Baked Calamari Recipe

4.75 from 58 votes

This baked easy calamari recipe results in a lightened up version of the ever-popular fried calamari, and it's just as crunchy and delicious!

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Servings:

Author: Kristin

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
1 ½ pounds squid rings, Cooking spray
Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper
In a separate bowl, beat eggs thoroughly.
3 eggs
In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs, cornmeal, and Old Bay seasoning.
1 cup Panko bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons Old Bay spice, 1 cup cornmeal
First coat each squid ring with the flour mixture, then dip in the eggs, then coat with the crumb/cornmeal mixture.
Place rings on the baking sheet. Mist the rings with cooking spray, then bake for 10 minutes.
Turn over the rings, then bake for another 5-10 minutes. You don't want to overbake them, so begin to taste test them after 5 minutes and remove when ready but before they become tough.

Frozen calamari rings work great here and are super convenient to keep on hand. Just be sure they’re fully thawed and patted very dry before breading so the coating sticks well.
For a quick thaw, place the frozen rings in a sealed plastic bag, squeeze out most of the air, and submerge the bag in cool water. Gently separate the rings as they thaw to speed things along.
Before you start breading, taste the dry crumb mixture. This is the easiest way to make sure it’s seasoned to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or Old Bay if needed.
Whether baking or air frying, keep a close eye toward the end of cooking and taste test early. Squid cooks quickly, and overcooking will make it tough and rubbery.
AIR FRYING INSTRUCTIONS: Cook the breaded rings at 375 degrees F in a single layer for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Start checking a ring near the end to avoid overcooking.

This recipe was originally designed with kids in mind, so the seasoning is fairly mild. If you like more flavor, bump up the Old Bay or use seasoned bread crumbs instead of plain.
Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne to the crumb mixture for a little extra kick.
Fresh calamari rings work just as well as frozen if you can find them.

Serve hot with marinara sauce, lemon wedges, or both.
This makes a great appetizer, but it also works as a casual main dish paired with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
For a fun platter, offer a couple of dipping options like marinara, lemon aioli, or cocktail sauce.

Store leftover calamari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help crisp it back up. Microwaving will soften the coating.
Keep in mind that calamari is best fresh, and reheated leftovers may be slightly firmer than when first cooked.