Air Fryer Cook

Tender grilled squid tubes done best in air fryer

Seafood is a delicacy and there are so many varieties we can choose from. Squid is a popular choice as it has a sweet and mild flavour with a chewy texture. They are also a healthy ingredient.

It has a high protein level and contains omega 3 fatty acids and iron. Additionally, it has one of the lower mercury levels out of all the seafood. So, it is safe to have at least two times a week in a 113 grams (4 ounce) portion. Putting all these benefits aside, it really is simple to cook squid. The key is getting the temperature and time right to avoid rubbery overcooked squid.

This air fried squid recipe only needs a few simple ingredients, an air fryer, and you will have your main course cooked in 10 minutes.

air fryer calamari

Things to note:

Air Fryer capacity: Air fryers come in varies sizes and forms. The main idea is to avoid overcrowding, to get even cooking, so you have a few options to try.

Firstly, you may decide to cut the squid tubes into halves. This way, you are able to fit more of it in the air fryer basket.

Secondly, you can cook the squid tubes in batches where the air fryer basket is small.

Buying and Preparing: As with most seafood, fresh is always better as the taste is stronger. However, frozen squid is equally as nice and squid freezes really well.

It is more convenient to buy the squid pre-cleaned and the tentacles removed as this will save you some time.

If you can only get whole squid that’s uncleaned then you can do the cleaning by following these steps:

  1. Remove the head by holding the tail and the head. Then start twisting and pulling it in opposite directions. The head and inside should come out easily.
  2. Cut the tentacles off taking care not to prick the ink sac as this the black ink will spill all over. Discard the insides and ink sac.
  3. If you want to eat the tentacles then you need to remove the bony beak in the center of the tentacles. You can use your fingers to squeeze it out.
  4. Take out the thing clear cartilage inside the tail tube.
  5. If you like the spotty skin membrane then you can leave it on. Most cooks peel this membrane off with their fingers to reveal the snowy white squid tube.
  6. Give the squid tube and tentacles a good rinse and pat dry.
  7. Soaking the squid in lemon juice for 30 minutes to make it less chewy.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Whip up some spaghetti with broccolini, mushrooms, and tomatoes is a quick and scrumptious side for the air fried squid tubes.  
  2. Stir fried rice with peas and carrots adds additional aroma to the meal.
  3. Leafy salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbed feta cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil is a lighter choice.
  4. Air fried medley of vegetables is another healthy choice.
  5. Sweet and crispy butternut pumpkin air fried enhances the sweet side of the meal.
  6. Frozen French fries in the air fryer gives you that crispy crunch in minutes.
weight watchers air fryer

Air Fried squid tubes recipe

Claire Baker
This Air Fried Squid Tubes Recipe is a healthy and delicious dish. Making this simple recipe only requires few ingredients in your pantry and your air fryer. The result is a crispy, juicy and tender piece of squid tube!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Parchment Paper with holes (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 300 grams Squid tubes (around two tubes)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried)
  • 3 teaspoons Soft butter
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Olive Oil

Instructions
 

  • Clean the squid tubes. If you bought your squid whole, make sure all the insides are thoroughly cleaned out. Refer to the “Buying and Preparing” section above. If you bought them already cleaned, give them a good rub just the same and rinse them with cold water.
  • Place all the ingredients except for the butter into a large mixing bowl and mix them together.
  • Put one teaspoon of butter in the middle of every squid tube. Massage the butter so it spreads evenly inside the tube.
  • Spray some oil on the air fryer basket or you can choose to use parchment paper.
  • Place the squid tubes inside the air fryer. Make sure the squid tubes are placed in a single layer.
  • Set the air fryer temper to 180 degrees Celsius or 356 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
  • Take the squid tubes out of the basket using tongs.
  • Squeeze some lemon over the squid tubes.
  • Serve the Air Fryer Squid Tubes with your favorite side dish. Refer to our serving suggestions above for some ideas.
Keyword air fried, air fryer, easy, quick, tender

Try my other grilled squid and calamari recipes

Grilled squid is one of my favorite seafood dishes, so I try to make it with different flavors. If you like the umami taste, then be sure to try my Miso Grilled Squid Air Fryer Recipe

Or are you looking for a crunchy air fryer calamari recipe? Don’t miss out on my air-fried calamari rings or air-fried squid tentacles recipes.

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