If you dream of restaurant-style calamari at home, this Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe will quickly become your new go-to favorite. Each crispy ring and golden-brown tentacle is a celebration of flavor and simplicity, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something fun. With a zesty marinade and a perfectly seasoned coating, this dish brings the taste of a seaside bistro right to your own kitchen—without any complicated steps or fancy equipment!

Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s lending tender texture, infusing subtle zest, or helping that irresistible crunch form on the outside. Here’s what you’ll need for truly memorable calamari:

1 lb squid rings and tentacles (thawed): The star of the show; always pat dry for best frying results.
1 cup milk: Tenderizes the squid beautifully, ensuring a soft bite every time.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and keeps the calamari light and fresh.
2 tsp salt: Infuses flavor during the marinade and after frying.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the crisp, golden coating everyone loves.
2 tsp baking powder: The secret to an airy, not-too-heavy crunch.
1 tsp black pepper: Brings gentle heat and a touch of warmth.
1 tsp oregano: Adds a whisper of Mediterranean flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers savory depth in every bite.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Lends color and a light smokiness to the breading.
4-6 cups avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat frying and neutral taste.
Salt (to taste): Sprinkle while hot for the best pop of flavor.

How to Make Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Squid

Start by ensuring your squid is properly thawed—either overnight in the fridge or under cold running water if you’re in a hurry. If your squid comes in tubes, slice them into thick, satisfying rings. Keeping both the rings and tentacles gives a wonderful mix of textures once fried. Pat dry to give the breading the best chance to stick.

Step 2: Marinate

In a roomy bowl, combine milk, lemon juice, and salt, then add your squid. This quick marinade will make the calamari extra tender and infuse it with a subtle tang. Cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to two hours if you have the time). The difference in both flavor and tenderness is worth the wait.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Mixture

While the squid marinates, mix your flour, baking powder, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a separate bowl. Whisk thoroughly so every bite is evenly seasoned. This aromatic flour mixture is what gives the Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe its signature crisp and unforgettable flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Calamari

Working with a slotted spoon, transfer the squid from its marinade to the flour mix. Let excess milk drain off before you toss the calamari, making sure every piece is completely coated. Once done, place them on a baking sheet so they’re ready for frying—don’t be afraid to use your hands to shake off any extra breading!

Step 5: Fry the Calamari

Heat your avocado oil in a deep, heavy pot until it reaches 365°F—the perfect temperature for crispy calamari that cooks quickly but stays juicy. Fry in small batches so they don’t clump together. Each piece should turn a light golden brown in around three minutes, and remember to give them a gentle stir to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Drain and Season

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari onto a tray lined with paper towels to drain. This is the moment to sprinkle them with salt—while they’re still piping hot! The salt will cling to the surface and maximize the flavor experience. Continue until every last ring and tentacle is perfectly cooked.

How to Serve Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe

Garnishes

For that classic touch, serve your calamari with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges. A final squeeze of lemon over the hot rings brings a burst of freshness, while a handful of parsley adds color and a hint of earthiness. If you want to dial up the flavor, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt never goes amiss just before serving.

Side Dishes

The Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar. Garlic aioli, marinara, or zesty remoulade sauces make terrific dippers. For a heartier meal, consider serving with herbed rice, crusty bread, or even a light seafood pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pile the calamari high on a rustic wooden platter with a trio of dipping sauces lined up nearby. Mini parchment cones make for a whimsical, street-food presentation, or load them on top of a vibrant salad for an irresistible calamari salad starter. If you’re feeling adventurous, try threading the rings onto skewers for easy sharing at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to two days, though the crispiness will fade a bit. Always let them cool to room temperature before sealing up to avoid soggy calamari from trapped steam.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, freeze the cooked calamari in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This method helps prevent sticking and keeps each piece ready for reheating. While the texture may shift slightly after freezing, the Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe still delivers on flavor.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, place leftover calamari on a baking rack over a sheet pan and heat in a 400°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the coating chewy. A few minutes in the air fryer at a similar temperature also works wonders for bringing back that delightful crunch.

FAQs

What’s the best oil for frying calamari?

Avocado oil is excellent for the Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can substitute with peanut or canola oil if preferred.

Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the squid completely before marinating and frying so you get even cooking and the breading adheres well.

How do I keep my calamari from getting rubbery?

The marinade is the key! Letting the squid soak in milk and lemon juice tenderizes it, and frying just until golden (not overcooking) ensures each bite is tender, not tough.

Can I make the breading mix ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the dry ingredients for the Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe ahead and store in an airtight container for up to a week, saving precious minutes on cook day.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it uses all-purpose flour, but you can swap for a gluten-free blend if needed. Just be sure your substitute contains a bit of starch and leavening to keep things light and crisp.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the crunch and flavor of homemade calamari, and with this Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe, you can bring that joy to your own kitchen anytime. Gather your simple ingredients, follow these tips, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a plate of golden, crispy calamari that always disappears far too quickly. Give it a try—you might just discover a new house favorite!

Easy Deep Fried Calamari Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This easy deep-fried calamari recipe yields crispy, flavorful squid rings and tentacles that are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. The calamari is marinated in a tangy milk mixture, coated with a flavorful breading, and fried to golden perfection.

Instructions

Prepare the Squid: Thaw squid rings and tentacles. If needed, slice the squid tubes into rings.
Marinate: Combine milk, lemon juice, and salt. Marinate squid in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Prepare the Breading Mixture: Mix flour, baking powder, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Coat the Calamari: Coat squid in breading mixture.
Fry the Calamari: Heat oil, fry calamari until golden brown.
Drain and Season: Remove calamari, sprinkle with salt.

Notes

Be cautious when frying to avoid oil splatter.
Adjust seasoning as per taste preference.

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 345 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 305mg

Keywords: Calamari, Deep Fried, Squid, Seafood, Appetizer, Easy Recipe