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The best Italian style Fried Calamari

Print Recipe
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds calamari, cleaned, rings + tentacles
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semolina flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for finishing
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Oil for frying ( peanut or light olive oil)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Marinara, for dipping

Instructions
 

  • Prep the calamari
    Slice tubes into ½-inch rings. Pat rings and tentacles completely dry with paper towels.(Drying is key for crispness!)
  • Make the coating
    In a shallow bowl, whisk together: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup semolina flour, Salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder
  • Heat the oil
    Pour oil into a heavy pot or deep skillet about 2 inches deep.Heat to 350–365°F.
  • Coat the calamari
    Toss the rings and tentacles in the flour–semolina mixture until lightly coated.Shake off excess.
  • Fry in batches
    Add calamari in small batches so the oil temperature stays stable.Fry 1½–2 minutes—just until pale golden.(Over-frying = chewy.)
  • Drain & season
    Transfer to a paper towel–lined tray and sprinkle immediately with a pinch of salt.
  • Serve
    Enjoy hot with lemon wedges and marinara.