CRISPY FISH FRY

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🐟✨ CRISPY FISH FRY

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~20 minutes

⭐ INGREDIENTS

For the Fish

  • 500 g white fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, or basa)
  • Salt and black pepper (to season fish)

For the Crispy Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
  • ½–1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water or cold club soda
    Cold carbonation = extra crisp!

For Frying

  • Oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, peanut)

For Serving (optional)

  • Lemon wedges
  • Tartar sauce
  • Fries or coleslaw

🥣 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the fish

  • Pat fish fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  • Cut into strips or leave whole.
  • Season lightly on both sides with salt and pepper.
    (This gives the fish flavor before it hits the batter.)

2. Mix the dry batter

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt & pepper
  • (Optional) garlic powder + onion powder

3. Add cold sparkling water

  • Pour in cold sparkling water/club soda and whisk until smooth.
  • Batter should be slightly thick but pourable (like pancake batter).
  • If too thick → add a splash more water.
  • If too thin → add a spoon of flour.

4. Heat the oil

  • Heat frying oil to 350°F (175°C).
  • Temperature is crucial for maximum crispiness.

5. Batter and fry

  • Dip each fish piece into the batter, letting excess drip off.
  • Carefully lower into the hot oil.
  • Fry 3–4 minutes per side, or until:
    • Deep golden
    • Crispy
    • Fish flakes easily with a fork

Do not overcrowd the pan — fry in batches.

6. Drain

  • Remove fish and place on a wire rack (best) or paper towels.
  • Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still hot.

🍋 SERVE

Serve immediately with:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Tartar sauce
  • Fries or potato wedges
  • Coleslaw

🔄 VARIATIONS

Beer-Battered Fish

Replace sparkling water with cold beer.

Extra Crispy Double-Coat

Dredge fish lightly in flour before dipping in batter.

Spicy Fish Fry

Add:

  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • ½ tsp chili powder

Panko Crunch

After dipping in batter, press fish into panko breadcrumbs before frying.

🧊 STORAGE

  • Best eaten fresh
  • Reheat in air fryer at 400°F for 5–6 minutes
  • Avoid the microwave—it softens the coating

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