Chewy & Delicious! Air Fryer Semi-Dried Baby Octopus
Chewy & Delicious! Air Fryer Semi-Dried Baby Octopus
Easy Snack & Side Dish Using Seasonal Baby Octopus
Enjoy the chewy texture of seasonal baby octopus, perfectly cooked in the air fryer. This recipe creates a delightful snack that highlights the natural flavor of the octopus. It’s fantastic on its own, or even better when dipped in your favorite sauces like gochujang (spicy chili paste), ketchup, or mayonnaise. It can be a satisfying side dish for rice or an irresistible accompaniment to your drinks. Let’s make this simple yet delicious baby octopus dish!
Main Ingredients- 8 semi-dried baby octopuses
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Dipping Sauces (Optional)- Gochujang-based dipping sauce (Chogochujang)
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard sauce
- Gochujang-based dipping sauce (Chogochujang)
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully remove the ink sac and innards from the head of the baby octopus. Once cleaned, coat the octopus with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and gently knead it. This step helps to remove any slimy residue and impurities, ensuring a cleaner texture. Rinse the octopus thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Next, locate the eyes and the beak (at the base of the tentacles) and carefully remove them using scissors or a knife. Removing these parts will make the octopus more pleasant to eat.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the prepared baby octopus and blanch it for just about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the octopus tough.
Step 4
Quickly remove the blanched octopus from the hot water and place it in a colander to drain completely. Ensuring the octopus is well-drained is important to achieve a slightly crispy texture in the air fryer. You can also gently pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 5
Preheat your air fryer. Then, place the drained baby octopus inside and air fry at 180°C (356°F) for 10 to 13 minutes. It’s a good idea to check on the octopus halfway through the cooking time and adjust as needed. Cook until it’s lightly golden brown and has a satisfyingly chewy texture.
Step 6
Here’s the finished product! Your delicious air fryer semi-dried baby octopus, with its wonderful chewy texture and savory flavor, is ready to be enjoyed.
Step 7
The baby octopus has a natural savory taste that’s delicious on its own. However, for an enhanced experience, serve it with your favorite dipping sauces. Try it with spicy gochujang, creamy mayonnaise, sweet ketchup, or tangy mustard for a variety of flavors.
Step 8
Don’t miss out on the plump tentacles and head, which become wonderfully chewy when air-fried. Dip them generously in your chosen sauce for an extra treat!
