Crispy Fried Fish

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the first bite of perfectly prepared Crispy Fried Fish. That moment when the golden crust shatters with a delightful crunch, revealing tender, flaky fish beneath – it’s pure culinary magic. Whether you’re rushing to put together a quick yet impressive meal after a long workday or planning a weekend gathering with friends, this Crispy Fried Fish recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.

The intoxicating aroma of seasoned batter hitting hot oil fills your kitchen with promises of the deliciousness to come. What makes this Crispy Fried Fish recipe truly special is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Using a combination of beer batter and cornflake coating creates that ideal texture contrast between the crispy exterior and moist, delicate fish inside.

The best part? You don’t need any special equipment or professional skills to achieve these impressive results. Let me show you how to make Crispy Fried Fish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Fried Fish

• ✅ This easy Crispy Fried Fish for beginners requires just a handful of common ingredients
• ✅ Perfect restaurant-style Crispy Fried Fish recipe that rivals your favorite seafood spot
• ✅ The best Crispy Fried Fish for family dinner – even picky eaters love it!
• ✅ Versatile recipe with gluten-free Crispy Fried Fish options available
• ✅ From prep to table in just 30 minutes – ideal for busy weeknights
• ✅ The cornmeal batter creates perfect Crispy Fried Fish with unbeatable texture

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Ingredients

For 4 generous servings:

• 1 ½ cups beer (lager or pale ale works best)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute rice flour for gluten-free Crispy Fried Fish)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound cod fillets (or any firm white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia)
• 2 cups crushed cornflake crumbs (the secret to extra crunchy Crispy Fried Fish)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 quart oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Ingredient Notes:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute seltzer water for beer
• Fish should be patted dry before battering for the best Crispy Fried Fish results
• Look for sustainably-sourced fish when possible

How to Make Crispy Fried Fish – Step by Step

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beer, flour, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should have a consistency similar to pancake batter – not too thick or too thin. If needed, adjust by adding a little more beer or flour.

Step 2: Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and creates lighter, crispier results. This is a key step for the best Crispy Fried Fish texture.

Step 3: While the batter rests, prepare your fish. Cut the cod fillets into 4-inch pieces if they’re larger. Pat them completely dry with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of Crispy Fried Fish!

Step 4: In a shallow dish, combine the crushed cornflake crumbs with Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the crumbs.

Step 5: Set up your workstation in this order: fish fillets, beer batter, seasoned cornflake mixture, and finally a plate lined with paper towels for the finished Crispy Fried Fish.

Step 6: Heat oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy – the right temperature is crucial for perfect Crispy Fried Fish.

Step 7: Working with one piece at a time, dip the fish into the beer batter, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 8: Carefully lower 2-3 pieces of coated fish into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pot). Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning once halfway through cooking.

Step 9: Remove the Crispy Fried Fish with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying remaining batches.

Step 10: Serve your Crispy Fried Fish immediately with lemon wedges for the best texture and flavor experience.

Pro Tips

• Cold batter = crispier fish: Keep your beer cold before mixing into the batter for the crispiest results.
• Oil temperature matters: Maintain oil at 375°F (190°C) throughout frying. Too cool, and your Crispy Fried Fish will be greasy; too hot, and it will brown before cooking through.
• Don’t skip the pat-dry step: Removing excess moisture from fish before battering is essential for achieving perfect Crispy Fried Fish.
• Season after frying: Sprinkle a little extra salt on your Crispy Fried Fish immediately after it comes out of the fryer for maximum flavor.
• Test oil readiness: Drop a small amount of batter into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for your Crispy Fried Fish.

Best Ways to Serve 

Crispy Fried Fish with tangy sauce is a classic combination that never disappoints. Try serving with homemade tartar sauce, malt vinegar, or a zesty remoulade.

For a complete meal, Crispy Fried Fish served with coleslaw makes a perfect pairing. The cool, crunchy slaw balances the hot, crispy fish beautifully. Add some french fries for an authentic fish-and-chips experience!

Looking for something lighter? Serve your Crispy Fried Fish with a crisp green salad and lemon wedges for a refreshing contrast to the rich, crunchy coating.

Make fish tacos by flaking your Crispy Fried Fish and serving in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For a lighter version of Crispy Fried Fish, consider air-frying or oven-baking instead of deep-frying.

Storage & Leftovers

While Crispy Fried Fish is definitely best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat your Crispy Fried Fish while maintaining some crispness, avoid the microwave. Instead, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the batter and coating up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This makes assembly of your Crispy Fried Fish much faster when you’re ready to cook.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Fried Fish

What is the best fish for frying?

Firm white fish varieties are ideal for Crispy Fried Fish. Cod, haddock, pollock, and tilapia all work wonderfully as they hold their shape well during frying and have a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating. For a more budget-friendly option, frozen fish fillets work well too – just ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before battering.

How do you keep fried fish crispy?

The secret to keeping your Crispy Fried Fish crispy is proper draining and resting. After frying, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, then place on a wire rack in a warm (200°F/95°C) oven. This allows air to circulate around the fish, preventing it from becoming soggy. Additionally, serving immediately after cooking ensures the crispiest texture for your Crispy Fried Fish.

What is the secret to crispy fried fish?

The combination of a cold beer batter and cornflake coating creates the perfect Crispy Fried Fish. The carbonation in beer creates tiny air bubbles that expand when hit with hot oil, resulting in an extra-light, crispy texture. Additionally, maintaining the proper oil temperature (375°F/190°C) ensures the coating crisps quickly without absorbing excess oil, leading to perfectly golden, crunchy Crispy Fried Fish every time.

Can you use frozen fish for frying?

Yes, frozen fish can be used for Crispy Fried Fish, but it must be completely thawed and excess moisture removed before battering. Thaw fish overnight in the refrigerator, then pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Frozen fish often releases more moisture than fresh, so the drying step is especially important when making Crispy Fried Fish with previously frozen fillets.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about homemade Crispy Fried Fish – that perfect balance of golden, crunchy coating and tender, flaky fish that simply can’t be matched by store-bought options. With this recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re equipped to create restaurant-quality Crispy Fried Fish right in your own kitchen, whether for a quick family dinner or a gathering with friends.

The beauty of this Crispy Fried Fish recipe lies in its versatility and foolproof nature. Even if you’re new to frying, following these steps will lead to impressive results that will have everyone asking for your secret.

What’s your favorite way to serve Crispy Fried Fish? Do you prefer it with traditional sides like chips and coleslaw, or do you have a unique pairing you love? Share your experiences and variations in the comments below – I’d love to hear how your Crispy Fried Fish turned out!