste of breaded calamari, but are looking for something healthier than the store-bought variety, you are gonna love this parmesan calamari. Cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil, it is an delicious and easy appetizer or main dish that everyone is going to love.
The parmesan brings an additional cheesy flavor to the squid and helps the breading stick together. You can serve it with a light marinara sauce or a spicy garlic sauce, or just as is.
Cooking tips
- If the squid is frozen, defrost for about an hour beforehand.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) before cooking the parmesan calamari. This helps to ensure that the breadcrumbs layer cooks evenly and becomes crispy on the outside.
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Air fryer parmesan calamari (squid)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb calamari rings (450g)
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1-2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
- 1 lemon for decoration
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Lay the calamari out on a paper towel and pat them dry.
- Create a breading station for the squid with 3 bowls.
- In the 1st bowl add the flour.
- In the 3rd bowl add the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional spices.
- First dip the calamari in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally dip in the breadcrumbs and parmesan mix.
- Spray the oil in your air fryer basket and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the calamari into the air fryer basket and set the time to 4-6 minutes.
- Open the air fryer to see if they are crispy enough for you, and heat them for a couple more minutes if you wish.
- Decorate with a slice of lemon and serve while warm.
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
What to serve with it?
If you are serving these parmesan calamari as a starter, consider serving it as a topping on a mixed green salad. For a main dish, consider a mushroom risotto or a creamy pesto pasta to complement the squid.
How to store it?
If you want to store some leftovers, these air fryer parmesan calamari can easily be kept for at least a few days. Just let it cool, and then place in an airtight glass container before placing in the fridge or freezer.
