Description
Golden, crispy calamari rings with tender squid inside, served hot with lemon wedges and marinara sauce. A quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound squid rings, cleaned and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F and prepare a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Pat the squid rings dry. Dip into flour mixture, then egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry in small batches for about 2 minutes each until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd.
- Remove and drain on the prepared rack. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at the right temperature.
- Prepare all dredging bowls before you start for smooth frying.
- For extra crispiness, chill breaded squid briefly before frying.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: crispy calamari, fried calamari, appetizer, seafood, quick snack