This squid dish is both delicious and versatile, easy to prepare, and a favorite with kids. The quickest way to cook frozen squid is in a deep fryer, yielding a crisp, tasty bite in under ten minutes. When the timer stops, the result tends to surprise everyone at the table, and little ones tend to eat the squid happily without protest.
Frozen squid in the fryer
To assemble a plate of fried squid, you really only need a bag of frozen squid and a lemon. A light spray of olive oil is optional for those who want a touch of fat, but cooking without oil can make the dish healthier and easier to digest. The preparation is straightforward and effortless.
You’ll be hooked on fries: the best air fryer recipe
Place a sheet of parchment paper on the bottom of the fryer basket and spread the frozen squid pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This setup helps every piece cook evenly and achieve a uniform crispness.
Air fryer instructions come together quickly: set the appliance to 180°C and cook for nine minutes. If you prefer an extra crunch, add a minute or two. When done, the squid is ready to serve. For a bright finish, a few drops of lemon juice can be squeezed over the squid just before serving, or served with a small side of mayonnaise for dipping.
Tips for crispier squid in the Air Fryer
There’s no need to turn the battered squid rings during the cooking cycle in the air fryer. If a crisper crust is desired, flip the pieces midway through the time, about at the five-minute mark.
Another handy tip: there is no requirement to preheat the fryer before adding the battered squid. Skipping preheating saves energy and gets dinner to the table faster.
Note that olive oil and lemon juice are both optional enhancements. If lemon is added, do so at serving time rather than before cooking, to preserve texture. Serving the squid without sauce and presenting half a lemon on the side lets each diner decide how much brightness they want with their bite.