Crispy Fish Batter

This Crispy Fish Batter creates a light, golden, and perfectly crunchy coating that fries up beautifully every time. With a simple batter and no special ingredients, you can enjoy pub-style fish and chips right at home. Perfect for a quick dinner or a seafood feast, this recipe will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crispy fish batter gives you that perfect crunchy bite with a light texture, making it the ideal coating for your fish fillets. It’s simple, easy, and can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re frying up cod, haddock, or any white fish, this batter delivers golden perfection every time. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a classic fish and chips meal!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¾ cup cold sparkling water

• Oil for frying

• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, etc.)

directions

Heat the Oil:

1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the fish, but not so hot that it burns the batter. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil with a small drop of batter – if it sizzles and floats, it’s ready!

Prepare the Batter:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and paprika.

2. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The sparkling water will give the batter that light and crispy texture.

Prep the Fish:

1. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Dip each fillet into the batter, letting the excess drip off, making sure the fish is well-coated.

Fry the Fish:

1. Carefully place the battered fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 4–6 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.

2. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve:

1. Serve immediately, garnished with a slice of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 290 kcal

Variations

• Spicy Batter: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a spicy kick.

• Herb Infusion: Mix dried herbs like thyme or parsley into the batter for added flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

• Different Fish: You can substitute the white fish with other types, such as tilapia or pollock, for variety.

storage/reheating

While best enjoyed fresh, leftover battered fish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the batter soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular water instead of sparkling water?

Sparkling water is key to getting that light and crispy texture. However, if you don’t have sparkling water, you can substitute it with cold water, but the texture may not be as crispy.

Can I use frozen fish fillets?

Yes, frozen fish fillets can work well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before dipping them in the batter.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make the batter right before you fry the fish to ensure it stays light and airy. If you need to make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 1-2 hours.

What’s the best oil for frying fish?

Use oils with high smoke points, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, for frying. These oils can handle the high heat needed to fry fish without burning.

Conclusion

This Crispy Fish Batter recipe is your ticket to perfectly golden and crunchy fish every time. The light, crispy coating with a hint of paprika and savory seasoning creates the perfect texture for any white fish fillet. Whether you’re serving it with a side of fries or pairing it with a fresh salad, these crispy fish bites will become a go-to dish for seafood lovers and home cooks alike. Enjoy your homemade fish and chips!

Crispy Fish Batter

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This Crispy Fish Batter recipe delivers a light, golden, and perfectly crunchy coating that makes your fish fillets irresistible! Easy to make with pantry staples like flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water, it’s the perfect batter for a classic fish and chips meal. Fry up your favorite white fish like cod or haddock for a crispy, pub-style treat that’s sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon paprika

¾ cup cold sparkling water

Oil for frying

1 lb white fish fillets (cod, haddock, etc.)

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Instructions

• Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Test the oil with a drop of batter—it should sizzle and float when ready.

• Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and paprika. Gradually add cold sparkling water, mixing until smooth and lump-free.

• Prep the Fish: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

• Dip the Fish: Coat each fillet with the batter, allowing excess to drip off, ensuring an even coating.

• Fry the Fish: Carefully place battered fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for 4–6 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.

• Drain and Serve: Remove the fish from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately, garnished with a slice of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Variations: Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or mix in herbs like thyme or parsley for a savory twist.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

• Leftovers: Store leftover fried fish in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes for the best crispy texture.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American, British
• Diet: Gluten Free