To make this fabulously crispy batter, begin with a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, sugar, baking soda, onion powder, and garlic powder. Using a whisk, blend these ingredients well until they are fully combined. Now, the magic happens! Slowly pour the cold club soda into the dry mixture, whisking continuously. This action will create a lovely smooth batter that is perfect for coating.

Once you’ve mixed everything together, allow the batter to sit for a few minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it helps the batter thicken just a tad. Now, the fun part – decide on your choice of seafood or chicken! Dip each piece into your freshly made batter, making sure every inch is well coated. It’s all about ensuring that crispy texture! Next, heat up some oil to 350°F (175°C) and gently slide in those coated pieces. Fry them up until they become golden brown and oh-so-crispy, typically around 3 to 4 minutes on each side. After frying, let them drain on some paper towels to soak up extra oil, and serve them hot. It’s a treat, guaranteed!