Crispy Fried Calamari Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb squid rings
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges to serve
• Extra salt for seasoning the calamari after frying

Instructions

1. In a medium sized bowl combine the milk with the salt and stir to combine. Add the squid rings and make sure they are completely coated in the milk. Cover and refrigerate for about one hour.
2. In a large shallow bowl, combine the all purpose flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
3. Remove the squid rings from the fridge. Have ready a large clean plate. Dredge the squid rings in the flour mixture and make sure they are completely coated.
4. Fill a deep sided skillet with the vegetable oil. Fill it to about 3 inches up the sides. Bring the oil up to temperature about 350 degrees f and try not to exceed about 370 degrees f. It should take about 3- 5 minutes to bring the oil up to temperature.
5. Place one calamari ring in the oil to test it. If it sizzles and bubbles appear around the ring, the oil is ready. Place as many rings in the pan as you can without overlapping them. As they start to fry they will start to turn golden brown, become crisp and float to the top. Remove them as they cook and place on paper towels to drain. Repeat for all calamari rings.
6. Serve immediately with a little sprinkling of salt and lemon wedges.