Description
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, this Fried Calamari recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. Perfectly tender squid coated in a seasoned crust, it’s a quick and easy appetizer ideal for any occasion. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
1 pound calamari (squid), cleaned and sliced into rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk as a substitute)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Marinara sauce or aioli (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Calamari: Clean and slice calamari into uniform rings. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Coating: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Pour buttermilk into another bowl. Soak calamari for 10 minutes.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat and Fry:
- Remove calamari from buttermilk and shake off excess.
- Dredge rings in the flour mixture and coat evenly.
- Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve with dipping sauces.
Notes
Fry calamari in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
Avoid overcooking to keep the calamari tender.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 4
