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Fried Calamari
This fried calamari recipe utilizes milk to tenderize and marinate the calamari. Then using a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, to give you the most crispy coating. Dipped in a spicy arrabbiata sauce, this fried calamari is the perfect appetizer to wow your guests.
servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb calamari (tube sliced into 3/4 inch rings, tentacles stay whole)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (you can also sub gluten free flour)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- neutral oil for frying (about 3 inches worth of oil in your frying pot)
- 1 Lemon (sliced into wedges )
- 2 cups Arrabbiata sauce (or sauce of choice, warmed)
- 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley (optional for garnish)
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Equipment
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Instructions
- Place cut calamari rings and tentacles in 1/2 cup milk, add kosher salt, and stir to combine. Cover and allow to marinate for 30 min-2 hours
- In a large bowl add flour, corn starch, baking powder, and black pepper. Stir to fully mix.
- Add calamari a few handfuls at a time and coat. Place in a colander and shake excess flour off. Set on a rack on the side and repeat with remaining calamari.
- In a Dutch oven, fill oil 1 1/2 inches up. Using a thermometer, heat oil to 360F. Add half the calamari and fry for 3 1/2 minutes, moving them around so they don’t stick (caution they may pop). Remove using a spider strainer, place on paper towel lined plate and top with salt. Repeat.
- In a small saucepan, add arrabbiata sauce and warm. Once warm add to a serving bowl, surround with calamari, and enjoy! Calamari is best served right away to maintain crispiness.
Notes
Frozen squid
- Thaw frozen squid in refrigerator overnight and rinse the squid with cold water before using it in the recipe.
Air fryer directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and spray it with cooking oil.
- Prep the calamari according to above directions, then add the calamari in an even layer in a single basket. Do not crowd or they will not crisp, do two batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 7-9 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to shake or flip them halfway through so they cook evenly.
Baking directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with cooking oil and add fried calamari in an even layer - make sure not to crowd them too much.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them over halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Video
Nutrition Information
Calories: 377kcal (19%), Carbohydrates: 62g (21%), Protein: 26g (52%), Fat: 5g (8%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 268mg (89%), Sodium: 1252mg (54%), Potassium: 735mg (21%), Fiber: 8g (33%), Sugar: 8g (9%), Vitamin A: 709IU (14%), Vitamin C: 30mg (36%), Calcium: 151mg (15%), Iron: 4mg (22%)