Want that light, golden, extra-crispy fish at home? This easy copycat recipe uses a simple seasoned batter for a crunchy restaurant-style coating.
Ingredients
For the fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock)
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
For the crispy batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup cold water
- Oil, for frying
How to Make It
1. Prepare the fish
Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the batter
Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Slowly whisk in the cold water until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter.
3. Coat the fish
Lightly dust each fillet with flour, then dip it into the batter. Let the excess batter drip off.
4. Fry until crispy
Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crisp, usually around 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness.
5. Drain and serve
Transfer the fish to a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
🔥 Secret to Extra-Crispy Fish
Keep the batter cold, don’t overcrowd the pan, and make sure the oil stays hot while frying. A wire rack helps prevent the crispy coating from becoming soggy.
Serving idea: Pair your crispy fish with fries, coleslaw, lemon wedges, and tartar sauce for a restaurant-style meal.