Calamari, or fried squid rings, can lose their crisp texture when they go cold. Thankfully, it’s easy to reheat calamari and restore that delicious crunch with a few simple tricks. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions for reheating calamari using an air fryer, microwave, oven, and stove-top. We’ll also include tips, Q&A, and recipes to help you get the most out of your leftovers.
Using an Air Fryer
An air fryer is the quickest and best way to reheat fried calamari so it stays crispy.
What You Need
- Air fryer
- Leftover fried calamari
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
- Add the cold calamari to the basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces aren’t crowded.
- Air fry for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for your desired level of crispness. Air fry for 1-2 more minutes if needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the hot, crispy calamari!
Using a Microwave
The microwave can also reheat fried calamari well, though the texture may be slightly less crispy than air frying.
What You Need
- Microwave-safe plate
- Leftover fried calamari
- Paper towel
Instructions
- Place the cold calamari on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
- Cover with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds. The time will depend on your microwave strength and the amount of calamari.
- Check and stir the calamari halfway through, and microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
- Eat right away while the calamari is hot and crispy.
Using the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat larger batches of calamari evenly. Use a high heat to maintain crispness.
What You Need
- Baking sheet
- Leftover fried calamari
- Optional: cooking spray or oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Place the cold calamari pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Spray lightly with oil or brush with a small amount of oil if desired.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until hot and sizzling. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- For extra crispness, you can optionally broil the calamari for 1-2 final minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and enjoy the reheated calamari right away.
On the Stove-Top
Pan-frying is a quick and easy way to reheat calamari on the stove-top.
What You Need
- Skillet or frying pan
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Leftover fried calamari
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil.
- When oil is hot, add your leftover calamari pieces in a single layer.
- Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until heated through and lightly golden brown. Flip gently with tongs or a spatula.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- Enjoy the hot, crispy reheated calamari!
Tips for Reheating Calamari
- Only reheat fully cooked leftover calamari, not raw squid.
- Avoid overcrowding pieces when reheating. This helps maintain crispiness.
- Let refrigerated fried calamari come closer to room temp before reheating for more even results.
- Toss or brush calamari with a small amount of oil before reheating for added crispness.
- Eat reheated calamari right away before it loses its crunch.
- Don’t reheat more than once or calamari will become tough.
Common Questions
How long does reheated calamari last?
Reheated calamari is best consumed right away. It should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can you reheat calamari in an instant pot?
Yes, an instant pot or pressure cooker can reheat calamari nicely. Use the saute setting with a small amount of oil or broth for 1-2 minutes.
What’s the best way to reheat calamari to order?
Deep frying reheats calamari the closest to restaurant quality. Fry at 375°F for 1-2 minutes until hot and crispy.
Should you reheat calamari rings or tentacles differently?
Follow the same methods for reheating fried calamari rings and tentacles pieces. Tentacles may take slightly less time to reheat since they are thinner.
Can you reheat calamari in the same oil it was originally fried in?
It’s best to use fresh, clean oil when reheating to avoid any burnt flavors from particles left behind in old oil.
Recipes for Leftover Calamari
1. Calamari Salad
Toss reheated calamari with salad greens, sliced peppers, olives, and your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
2. Calamari Tacos
Warm flour tortillas and fill with crispy reheated calamari, coleslaw, avocado, and chipotle crema.
3. Calamari Pizza
Top a baked pizza crust with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and reheated crispy calamari rings.
Product Recommendation
Here are some specific model recommendations for reheating calamari:
Air Fryers
- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Air Fryer
- Philips TurboStar Airfryer
- Cosori Air Fryer Max XL
- Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer
Microwaves
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S
- GE JES1097SMSS Microwave Oven
- Sharp R-21LCFS Microwave Oven
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL 1800W Microwave
Ovens
- LG LDE4415ST Electric Range Oven
- GE JB645RKSS 30″ Freestanding Gas Range Oven
- Bosch 800 Series HGI8056UC Oven
- Whirlpool WFE515S0ES Oven
- Samsung NE58K9560WS Electric Range Oven
Skillets/Frying Pans
- All-Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch Fry Pan
- Tramontina 10-Inch Professional Restaurant Fry Pan
- Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan
- Cuisinart 622-36H Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Fry Pan
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Reheating and repurposing leftovers is a great way to save money and prevent food waste. Follow these tips to enjoy fried calamari twice! Let us know your favorite way to serve reheated squid.
