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Seafood, protein source, fried, tasty appetizer
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 serving (medium) of Fried Baby Calamari (120 g) has 252 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 16.8 g of carbs, 20.4 g of protein, 10.8 g of fat and 0.8 g of fiber. Its 40.8 µg of Selenium covers 74% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 120 g
252
KCAL / 120G
Carbs
16.8g
· 6% DV
Protein
20.4g
· 41% DV
Fat
10.8g
· 14% DV
Fiber
0.8g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 27% · Protein 33% · Fat 40%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 252 kcal | |
| Total fat | 10.8 g | 14% |
| Saturated fat | 2.52 g | 13% |
| Trans fat | 0.02 g | |
| Sodium | 408 mg | 18% |
| Total carbohydrate | 16.8 g | 6% |
| Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% |
| Protein | 20.4 g | 41% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 120 g | 252 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 25 g | 53 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 40 g | 84 kcal |
| 1 serving (extra small) | 60 g | 126 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 80 g | 168 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 210 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 180 g | 378 kcal |
| 1 pack (jumbo) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
| 1 serving (extra large) | 250 g | 525 kcal |
Calculated from 210 calories per 100 g.
Fried baby calamari is small squid that has been cleaned, coated, and fried. “Baby” usually refers to the squid’s small size rather than a separate species. It may be served as whole small bodies and tentacles or in bite-size pieces.
To make fried baby calamari crispy, pat the squid thoroughly dry, coat it lightly in flour or starch, and fry it in hot oil in small batches. Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and can leave the coating soft and greasy.
Fried baby calamari is usually tough because it has been cooked too long. Fry it briefly, then serve it promptly; prolonged cooking can make squid rubbery. If it is already cooked, reheat it only briefly rather than frying it again.
Fried baby calamari uses smaller squid, which may be cooked and served whole. Regular calamari is often made from larger squid cut into rings or strips. Both can use similar coatings and frying methods, though size affects cooking time.
Fried baby calamari is commonly served with lemon and a dipping sauce such as marinara, aioli, or tartar sauce. Lemon adds acidity that balances the fried coating; choose a sauce that complements rather than overwhelms the mild squid flavor.
It is better to thaw baby calamari in the refrigerator before frying. Ice and excess moisture can make hot oil splatter and prevent the coating from crisping. Drain and pat the thawed squid dry before coating and cooking it.
Yes, fried baby calamari is fried squid: “calamari” is the culinary name commonly used for squid. The baby version uses smaller squid, while other fried squid dishes may use larger pieces or rings.
Reheat fried baby calamari in a single layer in an oven or air fryer; these methods help the coating crisp again. A microwave warms it but tends to make the coating soft. Heat only what you plan to eat.
Store leftover fried baby calamari in a covered container in the refrigerator and eat it within a few days. Refrigerate it promptly rather than leaving it out, and discard it if its smell or appearance has changed.
Fried baby calamari provides protein, but its coating and frying oil make it a richer choice than plain squid. For a lighter meal, use a thinner coating or bake it, and serve it with vegetables instead of more fried sides.
Vitamins
B12
1.44µg · 60% DV
B3
2.64mg · 17% DV
B5
0.72mg · 14% DV
B2
0.18mg · 14% DV
Minerals
Selenium
41µg · 75% DV
Phosphorus
252mg · 36% DV
Copper
0.3mg · 33% DV
Iodine
36µg · 24% DV
Sodium
408mg · 18% DV
Potassium ⭐
264mg · 8% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 252 calories in 1 serving (medium) (120 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Fried baby calamari is made from small squid, usually lightly coated in flour or batter and fried until crisp. It is a familiar starter on Mediterranean seafood menus, though the coating and accompanying sauce vary from kitchen to kitchen.
The outside is crunchy while the squid stays tender and slightly chewy. Serve it hot with lemon and, if you like, a dipping sauce; it is often shared as an appetiser or ordered alongside other seafood. It provides protein—17 g per 100 g—but frying also makes it a more substantial choice than grilled squid. For a lighter meal, pair a modest portion with salad or grilled vegetables and keep the sauce on the side.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
2.52g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.72g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.64g
Omega 6:3 ratio 0.5:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.