My Baked Calamari (Calamari al Forno) recipe is the perfect blend of traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist. This delicious dish features tender calamari rings, also known as squid rings, coated in a crunchy layer of panko bread crumbs and seasoned with fresh herbs and olive oil. Ideal for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this easy baked calamari (Calamari al Forno) recipe is impressive enough to serve at a gathering yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week.
Whether you choose to bake or air fry for a crispy calamari recipe, I’m confident you’ll love this dish. Serve it with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a delightful experience that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this crispy baked calamari (Calamari al Forno)—it’s the perfect addition to any piatto di mare! Buon appetito!
Looking for more easy seafood recipes? Try my Italian Fried Shrimp, Tuna Pesto Pasta, Seared Scallops with Couscous, Pasta with Clams, Baccalà Fritto (Fried Salt Cod), and Italian Baked Cod. For another quick appetizer try my Baked Clams Oreganta or Toasted Ravioli.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful Delight: This Baked Calamari (Calamari al Forno) recipe combines tender calamari rings with a crunchy layer of panko bread crumbs, olive oil, and fresh herbs, creating a dish that's both satisfying and delicious. The rich flavors of the squid, enhanced by the lemon juice (succo di limone) and black pepper, make it a perfect addition to any piatto di mare, ensuring a delightful seafood experience.
- Quick and Versatile Cooking: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this crispy calamari recipe can be easily prepared in the oven or air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this easy baked calamari (Calamari al Forno)recipe allows you to impress your guests or family without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy it with a side of tartar sauce and lemon wedges for an irresistible meal!
🥘 Ingredients
- Calamari Rings (anelli di calamari) – Tender calamari rings are the star of this dish, offering a delicate texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy coating. Use fresh or frozen calamari, ensuring it’s cleaned and cut into uniform rings for even cooking.
- Panko Bread Crumbs – This Japanese-style breadcrumb creates an extra crispy coating that elevates the calamari to new heights. Panko bread crumbs absorb less oil than regular bread crumbs, resulting in a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps to crisp the calamari as it bakes. It’s essential for ensuring the breading adheres well and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty, savory flavor that complements the calamari beautifully. It adds richness to the breading, creating a delightful golden crust as it bakes.
- Garlic – Minced garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the baked calamari (Calamari al Forno). Sautéing it lightly brings out its natural sweetness and depth.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. It balances the flavors and provides a touch of brightness.
- Dried Oregano – Dried oregano brings a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the Mediterranean essence of the dish. It pairs well with the other herbs and adds complexity to the seasoning.
- Lemon Juice (succo di limone) – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the calamari. It enhances the seafood flavor and adds a refreshing touch.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the flavor profile, elevating the overall taste of the calamari.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For those who enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the breading mixture to give the dish an extra kick.
- Lemon Wedges – Served on the side, lemon wedges provide a fresh burst of acidity that enhances the flavor of the baked calamari (Calamari al Forno), making each bite even more enjoyable.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven (Forno caldo) to 190°C (375°F).
Prepare the Calamari: Rinse 1 pound of calamari rings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Ensure they are completely dry to help the coating adhere better.
Make the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of panko bread crumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
Coat the Calamari: In a medium mixing bowl, toss the calamari rings with ¼ cup of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon. Make sure all the rings are evenly coated. Then, dip each calamari ring into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated calamari rings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow for even baking.
Bake the Calamari: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top of the calamari for added crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the calamari are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the calamari cool for a minute. Drizzle with olive oil (filo d’olio) and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce. Enjoy your delicious Baked Calamari! Buon appetito!
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Calamari: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh calamari if available. If using frozen calamari, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before coating to prevent sogginess.
- Choose Panko for Extra Crispiness: Panko bread crumbs create a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular bread crumbs. They absorb less oil and help achieve that perfect crispy coating on the calamari.
- Season the Oil: Before tossing the calamari in olive oil, consider adding a pinch of salt, black pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice (succo di limone) to the oil. This enhances the flavor of the calamari before it's coated.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the calamari as they bake. Overcooking can make them tough. They should be golden brown and crispy in about 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven.
- Serve Immediately: Baked calamari is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while it's still hot and crispy. Serve it right away for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with Dipping Sauces: Consider serving your baked calamari with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli, to enhance the eating experience.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Different Types of Italian Seafoods: If calamari rings aren’t available, you can substitute with whole calamari (calamari interi) or tentacles for a different presentation. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole calamari may take a bit longer to cook.
Alternative Breading Options: Instead of panko bread crumbs, you can use crushed cornflakes or regular bread crumbs for a different texture. Cornflakes will add a unique crunch, while regular bread crumbs will yield a slightly denser coating.
Additions: Try adding additions like cherry tomatoes, olives, or parsley (prezzemolo tritati.) Or even seasoing your oil with salt, pepper and lemon zest (corza di limone.)
Herb Variations: For a twist on flavor, substitute the fresh parsley with fresh basil or cilantro. Basil will add a sweet, aromatic touch, while cilantro will provide a fresh, zesty flavor. Adjust the quantity to taste, as different herbs have varying intensities.
Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your baked calamari a nice kick!
Dipping Sauce Variations: While lemon wedges and tartar sauce are classic accompaniments, consider serving your baked calamari with a spicy marinara sauce or a garlic aioli for a flavorful twist. You can even mix mayonnaise with hot sauce for a quick spicy dip.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the delicate flavors of baked calamari. These wines offer refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the dish, enhancing the overall seafood experience.
Marinara Sauce: Serve your baked calamari with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy, rich tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy calamari, adding an extra layer of flavor that elevates each bite.
Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges are a must! Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the baked calamari brightens the dish and adds a zesty freshness that enhances the seafood flavor.
Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli makes for an excellent dipping sauce alongside your calamari. The garlicky, rich flavor of the aioli complements the crispy texture of the calamari, providing a delightful contrast.
Salad: Pair the baked calamari with a light, crisp salad, such as arugula or mixed greens dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the calamari and adds a healthy element to the meal.
Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzling a bit of herb-infused olive oil over the baked calamari just before serving enhances the flavor and adds a touch of elegance. It’s a simple way to elevate the presentation and taste.
Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up any extra marinara sauce or aioli. The bread adds a rustic touch to the meal and is perfect for mopping up all the delicious flavors.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen calamari for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before coating. This helps remove excess moisture and ensures the calamari turns out crispy when baked.
To avoid chewy calamari, be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking can make it tough. Bake the calamari at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy, but check for doneness at the 10-minute mark. If using smaller rings, they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage: While baked calamari is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the calamari on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the calamari soggy.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Baked Calamari (Calamari al Forno)
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Equipment
- Baking sheet lined wth parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Garlic press optional, for mincing garlic
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Tongs or spatula for flipping calamari
Ingredients
- 1 pound calamari (cleaned and cut into rings)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably Italian seasoned
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Calamari: Rinse the calamari under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Calamari: In another bowl, toss the calamari rings with olive oil and lemon juice. Then, dip each ring into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated calamari on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the calamari are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping.
- You can add a bit of grated lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C), arrange coated calamari in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Deep Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot, fry calamari in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- Shallow Frying: Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat, fry calamari in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Sarah
This recipe is so easy to make! Loved it!