Air Fryer Cuttlefish: Tender Spanish Seafood Favorite (58) 2026

Air fryer cuttlefish is one of those dishes that proves you do not need a hot pan or a lot of oil to get deep, satisfying seafood flavor. The cuttlefish turns tender inside while the garlic and parsley picada gives it a bright, savory finish that tastes like something from a Spanish coastal kitchen.

This is a fantastic option for busy weeknights because the air fryer does almost all the work. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes, you can have a main course that feels special but comes together with almost no effort.

Serve it with lemon wedges and a spoonful of alioli or garlic mayonnaise for dipping, and you have a light, protein-rich meal that pairs beautifully with a simple salad or crusty bread.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cuttlefish

For 2 servings

• A few sprigs of parsley
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 g clean cuttlefish
• Salt
• 2 lemon slices
• Alioli or garlic mayonnaise

How to Make Air Fryer Cuttlefish Step by Step

1. Make the garlic and parsley picada

First, prepare the parsley, garlic, and oil picada. Wash a few sprigs of parsley, dry them well with a cloth, remove the stems, and finely chop the leaves. Peel 1 garlic clove and finely chop it. Combine the garlic and parsley, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and mix well. Set aside so the oil absorbs the flavors. If you prefer, you can crush the ingredients in a mortar instead of chopping them very finely.

2. Preheat the air fryer and dry the cuttlefish

Next, preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at a temperature between 200 and 220 ºC, the highest your model allows. While it heats, take 2 medium clean cuttlefish, about 400 g total, rinse them under the tap, and then dry them very well with paper towels or a cotton kitchen cloth. It is important that they are completely dry for the best result.

3. Season and place the cuttlefish in the air fryer basket

After drying the cuttlefish, season them with salt on both sides and place them directly in the air fryer basket once preheated. Make sure they are not overlapping and that there is enough space for the air to circulate well so the cuttlefish cooks evenly.

4. Cook the cuttlefish for 8 minutes

Put the basket back into the air fryer. Do not put paper on the base, or a mold, or anything closed, because we want the water the cuttlefish releases to fall away so it cooks perfectly and does not stew. Set to cook the cuttlefish for 8 minutes at 180 ºC. If you have larger or smaller pieces than the ones used in this recipe, cook them a minute more or less as needed.

5. Brush with the garlic and parsley picada

After the first 8 minutes, remove the air fryer basket and brush the cuttlefish with the garlic and parsley picada. The easiest way is to use a pastry brush or kitchen brush to spread the mixture evenly over the surface of the cuttlefish.

6. Flip and brush the other side

Then, carefully flip the cuttlefish over and brush the other side with the garlic and parsley picada as well.

7. Cook again and serve

After brushing both sides, place the cuttlefish back in the air fryer to cook for another 8 minutes at 180 ºC so it finishes browning and takes on all the flavors of the picada. Serve the cuttlefish with a couple of lemon slices and a little alioli or garlic mayonnaise.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cuttlefish

Start with clean, dry cuttlefish

Whether you use fresh or frozen cuttlefish, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and patted completely dry before cooking. If using frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator beforehand to preserve its texture and flavor. Any excess moisture will steam the cuttlefish instead of letting it brown.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket

Arrange the cuttlefish in a single layer with space between the pieces so hot air can circulate freely. This ensures even cooking and helps the cuttlefish develop a nice golden exterior without turning rubbery.

Adjust cooking time for different sizes

The times given are for medium cuttlefish totaling about 400 g. If your pieces are larger or smaller, increase or decrease the cooking time by a minute or two as needed. Always check for tenderness and adjust accordingly.

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