Crispy Fried Calamari
This Crispy Fried Calamari is golden, crunchy, and irresistibly tender inside. A restaurant-style appetizer you can easily make at home, perfect for dipping and sharing!
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb calamari rings cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- oil for frying vegetable or canola
- 1 lemon cut into wedges, for serving
- marinara or aioli for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pat calamari rings dry with paper towels. Toss them in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry calamari in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, double-coat the calamari by dipping in buttermilk before dredging. Serve hot for best texture.