fried calamari
Fried calamari made lighter. A delicious, crunchy appetizer with Mediterranean flair for your healthy table. Try this guilt-free recipe!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) or heat an air fryer to the same temperature for a lighter version.
- Gently pat the calamari dry with paper towels. This step ensures crispiness when frying.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine chickpea flour, cornmeal, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each calamari ring first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour and cornmeal mixture.
- Arrange the coated calamari rings in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet or air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil for extra crunch.
- Bake or air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
Notes
This fried calamari recipe isn't just a Mediterranean classic – it’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing at casual gatherings or as a light starter before a main meal. Thanks to its quick preparation and straightforward ingredients, it's a go-to for both experienced home cooks and beginners eager to impress.
Tips for Crispy, Tender Calamari
- Patting the calamari dry is essential – moisture is the enemy of crunch! Excess water can lead to soggy calamari when baked or air fried.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan or air fryer basket. A single layer ensures every ring gets evenly crisp.
- If you’re out of chickpea flour, use all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free touch, rice flour also delivers great crunch and lightness.
- Skip the egg wash for a lighter version. Simply toss the rings in olive oil and dredge in the flour-cornmeal blend.
Extra Insights on Technique
To make your calamari even more flavorful, try marinating the rings in a little lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of sea salt for 15 minutes before coating. This step tenderizes the squid and adds brightness. When baking, use a preheated baking sheet to help crisp up the coating from the bottom. For air fryer fans, shake the basket halfway through so each ring cooks evenly.Serving, Pairings, and Variations
Freshly fried calamari is best enjoyed immediately, paired with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. For dipping, try classic garlic aioli, a zesty yogurt sauce, or even a homemade marinara for an Italian twist.- Turn this appetizer into a light lunch by serving on a bed of greens with ripe tomatoes and olives.
- Give your calamari a Spanish flair by adding a pinch of smoked paprika in the coating mix and serving it with a simple pepper and tomato salad.
- If you’re craving spiciness, mix some cayenne or chili flakes into the breading or serve with a spicy remoulade.
