What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound of fresh calamari
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Calamari
Start by cleaning the calamari. Remove the heads, tentacles, and any internal organs. Peel off the outer skin and rinse the calamari thoroughly. Once clean, slice the calamari into rings or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined. This flavorful coating will give your calamari that perfect crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Calamari
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a pot. The oil should be at least 375°F (190°C). While the oil is heating, dip each piece of calamari into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated calamari aside on a plate.
Step 4: Fry the Calamari
Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, carefully place a few coated calamari pieces into the hot oil using tongs. Be cautious to not overcrowd the pan, as this can affect the crispiness. Fry the calamari for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the fried calamari onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the calamari is fried, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Sprinkle some extra salt if desired and serve the crispy calamari immediately with lemon wedges on the side. It’s best enjoyed as soon as it’s cooked, so dig in!
Now that you have the secret recipe to make perfect crispy calamari at home, give it a try and impress your friends and family. This delightful seafood dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and with these easy steps, you’ll turn into a calamari frying expert in no time!