Calamari is a Mediterranean favourite, and the air fryer crisps the coating golden with barely any oil — the key is a light coating and quick cooking so the squid stays tender, not rubbery. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does calamari take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry coated calamari rings at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Q: How do you stop it going rubbery?
A: Cook it quickly and don't overdo it — squid turns rubbery if overcooked.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Coated rings | 200°C / 400°F | 6–8 min |
| Frozen breaded | 200°C / 400°F | 8–10 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Calamari
Ingredients
- 250g squid rings
- 40g flour, 1 egg
- 60g breadcrumbs, paprika
- Oil spray, lemon to serve
Method
- Pat the squid dry; coat in flour, egg and crumbs.
- Spray with oil; single layer.
- Air fry at 200°C for 6–8 minutes.
- Serve with lemon and aioli.
Tips
- Pat the squid dry so the coating sticks.
- Cook quickly — overcooking makes it rubbery.
- Serve with lemon and a garlic aioli.
Frequently asked questions
How long does calamari take in an air fryer?
Coated squid rings take 6–8 minutes at 200°C; frozen breaded calamari 8–10. Cook just until golden to keep it tender.
How do you stop calamari going rubbery?
Cook it quickly and don't overdo it — squid turns rubbery when overcooked, so pull it as soon as the coating is golden.
Can you cook frozen calamari in an air fryer?
Yes — cook frozen breaded calamari at 200°C for 8–10 minutes, straight from frozen, until crisp and hot through.