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Crispy 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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. 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.
  3. Dredge each fillet in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
  5. Carefully place fish in the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. 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

Keywords: fried fish, crispy fish fillets, pan-fried fish, breaded fish, seafood dinner, fish and chips