Name: Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ Pound Calamari Tubes (Sliced into rings); 1 Cup Milk; 1 Cup All Purpose Flour; 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper; ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated); ⅛ Cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped); 1 Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes; 3 Cups Canola Oil; 1 Clove Garlic (Minced); 1 14.5 Ounce Can Crushed Tomatoes; ½ Teaspoon Dried Parsley; ½ Teaspoon Red Chili Flakes; ¼ Teaspoon Kosher Salt; ¼ Teaspoon Dried Basil; ¼ Teaspoon Dried Oregano; ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper; ⅛ Teaspoon Granulated Sugar; ½ Tablespoon Olive Oil

If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and with just the right amount of kick, this Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s a perfect balance of tender calamari rings fried to golden perfection and paired with a zesty sauce that wakes up your taste buds.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a golden-brown fried onion ring dipped halfway in thick red marinara sauce inside a white bowl. The sauce has a slightly chunky texture with herbs visible, topped with a small green parsley bunch at the center. The fried onion ring is crispy with green herb flecks on the breading. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. In the lower left corner, part of another bowl with more fried onion rings is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara. It’s the kind of appetizer that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home — plus, it impresses everyone around the table!

Simple Prep: You’ll marinate the calamari briefly, so it turns out tender and juicy every time.
Perfect Crunch: The seasoned flour coating fries up golden and crispy without being greasy.
Bold Flavor: The spicy marinara sauce adds just the right amount of heat and freshness.
Great for Sharing: Ideal for a snack or appetizer when entertaining friends or family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get cooking, let’s chat about the ingredients that make this dish sing. Picking fresh calamari and having a few pantry staples on hand makes this recipe easy and reliable every time.

Flat lay of fresh calamari tubes sliced into rings, a small bowl of milk, a shallow white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour mixed with kosher salt and black pepper, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of chopped fresh parsley, a small white bowl with red chili flakes, a single whole garlic clove, a small white bowl of crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl of olive oil, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Calamari Tubes: Fresh is best for tender calamari rings that cook quickly and keep their texture.
Milk: Soaking calamari in milk tenderizes it and softens any strong ocean flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates that crispy coating when seasoned just right.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for flavoring both the flour coating and the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, slightly nutty flavor when tossed with the fried calamari.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Red Chili Flakes: Provides a smoky, spicy kick that livens up both the coating and marinara.
Canola Oil: Perfect frying oil with a high smoke point that keeps calamari crispy.
Garlic: Builds the aromatic base for the spicy marinara.
Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the hearty and tangy foundation of the marinara sauce.
Dried Parsley, Basil & Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that deepen the flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté garlic and carry the sauce’s rich flavors.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste. Whether you want it milder, extra spicy, or even gluten-free, there’s room to make it your own tasty creation.

Variation: I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished calamari for a bright, tangy contrast that complements the spicy marinara beautifully.
Spicier kick: Feel free to increase the red chili flakes both in the parmesan coating and the marinara sauce—perfect for those who like a fiery appetizer.
Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch for that same crispy crunch without gluten.
Herb twist: Add fresh basil or oregano into the parmesan mix or marinara sauce for a fresh herbal aroma that makes the dish even more vibrant.
Oil choice: Although canola oil works great due to its high smoke point, you can also use vegetable or peanut oil for frying depending on what you have available and your preference.
Make ahead: The spicy marinara sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe

A close-up view of a deep black frying pan filled with bubbling golden brown oil, with several light beige onion rings frying inside. A wooden spatula is lifting one large, light beige onion ring out of the oil, showing its smooth, slightly translucent texture. The pan is on a stove, and the background shows a white marbled texture with a few white plates with subtle green leaf patterns and other kitchen items blurred out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the calamari for tenderness

Drop your sliced calamari tubes into a bowl and pour 1 cup of milk over them. Letting them marinate while you prep the sauce helps tenderize the calamari and mellow any strong ocean flavors. You’ll notice the calamari softening slightly—this step is key to perfectly tender bites later.

Step 2: Build the spicy marinara sauce

Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Sauté 1 minced garlic clove for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns lightly golden and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Add a 14.5 oz can of crushed tomatoes along with ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir everything well, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes to marry the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Heat the oil for frying

While your sauce is simmering, pour 3 cups of canola oil into a deep frying pan or skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Aim for about 350°F — hot enough to crisp the calamari quickly without absorbing too much oil. Use a thermometer if you have one, or test by dropping a pinch of flour in: if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.

Step 4: Prepare the seasoned flour coating

In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Remove the calamari from the milk, letting any excess drip off but don’t dry them completely — the slight dampness helps the flour cling better. Toss the calamari rings in the seasoned flour, making sure each piece is coated evenly for that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Fry the calamari to golden perfection

Carefully add the coated calamari rings to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re gloriously golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Keeping batches small helps maintain oil temperature and ensures an even, non-greasy crust.

Step 6: Toss in the parmesan and chili flake blend

In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, ⅛ cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon red chili flakes. While the calamari is still warm, gently toss it in this mixture to coat every ring with cheesy, herbaceous, and spicy goodness. Serve immediately alongside your zesty spicy marinara for dipping, and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!

Top Tip

These tips will help you achieve perfectly crispy, flavorful calamari every time, and ensure your spicy marinara complements each bite just right.

Oil Temperature Matters: I always keep a kitchen thermometer handy to maintain the oil right around 350°F — this prevents greasy calamari and ensures that beautiful golden crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches keeps the oil temperature steady, so the calamari cooks evenly and stays crispy instead of soggy.
Keep Some Moisture: When coating the calamari after marinating in milk, I shake off excess but don’t completely dry them—this helps the seasoned flour stick better for that perfect crust.
Mix the Parmesan & Chili Flakes Last: Toss calamari in this mixture right after frying while still warm; it sticks wonderfully and gives every bite a flavorful kick without burning the cheese.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe

A bowl filled with golden fried onion rings sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and white garlic pieces, showing a crunchy texture on each ring. The bowl is white both inside and out, placed on a white marbled surface. To the right and slightly behind it is a white bowl filled with thick red dipping sauce, garnished with a small green parsley leaf on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon wedges are a classic pairing—squeeze a bit over the calamari to brighten the flavors. You can also sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of additional parmesan for added color and taste. If you like a touch of heat, an extra pinch of red chili flakes makes a nice finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This crispy fried calamari with spicy marinara shines as an appetizer but also pairs beautifully with a simple mixed green salad, garlic bread, or a light pasta with olive oil and herbs. For a heartier snack or casual meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or crispy fries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover calamari is best stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep well for up to 1 day, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness and tenderness.

Freezing

Because fried calamari’s crisp texture suffers in the freezer, I recommend freezing only the spicy marinara sauce if you want make-ahead convenience. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.

Reheating

To revive the calamari’s crunch, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes on a wire rack or baking sheet. Avoid the microwave as it softens the crust and makes the calamari chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?

Yes, frozen calamari can work well. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it lightly to remove excess moisture before marinating in milk and coating with flour.

What if I don’t have canola oil—can I substitute another oil?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable oil or peanut oil as alternatives for frying. Just choose an oil with a high smoke point that can handle 350°F.

How spicy is the marinara sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat thanks to red chili flakes. If you prefer it spicier, simply increase the amount of chili flakes in the sauce and in the parmesan coating.

Can I prepare the spicy marinara sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving alongside the fried calamari.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up golden, crispy calamari paired with a zesty, homemade spicy marinara—the perfect combination of textures and flavors. This Crispy Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara Recipe is simple enough to whip up any night of the week but special enough to impress guests. With just a few tips and the right ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating an Italian-inspired appetizer that everyone will love. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!