Perfect Crispy Calamari {gluten free | air fryer } (2024)

Jump To Recipe // April 17, 2023 // 0 Comments »

Gluten-Free

This calamari is perfectly crispy, and like eating a restaurant-quality dish at home! This version is gluten-free and made in an air fryer.

What is Calamari?

Calamari is the Italian word for squid! Though squid can be prepared in many different ways, it’s very commonly breaded and fried and served as an appetizer or side.

This recipe for calamari is my take on the classic appetizer but made with a gluten-free breading and in the air fryer instead of a fryer or shallow pan fry. It’s perfect for sharing with those with food intolerances, of just keeping it a bit easier and lighter!

What does calamari taste like?

Calamari has a lightly sweet, and mild flavor similar to white fish. Calamari shouldn’t be rubbery (when cooked properly) but it should be tender, and let the breading shine!

Why you’ll love this homemade calamari

• It will impress guests! It seems very fancy, but is easy to make! Make for guests coming over or enjoy yourself!
• It’s a lighter take on the classic! Calamari is usually made in a fryer, but this recipe uses a gluten-free breading and air fryer for less oil!

The Ingredients for making gluten-free calamari

• Water, Salt, and Baking Soda. This makes the brine which is key to tenderizing the calamari.
• Calamari. I tend to stick with just the tubes when I make calamari, but the tentacle pieces will also work for this recipe.
• Gluten-Free Flour. I like using this one!
• Arrowroot Starch.
• Italian Seasoning.
• Egg. If you want to try this egg-free, the best alternative to try first is full-fat coconut milk. This has a high fat content and is good at helping breading stick!
• Avocado Oil Spray. Spraying the calamari with avocado oil helps it get extra crispy in the air fryer.
• Chopped Parsley. For topping!

• Step One. Make the brine and the calamari and toss. Set in the fridge for 20-25 minutes. Strain the water and pat dry.

• Step Two. Make the breading and whisk the egg.
• Step Three. Working with one piece at a time, dip the calamari into the egg to coat, and let the excess egg drip off. Place the calamari in the flour mixture and dredge to coat. Add to the base of the air fryer basket. Repeat for all of the calamari.

• Step Four. Spray the calamari with avocado oil spray on both sides and cook in air fryer.
• Step Five. Serve topped with parsley and with a side of marinara sauce and lemon wedges.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip tenderizing the calamari.This is what helps to keep the texture perfect!
• You can use tubes or tentacles. I tend to stick with just the tubes when I make calamari, but the tentacle pieces will also work for this recipe.

Is Calamari healthy?

Healthy is always a subjective term, but considering that this version is made with less oil in an air fryer, we’d call this a lighter alternative.

What’s the secret to tender calamari?

The real secret to tender calamari is a quick marinade in milk! This helps to break it down a bit so you don’t get rubbery calamari. All you need is 30 minutes or so in the fridge to prep it.

How do you tenderize calamari without milk?

So, what do you do if you’re dairy free but still want to tenderize your calamari? I like to marinate mine in a mixture of water and baking soda. Like dairy, baking soda is a base, so it has a similar effect on the calamari while keeping it dairy free for those who need it.

What do you serve with calamari?

• Serve it as an appetizer. Calamari is the perfect appetizer for an Italian main dish like pasta, or pizza!
• Serve it with a side of sauce and lemon.

You’ll also like…

• Almond Flour Tortilla Chips
• Air Fryer Egg Roll
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

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posted by Michelle on April 17, 2023

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