HOW TO COOK FROZEN BREADED CALAMARI IN AN AIR FRYER

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for about 3 minutes.
Arrange the frozen breaded calamari in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket as this might lead to uneven cooking.
Cook the calamari for 8-10 minutes at 200°C, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
After 8-10 minutes, the calamari should be golden brown and crispy. If not, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove the calamari from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Always preheat your air fryer. This helps achieve a crispy texture faster and prevents the calamari from becoming soggy.
Avoid adding crumbs when pouring the calamari from the bag into the air fryer basket, these usually burn way before the calamari is finished cooking.
Do not thaw the calamari before cooking. Cooking from frozen ensures that the calamari stays juicy and tender on the inside while getting crispy on the outside.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate freely, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.

Pair the calamari with a fresh salad for a light and balanced meal. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette works well.
Use the crispy calamari as a topping for your pasta. It pairs perfectly with spaghetti aglio e olio or linguini with white clam sauce.
Serve your air-fried calamari as an appetizer with dips such as marinara sauce, aioli, or tartar sauce for added flavour.
For a unique twist, use the calamari to fill tacos. Add some slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing seafood taco.
Place the calamari on a toasted baguette with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of aioli to create a delicious sandwich.
As a classic pairing, serve your calamari with a side of chips for a different take on “fish and chips”.