There’s something undeniably magical about crispy fried calamari. Lightly battered, golden-brown, and perfectly crisp on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of marinara sauce, these bite-sized rings are the epitome of comfort food, with a dash of sophistication. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, an appetizer, or even as a main dish, they’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your dinner table.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make them. This recipe is easy, fun, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you make these at home, you’ll never want to go back to takeout calamari again!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Fried Calamari
If you’ve ever craved that crispy, salty perfection of fried calamari, you know why it’s a classic. Here’s why this recipe will win you over:
Crispy Perfection: The coating is light and crispy, just the way calamari should be. It’s the perfect crunch in every bite!
Tender Inside: The squid stays juicy and tender inside the crispy shell, ensuring that every bite is perfectly balanced.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy equipment. A simple skillet and some basic ingredients are all you need.
Versatile: Serve these with a variety of dipping sauces, like marinara, aioli, or a spicy cocktail sauce, depending on your mood.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re having a casual dinner, a party, or a romantic date, calamari is always a hit. It’s just one of those dishes everyone loves.
Ingredients in Crispy Fried Calamari
This recipe uses a few simple ingredients that, when combined, create a crispy, flavorful outer layer and tender squid inside. Here’s what you’ll need:
Calamari (Squid Rings): The star of the dish. Fresh, tender squid rings are the base of this crispy treat.
Flour: All-purpose flour forms the light batter that crisps up beautifully.
Cornstarch: A little cornstarch helps the batter get extra crispy and light.
Baking Powder: A secret ingredient for that airy, crisp texture.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the squid.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: These add a subtle depth of flavor to the batter and a bit of smokiness.
Buttermilk: The squid is dipped in buttermilk to tenderize it and help the batter adhere.
Vegetable Oil: For frying. A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for frying calamari.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get frying! Here’s how to make the perfect Crispy Fried Calamari:
Prepare the Calamari: Begin by cleaning and slicing the squid into rings. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the batter stick and ensure a crispier fry.
Make the Batter: In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the buttermilk and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Heat the Oil: Heat a few inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) to fry the calamari quickly and evenly.
Coat the Calamari: Dip each ring of squid into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat them fully, but don’t overdo it. The batter should be light and not too thick.
Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the coated calamari into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Drain and Rest: Once fried, remove the calamari from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute or two to stay crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy fried calamari immediately, with a wedge of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: approximate values)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Fried Calamari
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- With Marinara Sauce: A classic choice! Dip your calamari in tangy marinara sauce for a perfect pairing.
- With Garlic Aioli: For a creamy, garlicky twist, aioli is an excellent option.
- With Lemon Wedges: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the crispy calamari to add a burst of brightness.
- With A Salad: Pair the calamari with a light, fresh salad to balance out the richness. A simple arugula salad or Greek salad would complement it beautifully.
- With French Fries: Serve it with crispy fries for the ultimate comfort food duo.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the calamari in small batches so that the temperature of the oil stays consistent. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
- For Extra Crispiness: Try double dipping the calamari in the batter for an even crunchier result.
- Use Fresh Squid: Fresh squid will give the best results, but frozen squid works too if it’s thawed properly and patted dry.
- Serve Immediately: Fried food is best served right away while it’s still crispy, so try to enjoy your calamari fresh out of the pan.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen calamari?
Yes, you can use frozen calamari. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid soggy batter.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Fried calamari is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter and clean the squid ahead of time to save some effort on the day you cook.
3. Can I use a deep fryer for this?
Yes! A deep fryer is a great option for frying calamari. Just set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and follow the same frying instructions.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. What dipping sauces go well with calamari?
Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, spicy cocktail sauce, or a lemon-butter dipping sauce are all great choices.
6. How do I keep the calamari crispy?
Place the fried calamari on a wire rack to allow excess oil to drain and keep them crispy.
7. Can I add seasoning to the batter?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, dried herbs, or parmesan cheese to the batter for extra flavor.
8. Can I use this recipe for other seafood?
Yes, this recipe works well for shrimp or other types of seafood. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the size of the seafood.
9. How long does the fried calamari stay crispy?
Fried calamari is best served immediately, but if you need to store it, place it on a wire rack in the oven to keep it crispy for a little while longer.
10. Can I bake calamari instead of frying it?
While baking won’t give you the same crispy result as frying, you can coat the calamari in breadcrumbs and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier version.
Conclusion
These Crispy Fried Calamari are everything you could want in a snack—crispy, tender, and so full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to make, fun to eat, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Try it out and get ready to dive into the crispy goodness.
Print
Crispy Fried Calamari
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Fried Calamari is a popular appetizer featuring tender squid rings lightly coated in seasoned flour and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Served with lemon wedges and dipping sauce, it’s a seafood favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) squid, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: dipping sauce (aioli, marinara, or spicy mayo)
Instructions
- Rinse the squid rings under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge the squid rings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess coating.
- Fry the squid in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure squid is completely dry before coating to avoid soggy results.
- Don’t overcook the squid, or it will become rubbery.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 180mg