Whole30 Crispy Deep-Fried Calamari

Dive into the perfect balance of crunch and flavor with this Whole30 Crispy Deep-Fried Calamari—a wholesome twist on the classic seafood favorite! This recipe combines tender, freshly sliced calamari rings with a gluten-free, grain-free batter made from coconut flour and arrowroot flour, spiced to perfection with garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Dredged and fried to golden perfection in heart-healthy avocado oil, this calamari boasts a light and crispy coating that’s entirely Whole30 compliant. Quick to prepare and fry in under 30 minutes, it's the ultimate appetizer or main dish for seafood lovers looking to stick to their health goals. Serve these irresistible bites with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley for a restaurant-quality experience at home. Perfect for Paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets, this recipe will wow your guests while keeping it clean and satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup Coconut flour
• 0.5 cup Arrowroot flour
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.25 cup Almond milk, unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Avocado oil, for frying
• 4 wedges Lemon wedges, for serving
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by rinsing and patting dry the cleaned calamari rings with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

In a shallow bowl, combine the coconut flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.

Step 3

In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and almond milk until well combined.

Step 4

Place the arrowroot flour in a third bowl.

Step 5

Dredge each calamari ring first in the arrowroot flour, ensuring a light, even coating. Shake off any excess.

Step 6

Next, dip the ring into the egg mixture, and then place it in the seasoned coconut flour, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.

Step 7

Repeat the process for all calamari rings and set them on a plate.

Step 8

In a large, deep skillet or a deep fryer, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Fry the calamari in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 2-3 minutes per batch or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 11

Serve the calamari immediately with lemon wedges on the side, and optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1423.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5892.0

Total Fat 511.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 1428.6mg	0%
Sodium 4033.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 212.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 57.3g	0%
Total Sugars 14.0g
Protein 129.1g	0%

Vitamin D 104.0IU	0%
Calcium 421.0mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 2599.5mg	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: 77.1%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 14.2%