If you're a squid enthusiast, get ready for a real treat! We've mastered the art of creating the most irresistible, crunchy Keto Calamari appetizer, perfectly complemented by a delectable harissa mayo dipping sauce. Whether it's a dinner party or a simple weeknight indulgence, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Jump to:
- Preparation and cooking overview
- Chef's note
- 🦑 Ingredients for this Keto Calamari recipe
- Ingredient substitutions
- Additional ingredients
- Cookin tools required
- How to make Keto Calamari: step-by-step guide
- Cooking methods
- Preparation steps
- Cooking instructions
- What to serve with keto calamari?
- How to make it healthier?
- Time-saving tips
- What can I prepare ahead of time?
- Storage and reheating instructions
- Storage instruction
- Reheating instructions
- Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
- More Keto seafood recipes:
- Frequently asked questions
- 📖 Recipe
Preparation and cooking overview
Get ready to savor the crispy goodness of our low-carb calamari! Start by slicing the squid into rings, then dip them in an egg mixture and coat them with a low-carb flour mixture. After that, it's time for a quick fry in hot oil until they turn beautifully golden and crispy. In just about 20 minutes, you'll have a mouthwatering squid sensation ready to be enjoyed!
Chef's note
For a delightful twist, use almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour. This will create a wonderfully crispy coating for the calamari. Also, feel free to experiment with the sauce. We suggest a tasty Tzatziki or a creamy Jalapeno sauce.
🦑 Ingredients for this Keto Calamari recipe
Harissa mayo
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cookin tools required
To make this Keto Calamari recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
How to make Keto Calamari: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
- Thaw and clean the fresh or frozen squid, ensuring it is properly defrosted if frozen.
- Pre-measure the coconut flour, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder before starting the recipe.
- Slice the squid into rings, separating the tentacles if desired.
- Prepare any additional optional ingredients such as minced cilantro, sliced Fresno chili, or a squeeze of lime for topping.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg.
- In another bowl, combine coconut flour, sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the flour mixture.
- Ensure the squid is properly dried before proceeding with the recipe.
Cooking instructions
- In a small bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, combine the coconut flour and spices.
- Pat the squid dry and dip it into the beaten egg, then dredge through the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Frying in batches, ensure not to overcrowd the skillet, and fry for 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Pat dry on paper towels.
- Either serve as is or toss with cilantro, chilis, and lime and serve with the harissa mayo.
Chef's pro tip
Before coating the squid with batter, be sure to gently dry it off and remove any excess liquid. This will ensure that the batter sticks well to the calamari. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying for perfectly crispy and non-greasy keto-fried calamari. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of breaded calamari into the oil - if it sizzles and turns golden within seconds, you're good to go! Enjoy your deliciously crispy calamari!

What to serve with keto calamari?
Here are some delightful keto-friendly food pairings that perfectly complement this keto seafood recipe:
How to make it healthier?
Here are some suggestions to make the keto calamari dish even healthier:
Time-saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating instructions
Storage instruction
Reheating instructions
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy and tender Keto Calamari, served alongside a delectable Harissa Mayo Dip. Whether you're impressing your guests or treating yourself to a delightful keto-friendly snack, this dish won't disappoint!
More Keto seafood recipes:
- Keto Crab Cakes
- Keto Popcorn Shrimp
- Brown Sugar Salmon
- Keto Fish Tacos
- Keto Fish and Chips (low-carb and gluten-free!)
- Mahi-Mahi Recipe
- Keto Salmon Patties
- Broiled Salmon
- Keto Pecan and Gouda Crusted Salmon
- Keto Glazed Salmon
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Keto Calamari
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh or frozen squid thawed and cleaned
- 1 larger egg beaten
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Avocado oil for frying (about ¼ cup)
- Minced cilantro optional, for topping
- Sliced Fresno chili optional, for topping
- Squeeze of lime optional, for topping
Harissa Mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon prepared harissa paste
Instructions
- In a small bowl beat the egg. In another bowl combine the coconut flour and spices.
- Pat the squid dry and dip into the beaten egg then dredge through the flour mixture.
- Heat the oil in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Frying in batches making sure to not overcrowd the skillet, fry 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels
- Either serve as is or toss with cilantro, chilis, and lime and serve with the harissa mayo.
ラヘラ says
My son said "Mmmmmn this is good", which is good. ?
ありがとうございます。Arigatougozaimasu. Ta. ?
John Carr says
The coconut flour did not adhere to the calamari. There was quickly a collection of overly browned flour at the bottom of the pan. We tried with egg wash and then flour. Then we tried flour, egg wash, flour. Neither method worked for us.
Cast Iron Keto says
Hi John, I hate that this recipe didn't work for you! A few things, did you make sure to dry off the squid before breading? Was your oil hot enough that they sizzled right when the pieces were dropped into the oil? Did you substitute any ingredients?
Cherie Gwilliam says
Same here
Kimberly says
This is fabulous! You are correct the key to crispy is removing all of the liquid prior to battering. It takes a lot of paper towels!