Fried Calamari with Lemon and Garlic Aioli

Fried Calamari with Lemon and Garlic Aioli

This recipe is for crispy fried calamari rings served with a garlic aioli dipping sauce and lemon wedges. The calamari rings are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and fried until golden brown and crispy. The garlic aioli is made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Servings 4

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 pound calamari cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the Garlic Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Dredge the calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Working in batches, fry the calamari in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried calamari to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• To make the garlic aioli, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Serve the fried calamari hot with lemon wedges and the garlic aioli for dipping. Enjoy!

Calories: 360kcal

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword: Fried

Fried calamari with lemon and garlic aioli is a classic appetizer that’s perfect for seafood lovers. The crispy, golden-brown calamari pairs perfectly with the tangy and garlicky aioli, making for a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.

To make the calamari, start by cleaning and slicing the squid into rings. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each calamari ring into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the calamari rings to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the calamari for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the calamari from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

To make the garlic aioli, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.

Serve the fried calamari hot with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dollop of garlic aioli on the side. It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty snack.