Name: Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen calamari tubes thawed; Kosher salt as needed; ½ cup 2% milk; 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour; ⅓ cup cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¾ teaspoon dry oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Grape seed oil as needed for frying; 1 lemon cut into wedges to serve

If you love that perfect crunch followed by tender, flavorful seafood, then this Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe is going to be your new go-to appetizer. It’s golden, seasoned just right, and surprisingly easy to make at home—no need to wait for restaurant night!

A round white plate with a blue rim is full of golden brown fried calamari rings stacked in layers, showing a crunchy texture with slightly uneven, crispy edges. Scattered green parsley leaves add a fresh contrast on top of the calamari. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blue background visible around the plate's edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with preparing crispy fried calamari at home now—it’s such a crowd-pleaser and feels fancy without any fuss. The magic really comes from tenderizing the calamari in salted milk first, which keeps each bite melt-in-your-mouth tender and cuts the fishiness.

Perfect Texture: Soaking the calamari rings in salted milk tenderizes and balances flavors beautifully.
Golden Crunch: The seasoned flour and cornstarch coating fries up extra crispy without being greasy.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for a Mediterranean classic you can whip up anytime.
Easy Entertaining: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for impressing guests without stress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for ingredients to create this delectable appetizer is straightforward. Freshness and quality make all the difference—from firm calamari to pure grape seed oil for frying. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players and why I love them in this recipe.

Flat lay of fresh raw calamari tubes whole and uncut, a small pile of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine baking powder, dried oregano sprinkled in a small white bowl, whole black peppercorns in a small white bowl, a small white bowl with ground cayenne pepper, a whole lemon cut into bright yellow wedges arranged on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with 2% milk, a small white ceramic bowl with kosher salt crystals, all ingredients arranged symmetrically in perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Calamari Tubes: Frozen works perfectly as long as they’re properly thawed; tubes sliced into rings give you those classic bite-sized rings.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and used in the milk soak to tenderize and tone down any fishiness.
2% Milk: Salted milk is a simple secret to soften the calamari’s texture for that tender, light bite.
All Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the coating, helping create a light, crispy crust.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch by absorbing moisture and giving a delicate crisp finish.
Baking Powder: A little lift in the breading that helps with lightness and crisp texture.
Dry Oregano: Brings a subtle herbaceous note that complements the Mediterranean vibe perfectly.
Black Pepper: Adds earthy warmth and a bit of depth to the seasoning mix.
Cayenne Pepper: A gentle kick for some lovely heat without overpowering the calamari.
Grape Seed Oil: Neutral flavor with a high smoke point, perfect for frying until golden crispy.
Lemon: Fresh wedges add bright citrus that lifts the fried rings and balances richness wonderfully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own! Whether you're looking to lighten it up, add a new flavor twist, or cater to special dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to customize this crowd-pleaser.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch as usual. I’ve tried this variation for a gluten-sensitive friend and the calamari still came out wonderfully crispy and tender.
Extra Spice: Boost the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky heat. I once added a dash of chili flakes for a fiery kick that my spice-loving guests adored.
Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil mixed into the breading for an herbaceous lift. It’s a fresh take that brightened up a warm summer gathering we had.
Air Fryer Friendly: For a lighter approach, try air frying the calamari at 400°F for 8 minutes. While it’s not quite the same deep-fried crunch, it’s a great alternative that still satisfies that craving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

A white bowl filled with red marinara sauce with small green herb pieces on top sits at the center of the image. Surrounding the bowl are golden, crispy fried onion rings and red pepper slices, all breaded with a textured crumb coating. A woman's hand is holding one onion ring dipped partly into the sauce, showing the contrast between the crunchy golden exterior and the smooth red sauce. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, enhancing the colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Slice and Soak for Tenderness

First, take your thawed calamari tubes and slice them into uniform ¾-inch thick rings. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Next, stir 1 teaspoon kosher salt into ½ cup of 2% milk and immerse the calamari rings in this salted milk mixture. Let them soak in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is essential—it tenderizes the calamari and mellows that natural fishiness for a beautifully mild flavor.

Step 2: Mix Your Crispy Coating

While the calamari is soaking, combine the breading ingredients in a large bowl: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¾ teaspoon dry oregano, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly to distribute the spices and leavening evenly—this creates that crisp, golden crust that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Coat with Care

Using tongs, remove about half the calamari rings from the milk, giving them a gentle shake to remove excess liquid. Toss them in the flour mixture until every ring is well coated. Transfer these coated rings to a colander set above a bowl to catch any leftover flour. Repeat with the remaining calamari rings. Giving the calamari a good shake before dredging helps the coating stick without getting clumpy.

Step 4: Prepare Your Oven and Oil

Preheat your oven to a low 150°F to keep the calamari warm once fried. Place a wire rack on a sheet pan and layer it with paper towels. Then, heat about 4 inches of grape seed oil in a deep, small pot to between 350-365°F. To check if the oil is ready, carefully drop one calamari ring in—it should bubble vigorously and float to the surface. This is your green light to start frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Working in batches, use tongs to gently lower a few calamari rings into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set the rings on the prepared wire rack. Immediately season with kosher salt while they’re still hot. Pop the pan into the warm oven to keep everything crisp and cozy as you fry up the rest.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once all your calamari is fried and salted, arrange it on a serving plate and finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The bright acidity instantly elevates these crispy rings. Serve hot, ideally with a side of marinara or Tzatziki for dipping, and watch as your guests enjoy every crunchy, tender bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe comes down to a few key tricks that make all the difference in tenderness, crispness, and flavor. Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours that will help you wow your guests every time.

Salted Milk Soak: Soaking your calamari rings in salted 2% milk for 30 minutes is a game changer — it tenderizes the squid and reduces any overpowering fishiness without washing away flavor.
Breading Technique: Use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a pinch of baking powder and spices. This ensures a light, crackly coating that stays crispy.
Oil Temperature Control: Fry your calamari between 350 and 365°F for a perfect golden crunch without greasiness. I always test the oil by dropping in a single ring first — if it bubbles up and floats, you’re good to go.
Keep Warm Without Losing Crisp: After frying, place your calamari on a wire rack lined with paper towels and keep them in a warmed 150°F oven. This keeps them crisp and ready to serve without getting soggy.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with many white, soft, small square pieces in a milky white liquid. The pieces have a smooth yet slightly translucent texture, floating evenly throughout the creamy liquid. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon wedges are the classic garnish for crispy fried calamari – a squeeze of lemon juice brightens every bite! You can also add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of flaky sea salt for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Pair your calamari with simple Mediterranean sides like crisp Greek salad, creamy Tzatziki, or a tangy marinara dipping sauce. Crispy fries, garlic aioli, or even grilled vegetables also complement the golden rings beautifully, turning your appetizer into a memorable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the calamari will lose its delightful crispness but will remain flavorful and tasty.

Freezing

Freezing fried calamari isn’t ideal as it compromises texture upon reheating. If you want to freeze calamari before cooking, it’s best to freeze the thawed, raw rings soaked in salted milk and breaded, then fry fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Reheating crispy fried calamari is tricky and generally not recommended because the breading softens. If needed, briefly reheat in a hot oven or air fryer just to warm them without steaming, but fresh is always best!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh calamari instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh calamari can be used and often has a tender bite. Just be sure to clean it well, slice into ¾-inch rings, and soak in salted milk to keep it tender and flavorful.

Why do I soak the calamari in salted milk?

Soaking in salted milk tenderizes the calamari and reduces its natural fishiness, resulting in a milder, more pleasant flavor and softer texture when fried.

Can I bake or air fry this recipe instead of frying?

Yes! For an air fryer, arrange coated calamari in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 400°F for about 8 minutes until golden and crisp. Baking isn’t recommended as it won’t achieve the same crunchy texture.

What oil is best for frying calamari?

Grape seed oil is ideal because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You can also use other neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or peanut oil.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe becomes a favorite go-to for your Mediterranean-inspired gatherings and weekday treats alike. There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into those golden, crunchy calamari rings with a zing of fresh lemon. Enjoy the process, experiment with your favorite dips, and savor every bite fresh from the fryer — your guests will thank you!