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For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch) or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps make the batter light and crisp)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Wet Batter:
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 egg
For Frying:
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil work best)
How to Make Crispy Fried Fish
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and ensures a crispier finish.
- Season the fish with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside while preparing the coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating and Batter
- In one shallow dish, mix flour, cornmeal (or breadcrumbs), baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your dry coating.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg to form the wet batter.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the top immediately, the oil is ready.
- Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can burn the coating before the fish cooks through.
Step 4: Coat the Fish
- Dip each fish fillet into the wet batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Transfer the fish to the dry flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, crispy coating.
- Shake off any excess coating before frying.
Step 5: Fry the Fish
- Carefully place the fish fillets into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The fish should be cooked through and flaky inside.
- Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Pair with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, coleslaw, French fries, or hush puppies for a classic meal.
Tips for the Best Crispy Fried Fish
✅ Choose the Right Fish – White fish fillets like cod, haddock, tilapia, and catfish work best because they are mild in flavor and hold up well to frying.
✅ Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature – Too hot, and the fish burns; too cold, and it absorbs too much oil, becoming soggy. Keep it around 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
✅ Use Cornmeal or Panko for Extra Crunch – Cornmeal adds a slightly sweet crunch, while panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy texture.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry the fish in batches so the oil stays hot and the fillets cook evenly.
✅ Rest the Fish on a Wire Rack – Instead of placing fried fish on paper towels (which can make the crust soggy), let it rest on a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.
Variations & Serving Ideas
🍋 Spicy Cajun Fried Fish – Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or Old Bay to the flour mixture for a bold, zesty kick.
🌮 Fish Tacos – Slice the fried fish into strips and serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and lime crema.
🍽 Southern-Style Fried Fish – Serve with collard greens, cornbread, and mac & cheese for a classic Southern meal.
🥪 Crispy Fish Sandwich – Place the fried fish in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce for a mouthwatering fish sandwich.
Conclusion
Crispy fried fish is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big on flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a summer fish fry, or just a satisfying comfort meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. With its golden-brown crust and tender, flaky interior, this dish proves that simple ingredients and good technique make for an unforgettable meal.
So, gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy the best crispy fried fish you’ve ever had! 🍽✨
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