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Crispy Fish Batter Recipe

Crispy Fish Batter Recipe

5.2 from 13 reviews

This Crispy Fish Batter Recipe creates a light, airy, and perfectly crunchy coating for your favorite fish fillets. Made with a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water, this batter fries up golden and crisp, elevating classic fish and chips or any fried fish dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup cold sparkling water

For Frying and Serving

  • Vegetable oil for frying (enough to deep fry)
  • Fish fillets (cod, haddock, or your choice, about 4 fillets)
  • Tartar sauce (optional, for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and paprika until well combined. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water while whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter with a slightly thick consistency.
  2. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pan to a depth of at least 3 inches. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it is hot enough for frying. Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
  3. Batter the fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dip each fillet into the batter, making sure it is coated evenly and thoroughly for a crispy coating.
  4. Fry the fish: Carefully lower the battered fish fillets into the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally if needed, until the batter is golden brown, crispy, and the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
  5. Drain and serve: Remove the fried fish from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place the fillets on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, paired with tartar sauce and lemon wedges for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use ice-cold sparkling water to help create a lighter and crispier batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter; whisk just until combined to avoid tough batter.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F (190°C) for best frying results.
  • You can substitute the fish with other seafood like shrimp or calamari using the same batter and frying method.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy fish batter, fish and chips batter, fried fish recipe, crispy fish coating, sparkling water batter