15+ Fried Fish Recipes to Delight Your Family and Friends

Fried fish is a delicious and versatile dish enjoyed by many. A variety of recipes and methods are available, so you can easily create a flavorful meal that satisfies your taste buds. Whether you prefer a classic batter or a simple seasoning, there’s a perfect fried fish recipe for everyone.

This dish can be served in many ways, making it great for casual meals or special occasions. The crispy texture and rich flavors make fried fish a favorite choice, whether paired with sides or enjoyed on its own. Explore the various recipes to find one that fits your cooking style and preferences.

1) Southern Fried Fish Delight

Southern fried fish is a tasty dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can use fish like catfish, tilapia, or red fish for great results. The secret is to coat it properly before frying.

To make this recipe, start by dipping the fish in a flavorful batter. Then, a mix of seasoned flour and cornmeal gives it that perfect crunch. After that, fry the fish in hot oil until it’s golden brown.

Serve your fried fish with a side of coleslaw or fries for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of fish (catfish, tilapia, or red fish)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup white cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip the fish in the mixture to coat.
3. In another bowl, mix cornmeal and flour.
4. Dredge the coated fish in the cornmeal mixture.
5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pan.
6. Fry the fish for 3-5 minutes on each side.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve.

2) Crispy Pan Fried Perfection

Crispy pan-fried fish is a delicious meal that anyone can master. A light coating of flour or breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch. The key is to fry the fish in hot oil to get that golden brown exterior.

Start with fresh fish fillets, such as tilapia or cod. Season them with salt and pepper for flavor. Then, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, around 360°F (182°C).

Carefully place the fish in the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side.

Once the fish is crispy and cooked through, serve it hot. This dish pairs well with a wedge of lemon and your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fish fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season fish with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Dredge fish fillets in flour.
4. Fry fish for 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove and serve with lemon.

3) Classic Beer Battered Fish

Classic beer battered fish is a favorite for many. Its crispy coating and tender fish inside make it a delicious treat. You can use cod for this recipe since it cooks up light and flaky.

To make this dish, you’ll need a simple batter made with flour and beer. This mix gives the fish its airy texture. The key is to use cold beer for the best results.

After that, fry the battered fish in hot oil to get that perfect crunch. Aim for a temperature of 365°F (185°C) for frying. This ensures the outside gets golden and crisp while keeping the fish moist.

Ingredients

• 4 thick cod fillets
• 120g plain flour
• 100g rice flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 130ml cold beer

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil to 365°F (185°C).
2. Mix the flours and baking powder in a bowl.
3. Gradually add the cold beer to the flour mixture.
4. Dip the fish fillets in the batter.
5. Fry the fish until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

4) Quick & Easy Weeknight Fish Fry

Cooking fish on a busy weeknight can be simple and rewarding. You can enjoy a delicious meal in about 30 minutes. A light and crispy fish dish pairs well with a fresh salad.

For a quick weeknight fish fry, tilapia is a great choice. It’s easy to prepare and takes on flavors well. You can pan-fry it quickly for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 tilapia fillets
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Season the tilapia with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge each fillet in flour, dip in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Fry each fillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

5) Soul Food Style Fried Fish

Soul food style fried fish is a delicious, crunchy treat. You can use different types of fish, but catfish is a classic choice. The fish is often soaked in buttermilk before coating it in a spiced cornmeal mix.

To begin, you’ll need to season your fish well. This adds a flavorful kick that makes each bite enjoyable. Then, fry the fish until it’s golden brown and crispy, creating a satisfying crunch.

Serve your fried fish with sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a true soul food experience. Don’t forget to have some tartar sauce on the side!

Ingredients

• Fish fillets (catfish, whiting, or your choice)
• Buttermilk
• Cornmeal
• All-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Spices (like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak fish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and spices.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
4. Coat each fish fillet in the cornmeal mixture.
5. Fry the fish for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

6) Light and Crispy Fish Batter

Making a light and crispy fish batter is simple and satisfying. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a delicious coating for your fish.

Start by mixing all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and seltzer. This combination gives you a fluffy texture that crisps up nicely when fried. Seltzer adds air, which makes the batter light.

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. Then, dip your fish fillets into the batter and gently lower them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Enjoy your crispy fish with your favorite sauces or sides!

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Cornstarch
• Seltzer

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, baking powder, and cornstarch in a bowl.
2. Add seltzer and stir until combined.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dip fish fillets in batter.
5. Fry in hot oil for 4-5 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve.

7) Jeannie’s Spicy Fried Fish

Jeannie’s Spicy Fried Fish is a flavorful dish that’s sure to please. The crispy coating and spicy kick make it a favorite for many. You can use tilapia or your choice of fish for this recipe.

Prepare the fish fillets by seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. The key to the flavor is in the breading mix, which often includes spices like cayenne pepper for heat.

Next, heat olive oil and butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully lay the fish in the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side.

Ingredients

• 1 lb tilapia fillets
• 2 tsp garlic
• 2 tsp onion flakes
• 1 egg
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil
• Butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Mix garlic, onion flakes, and black pepper.
3. Dip fillets in egg, then coat with the spice mixture.
4. Heat oil and butter in a skillet at 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry fillets for about 4 minutes on each side until golden.

8) Easy Pan Fried White Fish

Making easy pan-fried white fish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy seafood. You can use any white fish fillets, like cod or tilapia. This method keeps the fish flaky inside while giving it a crispy crust.

Start by seasoning your fish with salt and pepper. Then, dredge it in flour for extra crunch. After that, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, around 350°F (180°C).

Place the fillets in the hot skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Serve your pan-fried fish with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce for added flavor. Enjoy it with a side of veggies or rice for a complete meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 thin white fish fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup flour
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the fish in flour.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
4. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side.
5. Serve with lemon or sauce.

9) Seasoned Cornmeal Fried Fish

Seasoned cornmeal fried fish is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. The crispy cornmeal coating adds a fantastic crunch. You can use any boneless fish fillets you like.

To prepare, start by mixing cornmeal with your favorite seasonings. Common additions include paprika, lemon pepper, and cayenne for a kick. Then, dip the fish in egg before coating it in the seasoned cornmeal.

Next, heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Fry the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Serve your delicious fish with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Boneless fish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix 1 cup of cornmeal, paprika, lemon pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
2. Dip fish fillets in beaten egg.
3. Coat fillets in cornmeal mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry fish for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden.

10) Perfectly Airy Fried Fish Coating

To make a perfectly airy fried fish coating, start with a light batter. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Adding these ingredients will help create that crispy texture you desire.

For added flavor, consider using seasonings like paprika or garlic powder. They can enhance the taste without weighing down the batter.

When frying, use a deep fryer or a pan with hot oil, around 350°F (175°C). The key is to keep the oil hot so the coating stays light.

Once the fish is coated and placed in the oil, avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps keep the temperature steady, giving each piece that perfect crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add any optional seasonings for extra flavor.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Coat the fish with the batter.
5. Fry in batches to keep the temperature even.

11) Deliciously Golden Fish Fillets

Golden fish fillets are a tasty treat perfect for any meal. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This simple recipe will have you enjoying delicious fried fish in no time.

To start, choose your preferred fish, such as cod or tilapia. Dipping the fillets in seasoned flour gives them that perfect coating.

Fry the fish in hot oil until golden brown, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side at 350°F (175°C).

Serve your crispy fish with a side of tartar sauce or lemon wedges for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge each fish fillet in the flour mixture.
4. Fry the coated fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

12) Shallow Fried Fish in Cast Iron

Shallow frying fish in a cast iron skillet is a great way to achieve a crispy texture and rich flavor. The heat retention of cast iron helps cook the fish evenly.

Start by choosing your favorite white fish fillets, like cod or haddock. Season them with salt and pepper for added taste.

Heat oil in your skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke.

Gently place the fish in the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Once done, remove the fish and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Ingredients

• 2 white fish fillets
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
3. Place the fish in the skillet and fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Flip the fish and fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels.

13) Ultimate Southern Style Fish

Southern style fish is a treat you’ll love. The fish is crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. It’s perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends.

To start, you’ll want to choose fresh fish, like catfish or whiting. A simple batter made with egg, seasoned flour, and cornmeal gives it that delightful crunch. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fish. Fry until golden brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side. This will make the outside super crispy.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of fish (catfish or whiting)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Dip the fish in the egg, then coat in the flour and cornmeal mix.
3. Fry the fish for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Remove and drain on paper towels. Enjoy!

14) Old-Fashioned Battered Fish

Old-fashioned battered fish is a classic dish that many enjoy. It features a light and crispy coating that brings out the best in the fish. You can use various types of white fish like cod or haddock.

To make the batter, combine flour, baking powder, and seasonings. You can dip your fish in egg before coating it with the batter for extra flavor.

Fry the fish in hot oil until it turns golden brown. Cooking at 350°F (175°C) works well to ensure a crispy texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) white fish (like cod or haddock)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
4. Dip fish in egg, then coat with flour mixture.
5. Fry fish until golden brown, about 4-6 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels before serving.

15) Delightful Herb-Seasoned Fish

For a tasty twist on fried fish, try a delightful herb-seasoned recipe. You can use any boneless fish, like tilapia or haddock. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add bright flavors.

Start by coating the fish fillets in a mixture of egg and seasoned flour. The herbs can be mixed in to give a fragrant taste. Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy.

This dish pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve it with your favorite side dish to complete the meal.

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets (or any boneless fish)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk the egg in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix flour, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each fish fillet in the egg, then coat with the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
5. Fry the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden.