Description
Crispy, golden calamari rings, tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, make for the perfect appetizer or snack. Soaked in milk for extra tenderness, they’re perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb calamari rings (fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge calamari)
Instructions
- Soak the Calamari:
Place the calamari rings in a bowl and cover with milk. Let them soak for 30-60 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the calamari and infuses flavor. - Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. - Coat the Calamari:
After soaking, drain the calamari and dip each piece into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. - Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. - Fry the Calamari:
Fry the calamari in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature. - Drain and Serve:
Remove the fried calamari from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara, tartar sauce, or a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
- Soaking the calamari in milk ensures a tender, juicy texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; for extra spice, add more cayenne pepper.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F) for the perfect crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 pieces
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Crispy calamari, fried seafood, squid, appetizer, fried calamari rings