Calamari Recipe: 3 Easy and Tasty Ways You Should Try

The classic fried calamari recipe is one of the most loved ways to prepare squid. This dish is golden, crispy, and often served with lemon wedges and dipping sauce. It makes a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Ingredients:

- 500g squid (cleaned and cut into rings)

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup cornstarch

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- Vegetable oil for frying

- Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Wash and pat dry the squid rings with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until hot.

4. Coat the squid rings in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is fully covered.

5. Fry the squid in small batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Do not overcook, or the squid will become chewy.

6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

Tips:

- Make sure the squid is very dry before coating, as extra moisture can make the coating soggy instead of crisp.

- Fry in small batches to prevent the oil from cooling down. This will help the calamari stay crunchy.

- Do not fry for too long; a short cooking time keeps the squid tender and prevents it from turning rubbery.

If you want a lighter option, try this air fryer calamari recipe. It gives you crispy results without using too much oil. This is a great choice for people who enjoy healthier versions of their favorite snacks.

Ingredients:

- 500g squid rings

- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

- 1/2 cup flour

- 2 eggs (beaten)

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Pat the squid rings dry with paper towels.

2. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and salt.

3. Coat each squid ring first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

4. Place the coated squid rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

5. Spray lightly with olive oil.

6. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

- Do not overcrowd the basket; giving space allows hot air to circulate and makes the calamari crispier.

- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, as they create a better texture than regular breadcrumbs.

- Flip the squid halfway through cooking to make sure both sides turn evenly golden and crispy.

This crispy baked calamari recipe is another healthy way to enjoy squid. Baking gives a crunchy texture without the extra oil from frying. It is a good option for those who want a light yet tasty snack or appetizer.

Ingredients:

- 500g squid rings

- 1/2 cup flour

- 2 eggs (beaten)

- 1 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/2 teaspoon oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

- Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Pat dry the squid rings with paper towels.

3. In three bowls, place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, paprika, salt, and Parmesan in the third.

4. Coat squid rings in flour, dip into egg, then cover with breadcrumb mixture.

5. Place the coated squid rings on the prepared baking tray.

6. Spray lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up.

7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

8. Serve hot with dipping sauces.

Tips:

- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking, as it helps the calamari cook evenly without tearing.

- Turn the calamari halfway through baking so that both sides come out crunchy and golden.

- Adding Parmesan to the coating gives a richer taste and a slightly cheesy flavor that makes the calamari more unique.

Calamari is always better with a tasty dipping sauce. The right sauce adds flavor and makes the dish more enjoyable. Here are some easy sauce ideas you can try with your calamari recipe:

1. Garlic Aioli – A creamy dip made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a smooth texture and a strong garlic flavor that matches perfectly with the crispy coating of fried calamari.

2. Marinara Sauce – A tomato-based sauce with herbs and spices. The tangy flavor and light seasoning balance the richness of baked calamari, making every bite refreshing and tasty.

3. Sweet Chili Sauce – A slightly spicy and sweet sauce that goes well with air fryer calamari. The mix of heat and sweetness creates a delicious contrast to the crunchy squid.

4. Tartar Sauce – A classic dip made with mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice. Its creamy and tangy taste makes it a favorite with seafood and adds extra freshness to calamari.

5. Spicy Mayo – A mix of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce for those who like heat. The creaminess of the mayo and the spice from the sriracha make it bold and flavorful, adding excitement to every bite.

These sauces are simple to make and pair wonderfully with any calamari recipe. Choose your favorite or try different ones each time for variety.