Description

This easy crispy fish batter recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like flour, cornstarch, and ice-cold water to create a light, airy, and shattering golden crust. Perfect for cod, haddock, or tilapia, it delivers restaurant-quality crunch without the grease.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (120g) All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons (15g) Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (5g) Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
3/4 cup (180ml) Ice-Cold Water
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Vegetable or Canola Oil for frying
White fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)

Instructions

Pat fish fillets completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until no lumps remain.
In a separate small bowl, combine ice-cold water, vegetable oil, and lemon juice.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while whisking constantly. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated; lumps are okay to avoid tough gluten development.
Pour about 2 inches of oil into a Dutch oven or deep pot and heat to 375°F (190°C).
Dip fish fillets into the batter, letting excess drip off, then gently lower into the hot oil. Fry 2-3 fillets at a time to maintain oil temperature.
Fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the batter is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Remove fish with tongs and place on a wire rack to drain and rest for one minute before serving.

Notes

Keep all ingredients ice-cold to ensure the batter creates steam and lifts properly. Do not overmix the batter, as this develops gluten and makes the coating tough. Ensure fish is completely dry before dipping to prevent batter from sliding off. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain, keeping the bottom crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 fillets
Calories: 375
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 600
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 1
Protein: 25

Keywords: crispy fish batter, fried fish, easy fish recipe, cod, haddock, tilapia, deep frying, seafood dinner, gluten-free option