Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe 🦑🍋

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a basket of Crispy Fried Calamari fresh out of the fryer—golden, crunchy, and just the right amount of tender. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a seafood snack night, this recipe brings restaurant-style fried calamari to your home kitchen, complete with a zesty dipping sauce and lemony finish.

Why I Love This Recipe

This calamari recipe checks all the boxes: crisp, not greasy, quick to cook, and packed with flavor. Thanks to a light dredge in flour and cornflour, each bite has a delicate crunch that lets the squid shine. Paired with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, it’s the kind of appetizer that vanishes fast.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Calamari:

• 500g squid rings, cleaned and sliced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornflour (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika or chili powder (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Oil for deep frying
• Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, to serve

For the Dipping Sauce:

• Store-bought marinara or cocktail sauce OR
• Quick mix: ketchup + dash of lemon juice + pinch of chili flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Squid

Rinse the squid rings and pat them dry with paper towels. Marinate them with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for 10–15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, combine:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornflour
• Paprika/chili powder
• Garlic powder
• A pinch of salt

3. Coat the Calamari

Dip each squid ring in the beaten egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.

4. Fry

Heat oil in a deep pan to medium-high. Working in small batches, fry the squid rings for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding.

5. Drain

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

6. Serve

Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

Tips for Success

• Dry squid = crispier results: Always pat dry before coating.
• Cornflour adds lightness: Don’t skip it if you want that restaurant-style crunch.
• Watch the heat: Too hot and the squid toughens; too cool and it gets greasy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Fried calamari pairs beautifully with:

• Beer Cheese Dip as a creamy, bold contrast.
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• Dorito Casserole to turn your meal into a playful dinner table.
• Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing citrus punch.
• Easy Turkey Wings if you want a hearty mix of surf and turf.

Storage & Reheating

• Best served fresh.
• To reheat: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Avoid microwave: It softens the coating and makes the squid rubbery.

Final Thoughts

Crispy, golden, and ready in minutes—this Fried Calamari recipe is a keeper. Whether it’s your game-day appetizer or a dinner party starter, it’s sure to impress. Serve it hot, with plenty of lemon and a side of your favorite sauce, and don’t be surprised when the plate is empty in minutes.

If you tried this recipe, share your crispy creations with @ChefManiac—we’d love to see your kitchen hits!