This crispy fried fish recipe delivers restaurant-quality crunch with tender, flaky white fish inside. It’s a fast, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or seafood lovers looking for a classic comfort meal. The light, golden batter cooks in minutes and pairs beautifully with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or homemade fries.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs white fish fillets (cod, haddock, pollock, or halibut)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold club soda)
- 1 egg (optional for thicker batter)
- Oil for deep frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to help the batter stick.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add cold sparkling water (and egg if using) and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth—don’t over-mix.
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each fish fillet into the batter, letting excess drip off.
- Carefully lower the fish into the hot oil. Fry 4–6 minutes or until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Serving Ideas
- Classic tartar sauce
- French fries or potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Garlic aioli
- Fresh salad
Tips for Best Results
- Use very cold sparkling water for the crispiest texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer; cook in batches.
- Keep fried fish warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing the rest.
- Try adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.