Galician Octopus in the Air Fryer: A Modern Twist on Classic Flavor

The Classic Galician Octopus Made Easy in an Air Fryer

The Galician octopus is a beloved staple of coastal Spanish cooking, prized for its tender texture and simple, bold flavors. The goal here is to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth softness while still delivering a crisp exterior, a combination that makes this dish irresistible. The approach shown is designed for quick, reliable results without sacrificing authenticity.

This recipe offers a fast, healthy option that fits into lively weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. While octopus is delicate, careful handling and a brief fry in the air fryer yield a tapas-worthy crust and a deeply satisfying bite.

Octopus is a fragile ingredient. When cooked briefly in an air fryer, you can achieve a crisp finish that pairs beautifully with the traditional Galician touch of olive oil and a hint of aromatics.

How to Prepare Poached Eggs in an Air Fryer, and Why It Works

Recipe Spotlight: Galician Octopus You’ll Remember

To craft this cherished dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 600 grams precooked octopus

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• rosemary, dried

• bay salt

• peppers

• potatoes

Steps for a Galician Octopus in the Air Fryer

Since the octopus is already cooked, the process focuses on finishing touches. Potatoes can be prepared in advance in the microwave by peeling and slicing them into a microwave-safe container, then cooking at high power for about ten minutes. This keeps the workflow quick and efficient while preserving texture and flavor.

Seafood Talk: Turning to the Air Fryer for a Lighter Touch

With the base ready, the Galician octopus is ready to be crisped to perfection in the air fryer.

1. Place a rack inside the air fryer basket.

2. Lay the cooked octopus on the rack.

3. Drizzle with oil and scatter dried rosemary.

4. Set the air fryer to 175 degrees and cook for 15 minutes.

5. When the timer ends, the octopus will be ready to serve alongside the potatoes.

6. Arrange potato slices on a serving board and place octopus pieces on top for a visually appealing presentation.

7. Finish with paprika, coarse salt, and a final drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil to complete the dish.

Note: The photo credits in this article are for reference and do not influence the recipe itself. If desired, mashed potatoes can replace traditional potato cuts for a lighter, smoother texture that still complements the octopus. In presentation, serving on a simple tray can be just as striking as a formal setting, making this Galician octopus a versatile centerpiece for gatherings.

This approach allows cooks to respect the traditional flavors while embracing modern kitchen tools that shorten cooking times without compromising taste. The result is a dish that feels both classic and contemporary, suitable for Canadian and American tables that crave bright, coastal-inspired plates. [Attribution: Galician cuisine traditions and air fryer technique references]