Looking for a mouth-watering appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more? Look no further than this crispy fried calamari recipe, complete with a zesty aioli dipping sauce. Not only is it simple to make, but it's also a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Start by heating about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of around 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk.
- Dip each calamari ring into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and then into the buttermilk. Finally, coat the ring in Panko breadcrumbs, making sure it's fully covered.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in a few calamari rings at a time, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove the rings with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Repeat until all the calamari rings are fried.
Aioli Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Now that your crispy fried calamari with aioli dipping sauce is ready, it's time to enjoy! Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or fries. Your guests will love this delicious and impressive recipe.
