Name: Fried Calamari with Homemade Garlic Aioli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 2 eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil, for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper, to taste

Crispy Fried Calamari with Homemade Garlic Aioli dipping sauce is one of my favorite appetizers or snacks. The perfectly crispy calamari pairs so well with the zesty aioli, creating a delightful combination that I can’t resist. Whether it's for a casual gathering or just a treat for myself, this dish is always a hit.

Fried Calamari with Homemade Garlic Aioli

Ingredients

For the Calamari:

1 lb fresh calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

2 eggs, beaten

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Garlic Aioli:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, I combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

I dip each calamari ring into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off, and then coat it with the flour mixture. I set the coated rings aside.

Next, I heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).

I fry the calamari in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. After frying, I use a slotted spoon to remove the calamari and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.

For the garlic aioli, I mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. I stir well to combine.

I serve the fried calamari hot, with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

For a gluten-free version, I can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

If I like extra heat, I can add more cayenne pepper or even some chili flakes to the flour mixture.

For a lighter version, I could try baking the calamari instead of frying, though it may not have the same crispiness.

Storage/Reheating

If I happen to have leftovers, I store the calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I prefer reheating them in the oven or air fryer to regain some of their crispiness. For the aioli, it can be kept in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.

FAQs

Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?

Yes, frozen calamari works well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before coating it in the flour mixture.

How can I make the aioli spicier?

To add some spice to the aioli, I can mix in a little sriracha or hot sauce, or even some finely chopped jalapeños.

Can I use a different dipping sauce?

Absolutely! While I love the garlic aioli, I could also use marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a lemon butter sauce if I want to switch things up.

What should I serve with this fried calamari?

Fried calamari is perfect on its own, but I also enjoy pairing it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to make it a more filling meal.

Can I make the garlic aioli ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the aioli ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’ll actually give the garlic time to infuse the mayonnaise, making it even more flavorful.

Conclusion

Fried calamari with homemade garlic aioli is a dish I often find myself making when I want something delicious and satisfying. The crispy calamari paired with the creamy, flavorful aioli makes for a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser, and I love the flexibility of experimenting with different dipping sauces or heat levels!

Recipe:

Fried Calamari with Homemade Garlic Aioli

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy fried calamari served with a creamy, homemade garlic aioli dipping sauce. Perfect appetizer or snack that's quick and easy to make.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Dip each calamari ring into the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off, then coat it with the flour mixture. Set the coated rings aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the calamari in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the garlic aioli, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
Serve the fried calamari hot, with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.