Squid balls are a popular snack in many Asian cuisines. These delicious bite-sized treats are enjoyed by people of all ages for their unique texture and flavor. While traditionally, squid balls are deep-fried, you can also cook them in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and easy recipe on how to cook squid balls in an air fryer. So, let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
– 500 grams of squid, cleaned and minced
– 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons of chopped spring onions
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– Cooking oil spray
Equipment:
– Air fryer
– Mixing bowl
– Chopping board
– Knife
– Measuring spoons
– Whisk
Prepare the Squid Mixture
Start by cleaning the squid thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the head, tentacles, and innards. Peel off the thin skin from the body and wash it again. Once cleaned, mince the squid finely using a knife or a food processor. Transfer the minced squid into a large mixing bowl.
In the same bowl, add breadcrumbs, cornstarch, chopped spring onions, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. These ingredients will help enhance the taste and bind the squid mixture together. Break the egg into the bowl as well, which acts as a binding agent. Using a whisk or your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Shape the Squid Balls
Once the squid mixture is ready, it’s time to shape them into balls. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. The size can be adjusted according to your preference, but it’s typically around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the shaped squid balls on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not too close to each other to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Squid Balls
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for around 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating, lightly coat the squid balls with cooking oil spray. This step helps to achieve a crispy and golden exterior. You can use any cooking oil spray of your choice or a brush dipped in oil if you don’t have a spray. Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the squid balls in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
Cook the squid balls in the air fryer for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the squid balls and the specific model of your air fryer. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and adjust the timing accordingly. The squid balls should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside.
Serving the Squid Balls
Once the squid balls are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your tongue. Squid balls are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice. Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even mayonnaise are popular choices that complement the flavors of the squid balls well.
Enjoy the Delicious Squid Balls
Now that you have learned this easy and scrumptious squid ball recipe using an air fryer, you can enjoy this delightful seafood dish anytime. Squid balls make for a tasty appetizer, party snack, or even a main course when paired with steamed rice or noodles. With the air fryer technique, you can relish these squid balls guilt-free, as they are much healthier than the traditional deep-fried version. So, try this recipe in your air fryer and impress your friends and family with this delectable treat!