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I've discovered a game-changing way to satisfy calamari cravings without deep-frying. My air fryer method yields crispy, golden rings in minutes, paired with a zesty seafood sauce that'll knock your socks off. This recipe's a lifesaver for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Trust me, once you try this lighter version, you'll never look back. Ready to revolutionize your seafood game? Let's dive into this mouthwatering, guilt-free indulgence that'll have everyone begging for seconds.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Calamari and Zesty Seafood Sauce
- Calamari rings: Tender and flavorful seafood that crisps up nicely in the air fryer, creating a delicious crunchy texture.
- All-purpose flour: Coats the calamari rings, helping them crisp up in the air fryer while adding a light, crunchy coating.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the calamari, enhancing its overall taste and complementing the seafood.
- Cooking spray: Helps to evenly crisp up the calamari rings in the air fryer without adding excess oil or greasiness.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the seafood sauce, adding richness and a smooth texture to complement the crispy calamari.
- Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the seafood sauce, balancing out the flavors and providing a hint of acidity.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the seafood sauce with a fresh citrusy flavor, adding a zesty kick to enhance the overall taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Provides a depth of umami flavor to the seafood sauce, adding complexity and richness to the dipping sauce.
- Hot sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the seafood sauce, giving it a bit of heat to contrast with the crispy calamari.
Read more: Calamari Casserole Recipe
Kitchen Tools Needed for This Calamari and Seafood Sauce Recipe
- Air fryer: Cooks calamari quickly and evenly, giving it a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
- Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour and seasonings for coating the calamari before air frying.
Air Fryer Calamari and Seafood Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients:
Calamari
- 1 pound calamari rings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste cooking spray
Seafood Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- to taste salt and pepper
Read more: Air Fryer Pizza Recipe
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat the calamari rings in the flour mixture.
- Place the coated calamari rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Lightly spray the calamari with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix all the seafood sauce ingredients together.
- Serve the air-fried calamari with the seafood sauce for dipping.
Notes:
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Tips for Making Calamari Ahead of Time and Storing Leftovers
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the calamari rings as per the recipe instructions.
- Store the uncooked calamari rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to cook, follow the air frying instructions from the recipe.
Freezing Instructions
- After coating the calamari rings in the flour mixture, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Freeze the calamari rings until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to cook, air fry the frozen calamari rings at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Did you know that coating the calamari rings in cornstarch instead of flour can result in an even crispier texture when air-fried?
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