Crispy Fish Fry

Here’s a classic Crispy Fish Fry recipe — golden, crunchy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for fish fry nights, seafood platters, or a satisfying weeknight dinner. 🐟🔥

🎣 Crispy Fish Fry Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4

📝 Ingredients

For the Fish

1½ lbs white fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, or catfish)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: a dash of cajun seasoning or paprika for extra flavor

Dredging Stations

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes/Panko
Optional: ¼ cup cornmeal (for extra crunch in breading)

For Frying

Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Lemon wedges for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 1. Prep the Fish

Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and any desired spices

🔹 2. Set Up Breading Stations

Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs (mix in cornmeal here if using)

🔹 3. Dredge the Fish

Dredge each fillet in flour – shake off excess
Dip into egg wash
Coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere

🔹 4. Fry the Fish

Heat ½–1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C)
Fry fish in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels

🔹 5. Serve

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top
Serve with coleslaw, fries, tartar sauce, or hot sauce

🐟 Tips for Extra Crispiness

Use Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for more texture
Double dip in egg and crumbs for a thicker crust
Keep fried fish warm in a 250°F oven while frying the rest

🔁 Variations

Beer-battered version? I’ve got a recipe for that too!
Want to air fry or bake it instead? Just say the word.
Try a spicy Southern cornmeal crust with cayenne and hot sauce.

Would you like tartar sauce or hush puppies on the side?