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Crispy Fried Squid

Category: Snacks That Bring People Together

Crispy squid rings that are quick-fried and paired with a tangy sauce for dipping. A crowd-pleaser every time.
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Rose
By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 18:44:36 GMT
A black bowl loaded with golden, crunchy squid rings, topped with parsley and served with dip on the side. Save
A black bowl loaded with golden, crunchy squid rings, topped with parsley and served with dip on the side. | tastybysophie.com

I'll let you in on my tricks for making calamari that's crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside. After many tries, I've gotten so good at this starter that it's as tasty as what you'd get when eating out.

Soft Inside

Soaking in milk first makes all the difference. It softens and takes away that too-chewy feel.

Key Ingredients

Squid circles from the store, milk for dipping, coating mix. Oil that won't burn and tasty dips.

Simple Steps

Dip, coat, then fry till golden. Fast and easy way to get fancy food at home.

No Gluten Needed

Switch to gluten free flour instead of normal kind. Still gives that nice crunch for all guests.

A black plate holds a pile of golden-brown fried calamari rings garnished with green parsley, accompanied by a small white bowl of red dipping sauce. Save
A black plate holds a pile of golden-brown fried calamari rings garnished with green parsley, accompanied by a small white bowl of red dipping sauce. | tastybysophie.com

Great Combos

Red sauce, garlicky mayo, or tangy yogurt for dipping. Fresh greens and lemon slices on top look nice.

Winning Advice

Watch your oil heat closely. Try cooking just one piece first to check it's right.

Keeping Fresh

Store in a sealed box for a couple days. Warm up in your oven for the best crunch.

DIY Benefits

You pick what goes in it and how good it is. Add your favorite spices to make it just right.

Give It A Go

Works for any get-together as a starter. It'll be the first thing gone from the table.

A plate of golden-brown, breaded and fried calamari rings garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. Save
A plate of golden-brown, breaded and fried calamari rings garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of dipping sauce. | tastybysophie.com

Smart Shopping

Look for squid that's stiff and glossy. It should smell clean like the sea, not fishy at all.

Crunchy Coating

Mix up flour with ground corn for extra snap. Don't forget to tap off extra for a smooth layer.

Top Oil Picks

Go with canola, plain veggie, or peanut oil. They can get super hot for that nice golden color.

Extra Taste

Throw some red pepper, crushed garlic, and spicy powder in your mix. It'll make your coating much tastier.

Fancy Serving

Put on a nice plate with little cups of sauce. Add some green bits and lemon for a fancy look.

A platter of freshly fried onion rings placed on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Save
A platter of freshly fried onion rings placed on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. | tastybysophie.com

Ideal Drinks

Try some chilled white or bubbly water with it. They go so well with fried snacks.

Early Work

Get your squid ready and coating mixed before your party. Keep in the fridge until cooking time.

Lighter Choice

Try your air cooker to use less grease. Still gets crispy but isn't as heavy.

Crowd Pleaser

Works great for watching sports or having friends over. The crunchy bites won't last long.

Dip Ideas

Mix hot sauce with mayo, cucumber yogurt, or green herb with citrus. Come up with your own tasty mixes.

A plate of crispy, golden-brown fried calamari rings garnished with green parsley, served with a small dish of dipping sauce. Save
A plate of crispy, golden-brown fried calamari rings garnished with green parsley, served with a small dish of dipping sauce. | tastybysophie.com

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I tell if the oil's hot enough?
Heat oil to 365-375°F and check by dropping in some batter—it should fizz and rise fast if ready.
→ Why soak squid in milk?
Milk keeps the squid tender, makes it less fishy, and helps the coating stick better.
→ Why did my squid turn chewy?
Overcooking makes squid rubbery. Stick to frying for 2-3 minutes or go for a slow-cook method.
→ Can I make this in advance?
These are best hot and freshly fried, but you can prep the squid earlier and fry when ready.
→ What oil works best for frying?
Go for high-heat oils like canola, peanut, or vegetable. Stay away from olive oil since it burns too fast.

Crispy Fried Squid

Golden squid rings in a crisp coating, served warm with marinara or a zesty dipping sauce.

Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
30 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Advanced

Cuisine: Italian American fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (1 pound squid)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb fresh, cleaned squid, sliced into rings.
02 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk if preferred).
03 3/4 cup plain flour.
04 1/2 cup fine cornmeal.
05 1 tsp of salt.
06 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.

Steps

Step 01

Take out the insides and head from the body. Remove the hard beak from the tentacle area. Rinse well under cold water.

Step 02

Combine sliced squid with milk and salt. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

Step 03

Warm oil to 365-375°F. Put paper towels on a wire cooling rack to set aside.

Step 04

Stir flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the drained squid pieces, a few at a time.

Step 05

Fry small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Rest them on the paper towel-lined rack.

Step 06

Serve hot right away with lemon aioli or marinara on the side.

Notes

  1. Use a low oven (150-170°F) to keep them from cooling between frying batches.
  2. Purchase 1.25-1.5 lb whole squid to make up for trimmings.
  3. Make lemon aioli: Mix mayo, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

Required Tools

  • A deep frying pan or large skillet.
  • Cooling rack with wires.
  • Absorbent towels.
  • A thermometer if available.

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Contains wheat (flour).
  • May include shellfish (squid).

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 23 g