🍽️ Crispy Fried Fish Fillets
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4):
-
1 ½ lbs white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock, catfish, etc.)
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs
-
2 tbsp water or milk
-
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs or cornmeal (or a mix)
-
1 tsp paprika (optional)
-
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
-
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the fish
-
Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels.
-
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
2. Set up breading station
In three shallow dishes:
-
Dish 1: Flour
-
Dish 2: Beaten eggs + water or milk
-
Dish 3: Breadcrumbs (or cornmeal) + optional paprika or garlic powder
3. Bread the fillets
-
Dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess.
-
Dip into egg wash.
-
Coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Heat the oil
-
In a large skillet, heat ½–1 inch of oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
-
Test with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the fish
-
Carefully place fillets in the hot oil.
-
Fry for 2–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
6. Serve
-
Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce.
🐟 Tips & Variations:
-
Want beer-battered fish? Use a wet batter made with flour, baking powder, and beer for a puffy crust.
-
For extra crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs.
-
Oven or air fryer? These fillets can also be baked at 425°F or air-fried at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Would you like a side suggestion like coleslaw, homemade fries, or a fish taco version?