Spicy Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, Spicy Fried Calamari with Lemon Aioli is the perfect appetizer to impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner. Featuring tender calamari rings coated in a light, airy batter infused with paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, this recipe delivers just the right amount of crunch and heat. A splash of sparkling water ensures a delicate texture, while deep-frying locks in the perfect golden hue. Served alongside a zesty lemon aioli made with fresh garlic and tangy citrus, this dish strikes the ideal balance between spice and creaminess. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and enjoy it as a crowd-pleasing starter or a standout snack. Simple to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes, this seafood delight is sure to become a favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Calamari (cleaned and sliced into rings)
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Sparkling water
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 whole Lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Gradually whisk in the sparkling water until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Set the batter aside.

Step 3

Pat the calamari rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter adhere better.

Step 4

In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 180°C (350°F). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

Step 5

Dip the calamari rings into the prepared batter, making sure they are fully coated, and carefully drop them into the hot oil in small batches.

Step 6

Fry the calamari for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

Step 7

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8

For the lemon aioli, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.

Step 9

Serve the crispy fried calamari immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, and accompanied by the tangy lemon aioli for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2023.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10103.5

Total Fat 1042.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 145.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 1282.4mg	0%
Sodium 4639.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.0g	0%
Total Sugars 2.4g
Protein 120.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 189.4mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 1809.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 89.3%

Protein: 4.6%

Carbs: 6.2%