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Crispy Fish Batter

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Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
  • 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold beer for a beer-batter twist)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia work well)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish:
    • Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
    • Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
    • Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water or beer until the batter is smooth and slightly thick. Avoid overmixing to maintain the lightness.
  3. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the fish for even frying.
  4. Coat the Fish:
    • Dredge each fish fillet lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
    • Dip the floured fish into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
  5. Fry the Fish:
    • Carefully place the coated fish into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
    • Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
    • Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve the crispy fish hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of coleslaw or fries.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy batter, use ice-cold sparkling water or beer.
  • You can experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the batter for a touch of heat.
  • The batter can also be used for frying other seafood like shrimp or vegetables.

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