Calamari cooks quickly, typically within 1-2 minutes. Fry the calamari until it turns a golden brown color, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become rubbery and tough. It’s important to maintain the right frying temperature for tender calamari. Calamari are notorious for being chewy. To cook calamari so that it’s not tough either cook long and slow or fast and quick as in this recipe. Heat your oil to around 340ºF-356ºF (170-180ºC). If the oil isn't hot enough, the calamari can become greasy, while if it's too hot, the coating may burn before the squid is fully cooked.