Best Fried Calamari – Crispy, Easy & Restaurant-Style Recipe
Fried Calamari features tender squid rings and tentacles soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and deep-fried until crispy and golden for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound calamari rings and tentacles
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place the calamari in a bowl with the buttermilk and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 3-4 inches of vegetable oil in a large deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together flour, salt, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Remove each piece of calamari from the buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Working in batches, place 8-10 pieces of squid in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove fried calamari from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining squid.
- Sprinkle additional salt and chopped parsley over the calamari. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking in buttermilk helps tenderize the calamari and adds flavor.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot and calamari crispy.
- Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the calamari by repeating the flour coating step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/fried-calamari-recipe/