Squid and calamari cooking times
How long to cook squid: 1–2 min pan-fried, 2–3 min deep-fried at 180°C, 6–8 min in an air fryer at 200°C and 1–2 min per side on the barbecue. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook squid
Times are for 400 g cleaned squid, for 4 as a starter.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 1–2 min | in a very hot pan | In oil, in batches. |
| Deep-fry Calamari | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Calamari: rings tossed in seasoned flour. |
| Air fryer Calamari | 6–8 min | 200°C (400°F) | Calamari rings in breadcrumbs, sprayed with oil. |
| Barbecue | 1–2 min per side | over very hot direct heat | Scored tubes. |
| Braise | 45 min to 1 h | covered, simmering gently in a sauce | For tender stewed squid. |
Before you start
Cut into rings, or open out the tubes and score in a criss-cross. Pat dry.
How to tell it’s done
Opaque and just tender. Squid cooks in 2 minutes or needs 45 minutes or more; anything in between is rubbery.
Questions
How long to pan-fry squid?
1–2 min in a very hot pan. In oil, in batches.
How long to deep-fry squid?
Calamari: 2–3 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). Calamari: rings tossed in seasoned flour.
How long to cook squid in an air fryer?
Calamari: 6–8 min at 200°C (400°F). Calamari rings in breadcrumbs, sprayed with oil.
How long to barbecue squid?
1–2 min per side over very hot direct heat. Scored tubes.
How long to braise squid?
45 min to 1 h covered, simmering gently in a sauce. For tender stewed squid.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.