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Best Homemade Crispy Fish Batter Recipe

This crispy fish batter recipe delivers perfectly golden, light, and crunchy fish every time using simple ingredients and a foolproof method backed by kitchen-tested technique.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika optional
  • 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water or club soda
  • 1 large egg optional
  • 1.5 lbs firm white fish fillets cod, haddock, tilapia, or halibut
  • Additional flour for dusting
  • Neutral high-smoke-point oil for frying

Method
 

  1. Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl.
  2. Create a well in the center and slowly whisk in ice-cold sparkling water.
  3. Add beaten egg if using and mix gently just until combined.
  4. Pat fish fillets completely dry and lightly dust with flour.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer.
  6. Dip floured fish into batter, allowing excess to drip off.
  7. Carefully lower fish into hot oil in small batches.
  8. Fry for 4–6 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
  9. Remove fish and drain on a wire rack.
  10. Season lightly with salt and serve immediately.

Notes

Cold batter and correct oil temperature are essential for a light, crispy texture. Do not overmix the batter.