Fried Calamari
Ingredients
The calamari
-
1
pound
calamari cleaned and skins removed
The brine
-
1
tablespoon
baking soda
-
1½
cups
cold water
-
Diamond Crystal
to taste
kosher salt
The coating
-
1
cup
cassava flour
-
½
cup
tapioca flour
-
½
teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
-
2
large
egg whites
The frying
-
6
cups
avocado oil or avocado oil spray for air fryer
For serving
-
1
lemon
cut into wedges
-
½
cup
marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the calamari dry and cut the body into rings that are ¾-inch thick, trimming any long tentacles.
- Mix baking soda, 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and cold water in a large bowl to create a brine.
- Submerge the calamari in the brine and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- While the calamari is brining, whisk together cassava flour, tapioca flour, and black pepper in a shallow bowl, and whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until frothy.
- Prepare a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
- After brining, drain and pat the calamari dry, then toss in the whisked egg whites.
- Dredge the calamari in the flour mixture, ensuring all surfaces are well coated, and place on the wire rack.
- For deep frying, heat avocado oil in a pot to 350°F, then fry half the calamari for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, spray the basket with avocado oil, and cook the calamari in a single layer for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and marinara sauce if desired.
Nutrition Facts (estimated)
Servings
4
Calories
280
Total fat
15g
Total carbohydrates
16g
Total protein
20g
Sodium
0mg
Cholesterol
0mg
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