Fried Calamari

crispy fried homemade calamari with marinara sauce.

5 from 10 votes

Fried Calamari is a crispy and delicious appetizer recipe that is surprisingly easy to make at home. Lightly coated and fried to golden brown perfection!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Krissy Allori

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups oil see Note 1 below
1 pound clean squid with tentacles see Note 2 below
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 lemons cut into wedges
1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

Pour enough oil into a heavy large saucepan to reach the depth of 1-2 inches (2 cups oil recommended). Heat over medium heat to 350 degrees F.
Mix the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Working in small batches, toss the 1 pound clean squid with tentacles into the flour mixture to coat. Shake off as much excess flour as you can and set breaded calamari pieces on a plate.
Carefully add the squid to the oil and fry until crisp and very pale golden, about 3 minutes per batch. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. You may have to do this in several batches and add oil in between batches, as necessary. Continue to monitor oil temperature and do your best to maintain an oil temp around 350 degrees F by adjusting the heat, as needed.
Place the fried calamari and lemon wedges on a clean plate. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve with 1 cup marinara sauce that has been warmed.

Video

Notes

Oil: Any kind of high temp fry oil will work. I prefer avocado oil, but it is expensive. Vegetable or Peanut Oil will work well too. The quantity of oil needed will depend on the size of your pot. You will need enough to create a depth of 1-2 inches for deep-frying. The oil can be strained and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator when done to use for future recipes.
Squid/Calamari: You might be able to find it fresh at a seafood market or the seafood counter at your grocery store, but most likely you will need to buy it frozen. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator and blot it dry to squeeze out any excess moisture.

Nutrition