Fill a large bowl with cold water. Quarter the lemon and squeeze the juice into the bowl. Place the squeezed lemons in the water as well.
Take a baby artichoke and remove some of the tough outer leaves and trim the base.
Using a very sharp knife, slice off the tip of the artichoke (about ⅓ of the artichoke).
Cut the artichoke in half, and remove the choke (fuzzy centre) if necessary. Generally, really small artichokes do not have any fuzzy chokes.
Place the prepared the artichoke immediately into the bowl of water to stop it from discolouring.
Repeat the above process with the remaining artichokes.
Heat enough oil in a medium-sized saucepan for deep-frying (about 5cm or 2 inch depth) to 120°C/250°F.
Meanwhile, drain the artichokes with kitchen paper, making sure they are completely dry.
Cook the artichokes in batches for about 5 minutes until they are just beginning to brown. Remove them to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain.
Increase the heat to 190°C/375°F.
Again, cook the artichokes in batches for 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
Drain them on a plate lined with kitchen paper, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve immediately.