Olive Garden Calamari Copycat

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious—this Olive Garden Calamari Copycat Recipe brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen! Lightly breaded and perfectly seasoned, these tender calamari rings fry up to a crunchy perfection, just like the ones you love. Serve them with marinara or creamy dipping sauce for the ultimate appetizer that’ll impress any seafood lover!

Bring the taste of Olive Garden home with this crispy and tender calamari copycat recipe! Lightly breaded and seasoned to perfection, these golden-fried calamari rings deliver the perfect crunch with every bite. Just like the restaurant favorite, they’re served with a side of zesty marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a restaurant-quality snack, this easy-to-make calamari will satisfy your seafood cravings in no time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy and Golden Perfection: Light, crunchy breading with a satisfying texture.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy Olive Garden flavors anytime.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps for a gourmet appetizer.
• Perfectly Seasoned: Balanced flavors with just the right amount of spice.
• Pairs with Any Sauce: Serve with marinara or your favorite dip.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress guests with a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Quick Cooking Time: Cooks in minutes for a fast appetizer.
• Tender and Juicy: Calamari stays soft inside with a crispy coating.
• Customizable Breading: Adjust seasonings for a personal touch.

If you love Olive Garden Inspired Recipes, try my recipe for Olive Garden Meat Sauce, Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe, or Chicken Fritta Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat).

Ingredients Needed For Copycat Olive Garden Calamari Recipe

• Calamari rings: Tender, mild seafood perfect for frying.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a light, crispy coating.
• Buttermilk: Helps the coating stick for a crispier texture.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper.
• Serving: Fresh parsley, and Lemon wedges.

How To Make Olive Garden Calamari Copycat

Step One: Pat the thawed calamari rings dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley (or Italian seasoning), crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Step Two: Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dip each calamari ring into the buttermilk, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Set your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Step Three: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated calamari in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops lightly with oil to help crisp up the coating. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness. The calamari should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Step Four: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and marinara sauce for dipping.

Olive Garden Calamari Copycat Recipe Tips

• Dry the Calamari Well: To ensure the breading sticks properly, pat the thawed calamari rings dry with paper towels before dipping them in buttermilk.
• Use Fresh Oil for Frying: If deep-frying, make sure the oil is fresh and preheated to the right temperature (around 375°F) to get a crispy, golden exterior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest calamari, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the calamari in a single layer and cook in batches if needed.
• Add Extra Seasoning: Customize the seasoning by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for an extra kick, or include Parmesan cheese in the flour mixture for more flavor.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve the calamari immediately after frying or air frying while it’s still hot and crispy.
• Try Different Dips: While marinara is a classic dip, try pairing your calamari with ranch, garlic butter, or a zesty lemon aioli for a unique twist.

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover calamari in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain its crispiness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
• Reheating: Reheat calamari in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispiness. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes, but air frying is the best method.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the breaded and uncooked calamari on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry or air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

What To Serve With Copycat Olive Garden Calamari Recipe

For the perfect meal, serve your Copycat Olive Garden Calamari with a side of crispy garlic bread or warm ciabatta rolls to soak up any leftover marinara sauce. A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons or a tangy Italian pasta salad would complement the flavors nicely. For a light touch, pair it with a zesty lemon wedge or even a tangy tartar sauce for dipping. This makes for an unforgettable appetizer or main course combo!

Olive Garden Calamari Copycat Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen calamari? Yes, you can use frozen calamari. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks.

Can I bake this calamari instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the calamari at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it may not be as crispy as fried calamari, it will still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of seafood? Yes, you can substitute calamari with shrimp or even fish fillets. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the seafood.

Can I make the breading ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the breading mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container for a few days. Just dredge the calamari before frying or air frying.

How do I make this recipe spicier? Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the breading mix for an extra kick of heat.

Can I use a different dipping sauce? Yes! While marinara is traditional, you can serve your calamari with other sauces like ranch dressing, garlic butter, or lemon aioli for a fun twist.

More Copycat Olive Garden Recipes

• olive garden chicken scampi
• olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
• olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
• olive garden chicken marsala recipe
• olive garden creamy garlic sauce
• air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
• air fryer olive garden copycat lasagna fritta
• air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
• air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
• air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
• instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
• air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella

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