Oh yes! 🐟✨ A Golden Crispy Fish Fry is an absolute classic — tender, flaky fish coated in a light, crunchy crust and fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it with fries, coleslaw, or hushpuppies, this recipe gives you that perfect Southern-style fish fry experience.
🐟 Golden Crispy Fish Fry Recipe
🛒 Ingredients:
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1½–2 lbs white fish fillets (catfish, cod, tilapia, haddock, or pollock work great)
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1 cup cornmeal
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice)
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Oil for frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Fish:
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Rinse fish fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
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If using thicker pieces, cut into smaller strips for even frying.
2. Make the Dredge:
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In a shallow bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
3. Dip & Coat:
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Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.
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Dip each fish fillet into the buttermilk, shaking off excess.
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Dredge in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well.
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Place on a tray and let sit for 10–15 minutes (this helps the coating adhere).
4. Heat the Oil:
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Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or cast-iron pan to 350°F (175°C).
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The oil is ready when a pinch of cornmeal sizzles immediately.
5. Fry the Fish:
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Fry fish in batches, 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan — it’ll lower the oil temperature.
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Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
6. Serve:
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Serve hot with lemon wedges, coleslaw, hushpuppies, and tartar sauce or hot sauce.
🍋 Tips for Extra Crispy Fish:
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Mix a spoonful of cornstarch into your dredge for extra crunch.
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Keep cooked fish warm in a 250°F oven while finishing the rest.
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Want it extra flavorful? Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning or lemon pepper to the coating.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings:
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Cajun fries or crinkle-cut fries
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Creamy coleslaw
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Homemade tartar sauce
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Sweet cornbread or hushpuppies
Would you like me to share a recipe for beer-battered fried fish or a baked “fried” fish (oven version) next?
