Crispy Fish Fry

There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a piece of perfectly fried fish—the delicate crunch of the golden coating giving way to tender, flaky fish inside. A well-made crispy fish fry is comfort food at its finest, loved worldwide in different variations, from British fish and chips to Southern-style catfish. This version is simple, approachable, and made with everyday ingredients, giving you restaurant-quality results right at home.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, a weekend seafood night, or a casual get-together with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Best of all, it requires minimal prep time, yet delivers maximum flavor and texture.

Why This Crispy Fish Fry Recipe Works

Cold Soda Water Creates Extra Crunch
The use of soda water (or sparkling water) in the batter is the secret to its crispiness. The bubbles lighten the batter, preventing it from becoming heavy and giving it that signature airy crunch.

Cornstarch + Flour Combo
Using both all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates the perfect texture. Flour gives structure, while cornstarch keeps the coating light and crisp.

Perfectly Seasoned Batter
Garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper bring just the right balance of flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the fish.

Hot Oil = Crispy Success
Frying at the right temperature (180°C / 350°F) ensures the coating becomes golden and crunchy while the fish inside stays moist and tender.

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Ingredients:

500g white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or basa work beautifully)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 cup cold soda water (or sparkling water)

Oil for deep frying

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Equipment:

Mixing bowl for batter

Whisk

Sharp knife & paper towels

Deep frying pan or Dutch oven

Kitchen thermometer (optional, but helps with oil temp)

Slotted spoon or tongs

Paper towels or wire rack for draining

Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Fish Fry

Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—excess moisture will prevent the batter from sticking properly and may cause splattering in the oil. Cut into smaller portions for even frying.

Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in the cold soda water, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter—thick enough to cling to the fish, but not so heavy that it weighs it down.

Heat the Oil
In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat oil to 180°C (350°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small drop of batter—it should sizzle and float to the top immediately.

Coat the Fish
Dip each fish piece into the batter, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess batter to avoid clumping.

Fry the Fish
Gently lower the coated fillets into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and make the coating soggy. Cook each piece for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.

Drain & Serve
Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.

Garnish & Enjoy
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, serve with lemon wedges, and enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips + Tricks for the Perfect Crispy Fish Fry

Keep the batter cold – Cold batter hitting hot oil creates steam, which puffs up the coating and makes it extra crispy. If needed, place the bowl of batter in the fridge while prepping.

Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches for the crispiest results. Too many pieces at once will drop the oil temperature.

Choose the right fish – White, mild fish works best. Cod, haddock, tilapia, and basa are great options. Avoid oily fish like salmon for this method.

Season right before serving – A light sprinkle of salt immediately after frying enhances flavor.

Double-fry option – For ultra-crispy coating, fry once until pale golden, let rest for 2 minutes, then fry again for 1–2 minutes until deep golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy fish fry is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Classic Fish & Chips – Serve with fries, tartar sauce, and malt vinegar.

Southern Style – Pair with coleslaw, hush puppies, and cornbread.

Light & Fresh – Serve with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or roasted potatoes.

Seafood Platter – Add fried shrimp, calamari, or onion rings for a restaurant-style seafood feast.

Sandwich Option – Tuck the crispy fish into a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of tartar sauce for a mouthwatering fish sandwich.

Variations to Try

Beer-Battered Fish – Replace soda water with cold beer for extra flavor and crispness.

Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter.

Herbed Batter – Mix in dried dill, parsley, or oregano for extra aroma.

Gluten-Free – Use rice flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store on a paper towel-lined container to prevent sogginess.

Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving—it will make the coating soft.

Freezing: You can freeze battered, uncooked fish pieces on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to cooking time.

Final Thoughts

A crispy fish fry is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of texture and flavor. With the right batter, hot oil, and a few easy techniques, you can achieve that golden crunch every single time. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it with your favorite sides, a squeeze of lemon, and watch it disappear in minutes.

So, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is your ticket to fried fish perfection.

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