Paleo Crispy Deep-Fried Calamari

Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Paleo Crispy Deep-Fried Calamari—a healthier twist on a classic favorite, perfect for seafood enthusiasts and paleo devotees alike. This recipe combines the nutty richness of almond and coconut flours with the light, crisp texture of arrowroot starch, delivering a golden, grain-free crust that’s both gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Coated in a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, these tender squid rings are fried to perfection in nutrient-rich coconut oil for a guilt-free indulgence. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy appetizer is best served hot with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon, making it a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, game days, or casual weeknight dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings
• 0.5 cup coconut flour
• 0.5 cup almond flour
• 0.25 cup arrowroot starch
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups coconut oil, for frying
• 1 lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a shallow dish, combine the coconut flour, almond flour, arrowroot starch, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2

In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the water to create an egg wash.

Step 3

Pat the squid rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 4

Dip each squid ring into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating well on all sides. Set aside on a plate while you prepare the oil.

Step 5

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the coconut oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature for consistent frying.

Step 6

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated calamari rings in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.

Step 7

Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes or until the calamari is golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Repeat the frying process with the remaining calamari.

Step 9

Serve the crispy calamari immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the warm calamari for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1249.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5422.1

Total Fat 522.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 420.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1428.9mg	0%
Sodium 2735.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.0g	0%
Total Sugars 7.6g
Protein 105.9g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 358.0mg	0%
Iron 11.2mg	0%
Potassium 1730.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.8%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 8.7%