If you love calamari but want a lighter, no-frying option, this Baked Breaded Calamari Rings Recipe is for you. It delivers that golden, crunchy coating you crave while keeping things light as we oven-bake the calamari. Plus, the calamari is ready in 15 minutes. Baked Calamari is the perfect appetizer for holidays, Christmas Eve, game day, parties, or a fun appetizer night at home.
For specifics on the recipe, use the table of contents to click on sections of the recipe.
This is one of those recipes I make when I want something that feels a little fancy but takes hardly any effort. Pair it with warm marinara sauce and a squeeze of lemon. It disappears fast every single time.
Jump to:
- Why everyone loves Crispy Calamari Rings.
- Ingredients to make Breaded Calamari
- Kitchen tools to make Baked Calamari
- How to make Breaded Calamari Rings
- Storage tips for Breaded Calamari Rings
- Eileen's Tips for Crispy Calamari
- Variations for Breaded Calamari Rings
- FAQs for making the best Baked Calamari
- What to serve with Baked Calamari
- More Fish Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why everyone loves Crispy Calamari Rings.
- Healthier than fried calamari: No deep frying needed, but you still get a crispy, golden coating.
- Quick to make: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Big flavor payoff: Thanks to Parmesan, paprika, and garlic.
- Perfect for parties: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels special.
If you enjoy this appetizer, you will love my mini beef wellington bites, air fryer mozzarella medallions, or baked wrapped potatoes. They all use similar techniques for maximum crunch without deep frying.
Ingredients to make Breaded Calamari
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- Large egg
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan Cheese
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Calamari rings
- Olive oil
- Lemon wedges
- Marinara sauce
Kitchen tools to make Baked Calamari
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Dredging pans or shallow bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
How to make Breaded Calamari Rings
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Beat the egg in a shallow bowl until well combined. In another shallow bowl, mix the panko, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each calamari ring into the egg, letting excess drip off, then coat well in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated calamari in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle evenly with olive oil.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Storage tips for Breaded Calamari Rings
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Make Ahead: You can bread the calamari a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the coating can become soggy after thawing.
Eileen's Tips for Crispy Calamari
- Use fresh or well-thawed calamari for the best texture.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet so the calamari stays crispy and will not steam.
- Bake the calamari at a high heat, 425°F/218°C, to ensure the calamari rings are tender, and not rubbery.
- Drizzling the olive oil on the calamari before they are baked keeps the calamari crispy and crunchy.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Variations for Breaded Calamari Rings
Want to change up this recipe?
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil can be used with great results.
- Citrus: Add lemon juice to the egg batter and lemon zest to the Panko bread crumbs for added flavor
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
- Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for spice.
- Dairy-Free: Instead of Parmesan Cheese, use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
FAQs for making the best Baked Calamari
How do I keep baked calamari crispy?
Can I use frozen calamari?
Can I reheat leftovers?
What to serve with Baked Calamari
- Serve with marinara, cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, lemon herb yogurt sauce, and lemon wedges.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges.
- Pair with a Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or chicken alfredo linguine for a complete meal.
More Fish Recipes
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card, you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
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Oven Baked Breaded Calamari Rings
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a dredging pan, beat 1 large egg until combined.
- In a separate shallow bowl or dredging pan, mix ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Dip each calamari ring first into the egg mix, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated calamari on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle prepared calamari with 2 Tablespoons olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve the calamari with 4 Lemon wedges and 1 cup marinara sauce , for dipping.
Nutrition
Notes
● Use fresh or well-thawed calamari for the best texture.
● Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even crispiness.
● Serve immediately for crispy and crunchy results. Storage & Reheating
Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Reheat: Reheat in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up again.
Freeze: Not recommended; coating may become soggy after thawing. Don’t forget to shop at the Everyday Eileen store on Amazon. I'm not a registered dietitian, but I strive to provide the most accurate nutritional values. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
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