Salt and pepper squid

Method

1. 1 Clean the squid, score the inside with dragon scale patterns, then cut into rings and pat dry thoroughly.
2. 2 Roast salt, pepper, and five-spice powder in a dry pan for 3 minutes, then grind finely.
3. 3 Mix cornstarch with tapioca starch, roll the squid in the mixture, and gently pat it down so that only a thin layer of starch adheres.
4. 4 Fry in oil at 200 degrees for exactly 60 seconds; squid fried for more than 90 seconds will become tough like rubber.
5. 5 Drain the oil, sauté the garlic and green chilies for 30 seconds, then add the squid, sprinkle with roasted salt and pepper and chopped scallions.

With an appliance

• Air fryer 34 min

  Replace step 4: spray fine oil onto the flour-coated squid, fry in a preheated air fryer at 205 degrees for 5 minutes, flipping at the 3rd minute; step 5 still involves tossing the squid with garlic, chili, salt, and pepper for exactly 30 seconds.