Name: Crispy Calamari
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb uncooked, cleaned calamari, cut into circles.; 1/2 cup whole milk (or low fat buttermilk).; 3/4 cup all purpose flour.; 1/2 cup cornmeal.; 1 tsp salt.; 1/4 tsp black pepper.

A black bowl filled with crispy fried calamari rings, garnished with chopped parsley, alongside a small dish of dipping sauce. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my secrets for perfect fried calamari that's crispy outside tender inside. I've mastered this appetizer through years of practice and love how it rivals any restaurant version right from my kitchen.

Tender Secret

Milk soak before frying key. Tenderizes reduces natural chewiness perfectly.

Must Have Ingredients

Fresh squid rings milk breading. High smoke point oil dipping sauces.

Easy Steps

Soak bread fry golden brown. Quick simple restaurant quality home.

Gluten Free Option

Substitute regular flour gluten free. Same crispy texture everyone enjoys.

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. | cookingwithcasey.com

Perfect Pairs

Marinara aioli garlic yogurt dips. Fresh herbs lemon wedges garnish.

Success Tips

Monitor oil temperature carefully. Test one piece ensure perfect cook.

Storage Tips

Keep airtight container two days. Reheat oven maintain crispiness best.

Why Homemade

Control ingredients ensure quality. Customize seasonings perfect taste.

Must Try

Perfect appetizer any occasion. Guaranteed favorite everyone loves.

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

Fresh Selection

Choose firm shiny squid rings. Sweet ocean smell never fishy.

Perfect Breading

Flour cornmeal mix light crunch. Shake excess even coating crucial.

Best Oil Choice

Use canola vegetable peanut oil. High heat perfect golden brown.

Flavor Boost

Add paprika garlic cayenne breading. Creates depth delicious coating.

Beautiful Plating

Arrange platter dipping sauce bowls. Garnish herbs lemon elegant.

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

Perfect Drinks

Pair white wine sparkling water. Complements fried food perfectly.

Prep Ahead

Clean squid mix breading advance. Keep refrigerated ready fry.

Healthier Version

Air fryer option less oil. Still crispy lighter choice.

Party Perfect

Great gatherings game days. Everyone loves crispy bites.

Sauce Options

Try sriracha mayo tzatziki cilantro lime. Create unique flavor combinations.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the oil is ready?: Oil should reach 365-375°F. If you don't have a thermometer, drop a small piece of batter in - it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
→ Why soak in milk?: Soaking in milk helps tenderize the calamari and reduces any fishy taste. It also helps the coating adhere better.
→ Why is my calamari tough?: Calamari gets tough when overcooked. It needs either very quick cooking (2-3 minutes) or very long cooking. Anything in between results in rubber bands.
→ Can I prepare this ahead?: Best served immediately while hot and crispy. You can clean and slice the squid ahead of time.
→ What's the best oil for frying?: Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil as it can't handle high heat.

Classic Fried Squid