Fried Calamari with Pesto Aioli Sauce

Crispy Fried Calamari is a classic! Made with tender calamari dredged in seasoned flour and fried until golden. Serve with Pesto Aioli sauce.

Course Easy Appetizer Recipes, Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Keyword basil, calamari, Food, fried, lemon juice, Recipe, squid

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings Servings

Calories 280kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1/2 pound calamari rings thawed if frozen (If you buy it frozen it will usually be cut into rings for you, which is what I prefer)
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
Canola oil for frying

Basil Aioli Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt
pepper

Instructions

Heat 2 inches of oil in a large pot over medium heat to 165 degrees F.
Set up your assembly line. In one shallow dish whisk together milk and egg. In another shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, granulated garlic, salt and pepper.
Dip the calamari rings into the egg was. Gently let the excess drip off.
Dredge the calamari rings in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
Fry calamari, in batches if necessary to avoid over crowding the pan, for 2 1/2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt.
To make the Pesto Aioli Sauce whisk together all ingredients.

Notes

I have found that frying the rings at 165 degrees for 2 1/2 minutes to be the best combo for tender calamari.

Also be sure not to crowd the pan when frying. I usually fry in batches to avoid this. I also recommend allowing the oil to come back up to 165 degrees in between batches to ensure you can cook at the proper temperature. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature.

Nutrition information for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition