Description
This Fried Calamari recipe results in crispy, tender squid with a perfect coating. Marinated in milk for added tenderness, then coated in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder for ultimate crunch, this calamari is served with a spicy arrabbiata sauce. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a tasty snack, this recipe will impress with its deliciously crispy texture and bold flavor.
Ingredients
For the Calamari:
1 lb calamari (tubes sliced into 3/4-inch rings, tentacles stay whole)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup milk
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Neutral oil for frying (about 3 inches of oil in your frying pot)
For Garnish and Serving:
1 lemon (sliced into wedges)
2 cups arrabbiata sauce (or sauce of choice, warmed)
1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Calamari:
Place the cut calamari rings and tentacles in a bowl with 1/2 cup milk. Add kosher salt and stir to combine.
Cover and allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and black pepper. Stir to fully mix.
Coat the Calamari:
Add the calamari to the flour mixture in small batches, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
Place the coated calamari in a colander and shake off excess flour. Set them on a rack and repeat with the remaining calamari.
Heat the Oil:
Fill a Dutch oven with 1 1/2 inches of oil. Use a thermometer to heat the oil to 360°F.
Fry the Calamari:
Add half the calamari to the hot oil and fry for about 3 1/2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Use a spider strainer to remove the calamari from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Repeat with the second batch.
Warm the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, warm the arrabbiata sauce over medium heat.
Serve:
Once all the calamari is fried, place the warm arrabbiata sauce in a serving bowl.
Arrange the fried calamari around the sauce and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Notes
Frozen Squid: If using frozen squid, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and rinse with cold water before using.
Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and spray the basket with cooking oil.
Prep the calamari as per the recipe, then place it in the air fryer in an even layer.
Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Baking Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking oil and arrange the calamari in an even layer.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time:: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
