Crispy Fried Calamari recipe served on a plate, by O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar
Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar›Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Served with chili aioli.

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Ingredients

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Calamari

Method

Preparing the Calamari

  1. 1

    Prepare the Calamari

    Rinse the cleaned calamari under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a crispy texture.

  2. 2

    Make the Batter

    In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.

  3. 3

    Soak in Buttermilk

    Place the calamari rings in a separate bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Frying the Calamari

  1. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F).

  2. 5

    Coat the Calamari

    Remove the calamari from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the calamari rings in the flour mixture until fully coated.

  3. 6

    Fry the Calamari

    Carefully place the coated calamari in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

  4. 7

    Drain

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried calamari from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Making the Chili Aioli

  1. 8

    Combine Ingredients

    In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well blended.

  2. 9

    Serve

    Transfer the chili aioli to a serving bowl and serve alongside the crispy fried calamari.

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