The first time I tried deep-fried calamari, it felt like a culinary revelation. The sound of the squid sizzling in hot oil, the aroma of spices filling the air—there’s nothing quite like this experience. With my quick and easy recipe for crispy deep-fried calamari, you can recreate that tantalizing flavor sensation in your own kitchen. Not only is this dish a fantastic appetizer that impresses friends and family, but it’s also simple enough for even the busiest of weeknights. Plus, there are variations to suit everyone’s taste, from traditional frying to a healthier baking option. Are you ready to dive into a world of deliciousness? Let’s get cooking! Why is This Calamari Recipe a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Irresistible Crunch: With a perfectly golden exterior and tender inside, every bite delivers satisfaction that rivals any restaurant’s calamari. Versatile Options: Whether you prefer deep frying or want to bake for a healthier twist, you can easily tailor this dish to suit your cravings. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Serve it with marinara sauce for that classic touch, or try garlic aioli to elevate your appetizer game. Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to cooking seafood, this recipe is approachable and encouraging—no chef’s skills required! Check out my Pan Fried Shrimp for another quick seafood delight! Deep Fried Calamari Ingredients For the Calamari • Squid (1 lb, thawed) – The star of the dish; use both rings and tentacles for texture. • Milk (1 cup) – This helps tenderize the squid and ensures the breading sticks well; use almond milk for a dairy-free option. • Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Adds a fresh, zesty punch; vinegar can be a good substitute in a pinch. • Salt (2 teaspoons) – Essential for flavor; feel free to adjust based on your preference. For the Breading • All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Creates the crispy coating; try using a gluten-free flour blend if needed. • Baking Powder (2 teaspoons) – Helps achieve that light, airy texture in the batter; omit for a denser coating. • Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) – Adds a mild kick; adjust to taste for your desired spice level. • Oregano (1 teaspoon) – Introduces herby flavors; you can swap it with Italian seasoning if you don’t have it. • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Elevates flavor nicely; use freshly minced garlic for an even bolder taste. • Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Infuses depth and smokiness; regular paprika works if you prefer less heat. For Frying • Avocado Oil (4-6 cups) – Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point; canola oil is a good alternative too. • Salt (to taste) – For that finishing touch on your crispy calamari. With these Deep Fried Calamari ingredients, you’re ready to embark on a flavorful cooking adventure! Enjoy the deliciousness! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Deep Fried Calamari Step 1: Prepare the Squid Begin by thawing your squid overnight in the refrigerator if using frozen. Once thawed, slice the squid into ¾-inch rings, ensuring a uniform size for even cooking. If you have tentacles, leave them whole for a delightful texture contrast. Step 2: Marinate In a large bowl, combine the squid with 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the calamari while infusing it with delicious flavor. Step 3: Prepare Breading While the calamari marinates, prepare your breading mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Ensure the mixture is well combined to achieve a consistent coating on your crispy deep-fried calamari. Step 4: Coat Calamari Remove the marinated squid from the refrigerator. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the squid to the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Press lightly to adhere the breading to the squid for that extra crunch when fried. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step. Step 5: Fry Calamari In a deep pot or fryer, heat 4 to 6 cups of avocado oil to 365°F (185°C). It’s essential to use a thermometer for accuracy. Carefully add the coated calamari in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and fry for about 3 minutes or until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the color for that perfect crunch! Step 6: Drain and Season Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with salt to enhance the flavor while they are still hot. Repeat the frying process with the remaining squid, ensuring each batch is as delicious as the last. Make Ahead Options These Crispy Deep Fried Calamari are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the squid in milk, lemon juice, and salt up to 24 hours in advance, which not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the calamari for a delightful crunch. Prepare the breading mixture and store it in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 days to save time on the day of frying. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the marinated squid in the breading and fry in hot oil as instructed. This prep strategy allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality calamari with minimal effort, making it the ideal dish for busy weeknights! Storage Tips for Deep Fried Calamari Fridge: Store leftover calamari in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Enjoy within 2 days for optimal freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbreaded, marinated squid in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before breading and frying when ready to enjoy. Reheating: To regain that crispy texture, reheat fried calamari in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, rather than in a microwave which can make them chewy. Serving Tips: Pair leftover calamari with a fresh dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon for a quick and tasty snack! Deep Fried Calamari Variations Feel free to customize this calamari recipe to suit your taste cravings and dietary preferences! Baked Version: Instead of frying, coat calamari with a drizzle of oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for a healthier twist. Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your breading for an added layer of heat that will awaken your taste buds. Coconut Crunch: Substitute half of the flour with shredded coconut for a tropical twist and extra crunch in your calamari. Herbed Delight: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the flour for a vibrant flavor boost. Asian Flair: Replace smoked paprika with five-spice powder for an aromatic spin; serve with soy sauce for dipping for a global twist. Zingy Citrus: Zest your lemon over the calamari before serving for a bright pop of flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Garlic Lovers: Toss minced garlic in the oil right before frying to infuse a wonderful garlic aroma into your calamari. Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle fried calamari with a sweet chili sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors, making it perfect for a party platter. You can also explore more seafood recipes like my delicious Pan Fried Shrimp for other exciting creations! Expert Tips for Deep Fried Calamari • Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking too many pieces at once can lower oil temperature and lead to soggy calamari. Fry in small batches for best results. • Marinate Time Matters: Allowing squid to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours ensures tenderness. Too short might result in a tougher bite. • Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at 365°F (185°C). If the oil is too cool, calamari will soak up oil and become greasy. • Correct Coating: Make sure each piece of calamari is thoroughly coated in the flour mixture. This creates that deliciously crispy exterior. • Avoid Microwaving Leftovers: If you have any calamari left, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for that fresh, crispy texture—no microwaving! Each tip is designed to help you create delightful deep-fried calamari that’s sure to impress! What to Serve with Crispy Deep Fried Calamari? There’s nothing quite like enjoying crispy calamari paired with satisfying sides that enhance its delightful crunch and flavor. Garlic Aioli: A rich and creamy dip that complements the flavors of the calamari beautifully while adding zesty garlic notes. Marinara Sauce: The classic accompaniment! Its tangy sweetness pairs well, balancing the savory crispiness of the fried calamari. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad brings freshness and vibrant color to the table while cutting through the rich flavors of the calamari. Lemon Wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon over your calamari enhances its flavor, adding a refreshing acidity that brightens each bite. Crispy French Fries: The ultimate comfort food! Pairing it with golden fries creates a fun, satisfying meal with great texture contrasts. White Wine Spritzer: This refreshing drink balances the richness of the calamari while enhancing the overall dining experience. For a complete meal, don’t forget to add your favorite sides and drinks, transforming your calamari into a memorable feast! Deep Fried Calamari Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe squid for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing squid, look for fresh ones with a mild ocean scent. The skin should be shiny, bright, and free of dark spots or blemishes. If buying frozen, ensure the packaging is intact, and it’s solidly frozen without any signs of freezer burn. How should I store leftover fried calamari? Very good question! Store any leftover fried calamari in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy texture. Can I freeze calamari, and if so, how? Absolutely, you can freeze your calamari! For best results, freeze the unbreaded, marinated squid in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before proceeding with the breading and frying steps. What should I do if my calamari turns out chewy? If your calamari becomes chewy, it’s likely due to overcooking or frying at a temperature that’s too low. I recommend frying each batch for about 3 minutes at 365°F (185°C) to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Additionally, make sure not to overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and affect crispness. Are there any dietary considerations when preparing calamari? Certainly! If you or your guests have seafood allergies, it’s important to ensure no cross-contamination occurs. For dairy-free dishes, substitute milk with almond milk or another plant-based alternative. If you’re accommodating gluten-sensitive eaters, a gluten-free flour blend can make a tasty alternative to regular flour. Can I bake calamari instead of frying? Yes, indeed! For a healthier version, you can bake the calamari. After coating them in the flour mixture, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway for that golden-brown finish—just like that heavenly deep-fried version! Crispy Deep Fried Calamari – A Flavorful Homemade Delight This homemade deep fried calamari is quick, delicious, and sure to impress your guests. Perfectly crispy and flavorful, it's a must-try seafood dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsMarinate Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Calamari1 lb Squid, thawed Use both rings and tentacles for texture1 cup Milk Almond milk for dairy-free option1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Can substitute with vinegar2 teaspoons Salt Adjust to tasteFor the Breading2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute gluten-free flour if needed2 teaspoons Baking Powder Omit for denser coating1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste1 teaspoon Oregano Can replace with Italian seasoning1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic for bolder flavor1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika if less heat preferredFor Frying4-6 cups Avocado Oil Can substitute with canola oilSalt To taste Equipment Deep fryer or potThermometerMixing bowlsSlotted Spoon Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the Squid: Thaw your squid in the refrigerator if frozen, and slice into ¾-inch rings.Marinate: Combine squid with milk, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Let marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.Prepare Breading: Mix flour, baking powder, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl.Coat Calamari: Transfer marinated squid to the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off excess flour.Fry Calamari: Heat oil to 365°F (185°C). Fry calamari in batches for about 3 minutes until golden brown.Drain and Season: Remove fried calamari and place on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, do not overcrowd the fryer, allow squid to marinate properly, and use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
