Crispy fried fish, perfectly seasoned and delicious.

This Fish Fry Battered Fish delivers crispy, golden-brown fillets that are both tender and flavorful. The unique blend of spices in the batter, combined with the lightness of the club soda, creates a delightful crunch that elevates the taste of the fresh fish. Perfectly seasoned, this dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, and crispy fries for a comforting touch. For an added zing, serve with homemade tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon. This dish brings a nostalgic fish fry experience to your kitchen, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds white fish fillets (cod, pollock, or haddock)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup cold club soda (or water)
• Oil spray or drizzle (for air fryer use)

Directions

Traditional Frying Directions

1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut them into smaller pieces if desired.
2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Gradually whisk in the club soda until the batter is smooth.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Coat and Fry the Fish: Dip each fish fillet in the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve: Drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve with your favorite sides.

Air Fryer Directions

1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut them into smaller pieces if needed.
2. Make the Batter: Follow the same batter recipe as above.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Coat the Fish: Dip each fish fillet in the batter, letting the excess drip off. Lay the battered fish on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
5. Spray the Fish: Lightly spray both sides of the battered fish with cooking oil spray.
6. Air Fry the Fish: Place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve: Remove the fish from the air fryer and serve hot with tartar sauce or your favorite sides.

Tips for Air Fryer

• Lightly spray or drizzle oil on the batter to achieve a crispier finish.
• Air frying battered fish can take some finesse and air fryer setup can make harder or easier. Have fun with it.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; leave space between the fish fillets for even cooking.