Batter Dipped Fried Fish

Crispy Batter Dipped Fried Fish – The Perfect Golden Crunch! 🐟🍋

If you’re searching for the ultimate crispy battered fried fish recipe, look no further! This batter-dipped fried fish is golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making classic fish and chips, a delicious fish sandwich, or simply craving a light and crispy fried fish, this recipe delivers perfection every time.

Our homemade fish batter creates a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender, flaky, and moist. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Serve it with tartar sauce, coleslaw, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Batter Dipped Fried Fish Recipe

✔️ Crispy & Golden: A light, airy batter that fries to perfection.
✔️ Delicious Flavor: The perfect balance of seasoning enhances the natural taste of the fish.
✔️ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a go-to recipe.
✔️ Versatile: Works with a variety of fish, from cod and haddock to tilapia and catfish.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, seafood platters, or summer fish fries.

Best Fish for Batter Frying

Choosing the right fish is key to getting that perfect texture. Some of the best fish for frying include:

  • Cod – Mild, flaky, and perfect for deep frying.
  • Haddock – Slightly sweeter than cod, great for fish and chips.
  • Tilapia – A budget-friendly, mild option that crisps up beautifully.
  • Halibut – Firm and meaty, a premium choice for frying.
  • Catfish – A Southern favorite with a slightly sweet, mild flavor.

How to Make the Best Batter-Dipped Fried Fish

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks properly. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the Batter: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, seasonings, and a cold liquid like beer, club soda, or buttermilk for a light, crispy texture.
  3. Heat the Oil: Use a deep-fryer or large pot with hot oil at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for the perfect crispy crust.
  4. Dip and Fry: Coat the fish in the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove from oil, place on a paper towel-lined plate, and serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or malt vinegar.

Crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside—this batter-dipped fried fish is a delicious treat! Perfect for a classic fish fry or a

quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

4–6 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)

For the Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

1 egg

1 cup cold water (or club soda for extra crispiness)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Fish:

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks well.

Make the Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and stir it into the dry ingredients.

Gradually add cold water (or club soda for extra crispiness) while whisking until smooth.

Fry the Fish:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Dip each fish fillet into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Fry 2–3 fillets at a time for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Drain on paper towels.

Serve:

Serve immediately with dipping sauces like tartar sauce or lemon wedges, and a side of fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Enjoy this crispy, homemade fried fish! Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tips for the Crispiest Fried Fish

✅ Use cold batter: Cold liquid in the batter helps create a light, crispy texture.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Fry in small batches to maintain the right oil temperature.
✅ Let the excess batter drip off: This prevents a heavy, soggy coating.
✅ Use fresh oil: Clean oil ensures a light, non-greasy finish.
✅ Drain on a wire rack: This keeps the fish crispy instead of soggy.

What to Serve with Batter Dipped Fried Fish

Pair your crispy fried fish with these classic side dishes:

  • French Fries or Chips – A must for authentic fish and chips.
  • Coleslaw – The creamy crunch balances the crispy fish.
  • Hush Puppies – A Southern favorite for seafood platters.
  • Tartar Sauce – The perfect creamy dip with a hint of tang.
  • Lemon Wedges – A simple way to enhance the flavor.

FAQ – Batter Dipped Fried Fish

❓ Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
Traditional battered fish doesn’t cook well in an air fryer, but you can try a panko-crusted version for a crispy texture without deep frying.

❓ What oil is best for frying fish?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best results.

❓ Can I make this batter gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free batter.