Crispy fish

This crispy fish recipe features a light batter made from self-raising flour and sparkling water, creating a crunchy coating for succulent white fish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish can be served with your favourite sides.

04 Jan 2026
Cook time 12 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

1 cup self-raising flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup sparkling water
1.50 lb white fish
Crispy fish

Preparing a delicious crispy fish batter at home can transform a simple piece of white fish into a restaurant-quality dish. This recipe features a light and airy batter, thanks to the use of sparkling water and self-raising flour. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this crispy fish batter is sure to impress.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the batter adhere better and ensure a crispier result.
- Cut the fish into manageable portions if necessary, based on your preference or the size of your frying pan.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and salt. Stir them together to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- Gradually pour the sparkling water into the flour mixture, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps. The carbonation in the sparkling water helps create a light and crispy batter.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough oil into a large frying pan or deep fryer so that it is deep enough to submerge the fish fillets. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Note: Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil temperature for best results.
4. Coat the Fish:
- Once the oil is hot, dip each fish fillet into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
5. Fry the Fish:
- Carefully place the battered fish fillets into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry the fish in batches if necessary.
- Cook each fillet for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy and the fish is cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Drain and Serve:
- Once the fish fillets are cooked, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy your crispy battered fish with your favorite sides, such as fries, coleslaw, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Cooking crispy fish batter at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few ingredients and some quick tips, you can achieve a beautifully crispy and delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your perfectly fried golden fish, and don't forget to share the recipe with those who appreciate a good meal!

Crispy fish FAQ:

What is the recommended frying time for the fish?

Fry each fish fillet for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy. The fish should also flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use a different type of flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for self-raising flour, but you will need to add baking powder. Typically, for each cup of all-purpose flour, add 1.5 tsp of baking powder.

How should I store leftover crispy fish?

Cool any leftover fish to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.

What type of oil is best for frying the fish?

For frying, choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. This helps achieve a crispy texture without burning.

How can I tell if the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check the oil temperature, aiming for approximately 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a small amount of batter dropped into the oil should sizzle immediately.

Cooking Tips:

- Ensure your fish is pat dried before dipping it into the batter to help the batter adhere better.

- For extra crispiness, fry the fish immediately after coating it in the batter. Do not let it sit for too long.

- Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F (175°C and 190°C) to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

- Use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.

- Drain the fried fish on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent it from getting soggy.

- Using cold sparkling water helps create a lighter and crispier batter.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 360kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 1.12g
Sugar 0.10g
Fat 11g

More recipes

Italian beef meatballs

Savory Italian beef meatballs with cheddar cheese, baked to perfection.

11 Nov 2025

Chicken and spinach pasta bake

A hearty Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake with creamy cheese sauce.

16 Nov 2025

Classic mint sauce

A refreshing classic mint sauce, ideal for meats and veggies.

24 Dec 2025

Chicken with potatoes & roasted-garlic dressing

Delicious chicken thighs with roasted potatoes and garlic dressing.

07 Jan 2026

Hot cross buns

Make traditional hot cross buns with currants at home.

25 Nov 2025

Grilled italian chicken with red peppers and zucchini

Juicy grilled chicken with smoky red peppers and zucchini.

03 Jan 2026

Thai chicken and potato curry

Delicious Thai chicken and potato curry with creamy coconut milk.

09 Dec 2025

Moussaka

Classic Greek moussaka with layers of eggplant and spiced lamb.

26 Dec 2025

Posts