Calamari rings in the airfryer, also known as calamari, are a popular snack and starter all over the world. Their crispy texture and delicate flavour make them a favourite among many. Traditionally, calamari rings are prepared by deep-frying, but with the growing popularity of airfryers you can now achieve the same crispiness and flavour with less oil and fewer calories. This recipe will guide you through the benefits of cooking calamari rings in an airfryer, as well as giving you insight into the dish and its origin and offering suggestions for spices, toppings and sides.
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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of Contents:
- Why make calamari rings in the airfryer?
- I recommend this elegant Italian white wine with our crispy calamari rings
- What is calamari and what are calamari rings as a dish?
- Where does the dish come from?
- Suggestions for different spices or herbs as toppings
- What to serve with calamari rings?
- Conclusion on calamari rings in the airfryer
- Frequently asked questions
Why make calamari rings in the airfryer?
Making calamari rings in an airfryer has several benefits. Firstly, it is a healthier cooking method compared to traditional deep-frying. The airfryer uses hot air to cook the food, which means you can achieve a crispy texture without submerging the food in oil. This significantly reduces the calorie content and fat intake.
Secondly, the airfryer is easy to use and fast. Preheating takes only a few minutes, and the cooking time for frozen calamari rings is around 10-12 minutes. Compared to heating up a large pot of oil and then cleaning it, the airfryer is much more convenient.
I recommend this elegant Italian white wine with our crispy calamari rings
Calamari is a dish with subtle, delicate flavour notes, and here a fresh, mineral match is essential. A good Pecorino from Abruzzo has exactly that citrus-fresh acidity and floral lightness that lifts the crispy coating and highlights the squid’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. I warmly recommend the Nobu 1830 Pecorino 2023 – serve it well chilled alongside an aioli and a lemon wedge, and you have a combination that tastes of sun and the Mediterranean.
Finally, there is less mess. Deep-frying can be a messy process with splattering oil, and it requires careful disposal of used oil. With an airfryer you can avoid this mess and enjoy your calamari rings without the hassle.
What is calamari and what are calamari rings as a dish?
Calamari is the Italian word for squid, and in culinary terms it often refers to dishes made with squid, especially the popular deep-fried calamari rings. Calamari rings are made by cutting the body of the squid into rings, which are then breaded and fried. The texture is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, giving a unique eating experience.
This seafood dish can be served as a starter, snack or even as a main course, depending on the portion size and sides. They are known for their mild flavour, which is often enhanced by various dips and lemon juice.
Where does the dish come from?
Calamari rings have their roots in the Mediterranean region, where squid has been part of the diet for centuries. Italy, Greece and Spain are some of the countries known for their love of calamari. In these countries, squid is often prepared in simple ways to highlight its natural flavour, such as grilled with olive oil and lemon or fried as calamari.
The dish has also found its way to many other parts of the world, where it has been adapted to local taste preferences. In the USA and other Western countries, deep-fried calamari rings are a popular starter at many restaurants, often served with marinara sauce or aioli.
Suggestions for different spices or herbs as toppings
While classic calamari rings are often served with lemon and salt, you can experiment with different spices and herbs to give the dish an extra kick. Here are some suggestions:
- Lemon zest and parsley:Freshly grated lemon zest and chopped parsley add a bright and fresh flavour that complements the crispy calamari.
- Smoked paprika:A little smoked paprika can add a lightly smoky and spicy flavour.
- Chilli and lime:For a spicy and tangy version, you can sprinkle with chilli flakes and fresh lime juice.
- Garlic powder and parmesan:Garlic powder and freshly grated parmesan cheese give a rich and umami flavour that is hard to resist.
- Herb blend:A blend of dried herbs such as oregano, thyme and rosemary can add a complex and aromatic flavour.
Try marinating them briefly in a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic and parsley before cooking. This marinade adds an extra depth of flavour and helps tenderise the squid, making the rings even more delicate and flavourful
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
What to serve with calamari rings?
Calamari rings can be served with various sides and dips to complete the meal. Here are some ideas:
- Dip:Traditional dips include aioli, tartar sauce, marinara sauce or even a simple mayonnaise with a hint of lemon.
- Salads:A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect companion that can balance the crispy and slightly greasy texture of the calamari rings.
- Bread:Crusty bread such as baguette or focaccia can be served on the side to soak up any excess sauce.
- Vegetables:Grilled or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli or vegetable sticks give a healthy balance to the meal.
- Potatoes:Crispy potato wedges or fries are a classic companion to calamari rings.
Conclusion on calamari rings in the airfryer
Calamari rings in the airfryer are a fantastic way to enjoy this delicious dish in a healthier and more convenient way. The airfryer makes it possible to achieve a crispy texture without using large amounts of oil, which makes the dish lighter and less messy to prepare. With the right spices and sides, such as cucumbers filled with cheese and white tuna, you can create a tasty and impressive starter or snack that will delight both family and friends. Whether you serve them with classic lemon and aioli or experiment with new flavour combinations, calamari rings in the airfryer are a versatile and tasty dish that is well worth trying.
Frequently asked questions
Frozen calamari rings typically need 10-12 minutes at 200 degrees. Remember to shake the basket halfway through, so they turn out evenly crispy.
Yes, a light spray of oil ensures that the rings get exactly the right golden colour and crispy surface.
Yes, but pat them completely dry with kitchen paper first. Toss them in a little flour or breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Recipe
Calamari Rings in the Airfryer
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Airfryer size
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How to make it
- Preheat the airfryer to 200°C.(Pre-program it, or let it run for a couple of minutes before cooking)
- Take the 400 g frozen calamari rings out of the freezer and spread them evenly in the airfryer basket. Avoid overfilling the basket to ensure they turn out crispy.
- Lightly spray with 1 tbsp oil, if desired, for extra crispiness.
- Cook the calamari rings in the airfryer for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
- Take the calamari rings out of the airfryer and place them in a bowl for serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges from 1 pcs Lemon and 1 pcs Dip of your choice.
Our notes for the recipe
Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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