Experience the ultimate seafood indulgence with this Crispy Deep-Fried Calamari recipe, a restaurant-quality favorite made easy at home. Featuring tender calamari coated in a light, golden batter of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a touch of paprika for a hint of smoky flavor, this dish is perfectly seasoned for irresistible crunch in every bite. The secret lies in the fizzy club soda, creating an airy batter that crisps beautifully when fried to perfection in hot vegetable oil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and satisfying appetizer is garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon and optional chopped parsley for a burst of brightness. Serve it alongside your favorite dipping sauces like zesty marinara or creamy aioli to elevate your snacking or entertaining game. Perfect for parties, seafood nights, or anytime you’re craving crispy calamari goodness!
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Rinse the calamari under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the calamari into rings about 1 cm thick. If using tentacles, leave them whole.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
Gradually add the club soda to the dry ingredients while gently whisking until a smooth and lump-free batter forms. Do not overmix. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 180°C (350°F). A thermometer is recommended to maintain consistent frying temperature.
Working in batches, dip the calamari rings and tentacles into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Carefully place them into the hot oil.
Fry the calamari for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining calamari.
Once all calamari are cooked, sprinkle with optional chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
Cut the lemon into wedges and serve alongside the calamari as a garnish. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as marinara, aioli, or spicy mayo.
Serving size | (2090.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 9974.2 |
Total Fat 1009.7g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 145.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
Cholesterol 1315mg | 0% |
Sodium 2778.5mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 224.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 9.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 2.3g | |
Protein 102.4g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 191.1mg | 0% |
Iron 16.3mg | 0% |
Potassium 505.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories