Go Back
+ servings
Fried Calamari with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Easy Fried Calamari

This restaurant favorite is surprisingly easy to make! Just a few ingredients is all it takes to get crispy, delicious fried calamari at home.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the fried calamari

  • 1 Pound cleaned squid bodies and tentacles
  • 1 Cup milk
  • 1 ½ Cups all purpose flour
  • ½ Teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 Cups oil for frying
  • kosher salt

For serving

  • Fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Marinara sauce

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the squid and pat dry. Cut the bodies into ½ inch rings. Add the rings and tentacles to a bowl with the milk, toss to coat, and let marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain the squid and pat dry.
  • Meanwhile, In a large heavy bottomed pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees and prepare a paper towel lined plate for the squid.
  • Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a large bowl. In small batches, dredge the squid in the flour mixture and shake off the excess. Carefully add the squid to the oil and fry until golden brown; about 3 minutes. With a spider or slotted spoon, transfer the squid to the paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
  • Transfer the fried calamari to a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword Appetizers, feast of the seven fishes, seafood
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!