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Ultimate Fried Calamari Recipe: Crispy, Tender, and Perfect Every Time


  • Author: Hannah

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb squid (tubes and tentacles), cleaned and sliced into ½-inch rings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

  • Marinara sauce or aioli, for dipping (optional)


Instructions

  • Prep the Squid:

    • Rinse squid rings and tentacles under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  • Make the Dredge:

    • In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  • Heat the Oil:

    • In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

  • Coat the Calamari:

    • Toss squid in the flour mixture until well coated.

    • Shake off excess flour before frying.

  • Fry in Batches:

    • Fry the calamari in small batches for 1½–2 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

    • Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

 

  • Serve Immediately:

    • Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.