Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
This Crispy Fish Batter creates a golden, crunchy coating for your fish fillets that’s light and flavorful. Perfect for frying fish at home, it’s simple to make and yields crispy results every time!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (per batch)
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or cold beer (for extra crispness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 egg (optional, for extra crispness and texture)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cornstarch (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg (if using) and cold sparkling water (or beer) together. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If it’s too thick, add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or large pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; if it bubbles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Coat the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps the batter stick better.
- Dip each fillet into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before frying.
- Fry the Fish:
- Carefully lower the battered fish fillets into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the batter is golden and crispy, and the fish is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fish from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy battered fish immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with crispy fries or potato wedges for a classic fish and chips meal.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw for added crunch and freshness.
Tips:
- For an even lighter batter, use a mix of half flour and half cornstarch.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the batter crisps up quickly and doesn’t absorb too much oil.
- You can also use this batter for other seafood like shrimp or calamari.
Enjoy your Crispy Fish Batter, a simple yet delicious way to make perfectly fried fish at home!