In a shallow container whisk the egg and water togehter. Add a pinch of salt and then add in the flour. Mix until combined.
1 large egg, ½ cup cold water, ½ cup all purpose flour, ⅛ teaspoon fine grind sea salt or kosher salt
In a second bowl combine the bread crumbs, panko, and seasoning. Stir to combine.
½ cup fine bread crumbs, ½ cup panko bread crumbs, ½ teaspoon fine grind sea salt or kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dip the calamari into the wet batter to coat and remove with a fork. Allow the excess to drip off and then place in the container with bread crumbs. Using a spoon, spoon over the dry bread crumbs to completely coat the calamari. Once coated, remove and place on a cooling rack while you finish the rest.
8 ounces calamari rings, oil for spritzing
Air Frying the Calamari
Preheat the air fryer with the basket or cooking surface inside the air fryer so it gets hot on 400℉/200℃ for a full 10 minutes. Spritz the cooking surface with oil and place the calamari in a single layer. Spritz the top of the breaded calamari and air fryer on 400℉/200℃ for 4 minutes. Flip and If you see any dry looking bread crumbs, spritz with oil again. Air fry an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove and place the finished calamari on a cooling rack. Repeat if you need to do several batches. *see recipe notes for tips
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and garnish with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!
Nutritional Values don't include oil for spritzing since that will vary. It also doesn't include any dipping sauce you use since that will vary.
Freezing and Cooking Frozen Calamari
Once the calamari is breaded, spritz them on both sides with oil. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for several hours and then transfer them to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for 3-6 months.When you are ready to cook them, preheat the air fryer at 400℉/200℃ for 10 minutes with the basket or cooking surface in the air fryer. Place the frozen calamari in the basket and air fry at 350℉/175℃ for 8-10 minutes. Flip after 4-5 minutes.
Freeze and Reheat Leftover Cooked Calamari
After the calamari is completely cool, place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months.When you want to reheat them preheat your air fryer on 400℉/200℃ for a full 10 minutes. Air Fry on 400F/200℃ for 5 minutes. You can put more than a single layer in the air fryer basket and toss them around 1-2 times during the air frying process.