How to Make Fried Calamari at Home (Restaurant-Quality)

Think you need to go to a fancy restaurant for a perfectly crispy calamari? Think again!

With this easy-fried calamari recipe, you’ll learn how to make deep-fried calamari right in your home kitchen, ensuring that every bite is as crispy and delicious as you’d get at your favorite spot.

Plus, we’ll share some pro tips for achieving the ultimate crunchy texture and a quick leftover oil disposal hack that is sure to give you a guilt-free experience.

Ingredients for Homemade Fried Calamari

Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have all the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need for the best homemade calamari recipe:

1 lb fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal for extra crunch
Salt and pepper to taste (or add paprika for a little kick!)
2 cups of oil for frying
FryAway Pan Fry for easy oil disposal (more on that later)

And here’s a tip: when selecting calamari, always go for the freshest option you can find. Fresher squid results in more tender calamari and enhances the dish's overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Procedures to Make Deep-Fried Calamari

Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Here’s exactly how to make fried calamari at home:

1. Prep the Calamari

Rinse the squid in cold water and pat it dry. Slice into 1/2-inch rings and set aside.

2. Prepare the Flour Mix

Mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl. If you like a bit of heat, add paprika or cayenne.

3. Heat the Oil

A deep fryer or big pan should be heated to 350°F with about 2 cups of oil. This ensures your calamari will fry evenly and get that perfect golden crust.

how to make fried calamari

4. Dredge and Fry

Toss the calamari in the flour mixture to coat, then carefully drop them into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcooking—calamari can turn rubbery quickly if left in the oil for too long.

5. Drain and Serve

Once fried, remove the calamari and drain them on a paper towel.

homemade calamari recipe

Some Helpful Tips On Serving Fried Calamari

Now that you’ve mastered the perfect deep-fried calamari, it’s time to serve it! There’s nothing like pairing your crispy calamari with some classic accompaniments:

Deep Fried Calamari

Dipping Sauces: Marinara, garlic aioli, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice works wonders.
Side Dishes: Try a crisp salad or a refreshing glass of white wine to balance the richness of the fried dish.
Fresh Herbs: Decorate with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a burst of color and a subtle fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy calamari.
Seasoning Twist: For an extra kick, sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes over the calamari right after frying for an added layer of flavor.

How to Solidify Cooking Oil with FryAway?

After all the deliciousness, there's always one lingering question: what do you do with the leftover oil? Luckily, there's an easy solution:

After frying, while the oil is still hot, sprinkle FryAway into the pan.
Stir gently and allow the oil to cool down. As it cools, it will magically solidify, trapping any debris from the cooking process.
Once the oil has hardened, scoop it out and toss it directly in the trash. There will be no mess and no potential danger of clogged drains.

There You Go!

Now you know how to get that perfectly crispy, deep-fried calamari right at home, and just as importantly, you know how to deal with the leftover oil mess. With FryAway Pan Fry, cleanup is a breeze.

If you're dealing with larger quantities of oil, consider using FryAway Deep Fry, which solidifies over 16 cups of oil. No more greasy problems, just delicious food and an easy cleanup. Enjoy!