Pizza Calamari
Crispy fried calamari rings get a pizza-inspired makeover! Topped with zesty marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, this is the ultimate Italian-American appetizer that's guaranteed to be a hit.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dredging Station (5 minutes)
- b.Pat the calamari rings and tentacles completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating.
- c.In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- d.In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
- e.Arrange your station: calamari, egg wash, flour mixture, and a clean plate for the coated calamari.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Dredge the Calamari (5 minutes)
- b.Working in small batches, dip the calamari pieces first into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- c.Immediately transfer the egg-coated calamari to the flour mixture. Toss gently to ensure a complete and even coating.
- d.Shake off any excess flour and place the coated calamari on the clean plate in a single layer.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Calamari (10 minutes)
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- c.Carefully add about one-third of the coated calamari to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy calamari.
- d.Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the calamari is golden brown and crispy.
- e.Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, transfer the fried calamari to a wire rack to drain. Repeat the process with the remaining calamari.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Broil (5 minutes)
- b.Preheat your oven's broiler to high and position a rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
- c.Arrange the crispy fried calamari in a single layer on a large, oven-safe platter or a cast-iron skillet.
- d.Spoon the marinara sauce over the calamari, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- e.Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
- f.Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes. Watch it very closely, as it can burn quickly. Broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has light golden-brown spots.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve Immediately
- b.Carefully remove the platter from the oven.
- c.Garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
- d.Serve immediately while the calamari is hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the calamari is thoroughly dry before dredging; this is the most important step for a crispy coating.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pot when frying. Cooking in batches ensures the oil temperature stays high and the calamari fries instead of steams.
- 3Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain the fried calamari. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
- 4Serve immediately after broiling. The calamari will lose its crispiness as it sits.
- 5For an air fryer version, spray the coated calamari with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Then top and broil or air fry for another 2 minutes until cheese is melted.
Adapt it for your goals.
Toppings
Customize your pizza toppings. Add sautéed mushrooms, black olives, or diced bell peppers along with the pepperoni before broiling.
CheeseCheese
Use a different blend of cheeses. A mix of mozzarella and provolone works well, or add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a nutty flavor.
SauceSauce
Swap the marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce for more heat, or use a vodka sauce for a creamier texture.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick in the breading itself.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Calamari is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Minerals
Calamari provides important minerals like copper, which is vital for iron absorption and energy production, and zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing.
Lycopene Boost
The marinara sauce, made from cooked tomatoes, is a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Pizza Calamari contains approximately 550-650 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific brands of cheese and pepperoni used.