Crispy Fried Fish Fillets
These crispy fried fish fillets are golden, seasoned, and served with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The light, crunchy coating and tender fish interior deliver delightful contrast. Simple seasoning and fresh lemon accentuate the natural flavour of the fish.
ingredients
white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
all‑purpose flour
eggs
breadcrumbs or cornmeal
salt
black pepper
vegetable oil for frying
lemon wedges
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
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Pat fish fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
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Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet to medium‑high heat.
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Fry fillets until golden brown and cooked through.
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Drain on paper towels and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 10–12 minutes
Total: 25–27 minutes
Variations
• Add paprika or cayenne to the coating for heat.
• Use beer batter for a lighter, crispier crust.
• Serve with tartar sauce or aioli.
storage/reheating
Store leftover fish in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a moderate oven to maintain crispness.
FAQs
Can I air‑fry these fillets?
Yes, air‑fry at 400 °F until crisp and golden.
What fish types work best?
Cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia are suitable.
How do I prevent oil splatter?
Dry the fish thoroughly before frying.
Should fish be room temperature before frying?
Yes, allow fish to sit briefly to reduce temperature shock.
Can I use gluten‑free flour?
Yes, use gluten‑free flour and breadcrumbs.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Tartar sauce, lemon butter, or remoulade are excellent.
How do I keep fish moist?
Do not overcook; fry until just opaque.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, especially when served with mild flavours.
How thick should fillets be?
About 1/2–3/4 inch ensures even cooking.
What side dishes work well?
Coleslaw, fries, or a simple salad are classic.
Conclusion
Crispy fried fish fillets are a timeless dish, offering crisp texture and delicate fish flavour with minimal effort.
PrintCrispy Fried Fish Fillets
Crispy Fried Fish Fillets are golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, made by coating fresh fish in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs and frying to perfection—ideal for fish sandwiches or seafood dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving
Instructions
- Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs (and cornmeal if using), paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each fillet in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Carefully place fish in the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use firm white fish for best results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- For a lighter version, bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying.
- Serve with fries or coleslaw for a classic fish and chips meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: fried fish, crispy fish fillets, pan-fried fish, breaded fish, seafood dinner, fish and chips
