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.

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 per serving

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

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