Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, this classic Calamari Fritti is the perfect appetizer or snack! Lightly coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection, these tender squid rings are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with fresh lemon wedges and a side of marinara or aioli, this Italian favorite is easy to make at home and sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a dinner party, game night, or a cozy night in, this quick and flavorful dish is guaranteed to be a hit! 🍋🐙✨
Why You’ll Love This Italian Calamari Recipe
❤️ Crispy & Golden – Light, crunchy, and perfectly fried for that restaurant-quality texture.
⏱️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it an effortless appetizer or snack.
🐙 Tender & Flavorful – Soaking in buttermilk ensures soft, delicate calamari with a delicious bite.
🍋 Authentic Italian Taste – Inspired by classic Italian cuisine, served with fresh lemon and dipping sauces.
🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
✨ Customizable – Adjust the seasoning, try different dips, or air-fry for a lighter option!
Once you try this homemade calamari, you’ll never go back to store-bought! 😍
Ingredients for italian Calamari recipe:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60g) cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Marinara sauce or aioli (for dipping)
Step by step to cook Italian Calamari:
- Prepare the Calamari
- Rinse the calamari under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Soak the calamari in buttermilk (or milk) for about 15–30 minutes (this helps tenderize them).
- Prepare the Coating
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or pot (about 2 inches deep).
- Heat to 350°F (175°C). (Use a thermometer if possible.)
- Coat and Fry
- Remove calamari from the buttermilk and shake off excess liquid.
- Dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Fry in small batches for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy your crispy Calamari Fritti! 🍋🐙
Italian-Style Fried Calamari
Description
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, this classic Calamari Fritti is the perfect appetizer or snack! Lightly coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection, these tender squid rings are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with fresh lemon wedges and a side of marinara or aioli, this Italian favorite is easy to make at home and sure to impress. Whether you're preparing it for a dinner party, game night, or a cozy night in, this quick and flavorful dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 860kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 57g88%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 495mg165%
- Sodium 2210mg93%
- Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 36g72%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Nutrition Facts
For 1 Serving of calamari fritte
