Pan Fried Calamari Recipe

Pan fried calamari Olive Garden copycat style are squid rings breaded like our air fryer calamari but crispier cooked in oil.

Olive Garden Calamari takes the simplicity of squid rings and transforms them into crispy, flavorful bites with a golden-brown crust. And the best part? You can make this in the comfort of your home either using an air fryer or a deep fryer. And in under 20 minutes too! (affiliate links present)

Fried Calamari

But before we jump in, it’s important to note that the key to a perfect calamari lies in the balance of a crispy coating and tender squid rings. We’re going to accomplish this by using a simple yet effective three-step breading process – flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

It’s also essential to control our cooking time and temperature as squid can quickly become rubbery if overcooked. Now, with these tips in mind, let’s step into the Olive Garden kitchen and begin our fun culinary adventure. Prepare yourself for some crispy, delicious calamari right at home!

When you are learning how to cook calamari, remember that can be enjoyed as a starter or main course, depending on the serving size. This recipe uses basic ingredients like squid rings, breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper to recreate this beloved dish.

The ingredients for this recipe include squid rings, all-purpose flour, egg, salt and pepper, and breadcrumbs. The squid rings are the star of the dish, and breadcrumbs provide the crispy exterior, while the flour, egg, salt, and pepper work together to create a delicious coating.

Sauce

To truly mirror the restaurant experience, we recommend serving your homemade calamari with marinara and creamy ranch. Both sauces add a different dimension to the calamari. The tanginess of marinara perfectly cuts through the richness of the fried calamari, while the creamy ranch adds a smooth and comforting touch.

When making the calamari, remember to prepare your sauces ahead of time. This way, as soon as your calamari is fresh out of the fryer or air fryer, you can enjoy it immediately with your dipping sauces of choice.

Can I use frozen squid rings to make calamari?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before starting with the recipe. Frozen calamari can save you a lot of prep time and is just as delicious.

On the Stove

Coat thoroughly, fry until golden, and serve immediately. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and let every bite transport you to your favorite corner at Olive Garden. It’s not just about the destination, but also the culinary journey you take to get there.

Once you have your squid rings and all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. First, you’ll want to pat dry the squid rings to remove any excess moisture. Then, in a bowl, you’ll mix your flour, salt, and pepper together. You can also add other spices to the flour mixture if you want to give your calamari some extra flavor.

You’ll then dip the squid rings into a beaten egg, ensuring they’re fully coated. This allows the breadcrumbs to stick to the squid rings, creating that deliciously crispy exterior. Finally, you’ll coat the squid rings in breadcrumbs, making sure they’re completely covered.

In deep fryer

With a deep fryer, you’ll drop the squid rings into hot oil and cook them just until they’re lightly browned, which should take about 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them as calamari can become rubbery if cooked for too long.

Creating fried squid rings might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly straightforward, and the results are undeniably delicious. The key is to ensure they are well-coated with the flour mixture and egg before they get a good roll in breadcrumbs.

Another key tip is to make sure your oil is at the right temperature – too cold, and your calamari will absorb the oil and become greasy; too hot, and they could burn. Keep these points in mind, and you’re well on your way to creating perfect fried squid rings.

in Air Fryer

If you prefer a less oily version or if you don’t have a deep fryer, you can also cook your calamari in an air fryer with a little olive oil. The procedure is similar to frying, but instead of dropping the calamari into hot oil, you’ll place them in the basket of your air fryer. Then, you’ll bake them at 360F for about 6-8 minutes. Like other air fryer fish recipes, it’s important not to cook them too long!

Using an air fryer can also be a healthier alternative to deep frying as it requires less oil but still gives you a crispy finish. This method is also great for those who want a quicker cleanup process.

 This Copy cat Olive Garden Calamari recipe is a real treat for all seafood and fast-food lovers out there. It’s the perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown calamari rings with a mouth-watering, delicious taste that rivals any restaurant offering. Serve with some air fryer french fries or air fryer green bean fries for a great appetizer spread.