# 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.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/squid-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook squid

Times are for 400 g cleaned squid, for 4 as a starter.

Squid and calamari: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) | 1–2 min | in a very hot pan | In oil, in batches. |
| [Deep-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/deep-frying-times) (Calamari) | 2–3 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | Calamari: rings tossed in seasoned flour. |
| [Air fryer](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) (Calamari) | 6–8 min | 200°C (400°F) | Calamari rings in breadcrumbs, sprayed with oil. |
| [Barbecue](https://feastflow.co.uk/bbq-cooking-times) | 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.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/