This is a dish that is both delicious and impressive, and it's easier to make than you might think. The octopus is cooked in the air fryer until it's browned and tender, then it's combined with a flavorful tomato-based sauce and cooked orzo. The result is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
I first had this dish at a restaurant in Spain, and I was immediately hooked. The octopus was so tender and flavorful, and the sauce was simply divine. I knew I had to recreate this dish at home, so I set out to experiment with different cooking techniques and ingredients. After a few tries, I finally perfected my recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you today.
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound octopus tentacles, cleaned and sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1/2 cup orzo pasta
Instructions
Season octopus tentacles with salt and pepper.
In the air fryer basket, add octopus tentacles and cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until browned and tender.
Once the octopus is cooked, remove from the air fryer and set aside.
In the same air fryer basket, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes.
Add bell peppers and sauté for another 3 minutes.
Add tomatoes and white wine (if using) and cook for 5 minutes.
Add orzo pasta, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is cooked through and tender.
Add cooked octopus back to the air fryer basket and stir to combine.
Why It Works
Cooking the octopus in the air fryer gives it a beautiful golden brown color and a tender texture.
The combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions creates a flavorful sauce that complements the octopus perfectly.
The orzo pasta adds a touch of heartiness to the dish and helps to soak up the delicious sauce.