How to Make Golden Fried Calamari Rings at Home

 

There’s something irresistible about the first bite of a perfectly crisp calamari ring—golden, light, and delicately seasoned, with a hint of oceanic charm. Once thought to be a delicacy reserved for fine dining, fried calamari has made its way into the heart of the home kitchen with a flourish of elegance and simplicity. Now, with this step-by-step recipe, you can serve up this crowd-pleasing appetizer with all the finesse of a coastal bistro—right from your stovetop.

Whether you're hosting a stylish dinner party or indulging in a cozy weekend treat, this Naija-inspired fried calamari recipe blends European culinary technique with the vibrant spirit of West African home cooking. It’s your new go-to for turning everyday gatherings into golden memories.

Golden Fried Calamari Rings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6 as a starter

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Ingredients

• 500g fresh or frozen calamari rings (cleaned and sliced ½-inch thick if whole)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or ½ cup plain yogurt mixed with ½ cup water)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for light, crisp coating)
• 1 teaspoon Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon (salt substitute)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
• Vegetable oil for frying (sunflower or groundnut oil recommended)
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
• Finely chopped parsley or scent leaf (for garnish)

Optional Dipping Sauce: Naija-Spiced Aioli

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp suya spice or ground yaji
• Salt to taste

Mix until smooth and chill until ready to serve.

Method

1. Soak the Rings
Place your calamari rings in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for 15–20 minutes. This tenderizes the squid and helps the coating stick beautifully.

2. Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, Knorr Granulated Chicken Bouillon, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. This is your flavor armor—a perfect blend of crunch and spice.

3. Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or medium-sized pot, pour oil to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high until a small sprinkle of flour sizzles on contact—about 180°C (350°F).

4. Coat and Fry
Working in small batches, remove the calamari from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

Gently drop the rings into the hot oil and fry for 1½ to 2 minutes per batch, or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan—it keeps the oil temperature perfect and the rings ultra-crispy.

5. Drain and Garnish
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate. Garnish with chopped parsley or scent leaf and serve immediately with lemon wedges and the spiced aioli.

Serving Tip: Make It a Moment

Pair these golden rings with a chilled glass of zobo spritzer or a light palm wine cocktail. A linen napkin, a glowing candle, and your favorite highlife playlist can turn this appetizer into an unforgettable dining experience.

Why We Love It

This dish is more than just a treat—it's an invitation to bring refined coastal charm into the everyday Nigerian kitchen. From ocean-fresh flavor to a crispy finish that’s simply addictive, fried calamari rings are the perfect reminder that luxury isn’t about where you eat—it’s how you make it feel.

#AtHomeWithNaija

Recreate this recipe and tag us with your golden results! Because home is where the flavor lives.