Easy Crispy Battered Fish and Chips Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Golden, crispy, and utterly irresistible, this classic battered fish and chips recipe transports you straight to the bustling seaside towns of England.

Perfectly crafted batter coats tender white fish, creating a delightful crunch that echoes traditional British pub fare.

The secret lies in achieving a light, airy coating that shatters with each bite.

Paired with thick-cut, golden fries and a tangy tartar sauce, this dish promises a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

A sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon elevate the flavors to new heights.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates simplicity and pure deliciousness.

Why You’ll Crave Battered Fish and Chips

Savor Simplicity: Why This Battered Fish and Chips Recipe Rocks

• Foolproof Cooking: Perfect for novice cooks with clear, step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a classic meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick and Convenient: Utilizes simple ingredients and minimal cooking techniques, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen without extensive culinary skills.
• Versatile Flavor Canvas: Easily customizable with different seasonings or dipping sauces, letting you personalize the dish to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Crispy Fish and Golden Chips

Main Ingredients:

• White Fish Fillets: Mild and flaky fish perfect for crispy batter.

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for creating a crispy coating.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps bind the batter.
• Baking Powder: Gives the batter a light and airy texture.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth and aromatic notes.

Cooking and Serving Ingredients:

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil great for deep frying.

• Frozen French Fries: Quick and convenient side dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Bright citrus to complement the fish.
• Tartar Sauce, Ketchup: Classic dipping sauces for fish and chips.

How to Make Battered Fish and Chips at Home

Step 1: Slice the Fish

Cut cod or haddock fillets into even rectangular pieces.

Select fish with consistent thickness to guarantee uniform cooking.

Pat fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps create a crispier coating.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Fries

Spread frozen or fresh potato strips on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake in preheated oven at 425°F until golden and crispy, turning once midway through cooking.

Step 3: Create Magical Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cold sparkling water
• Egg

Blend ingredients until smooth with no lumps.

The consistency should be similar to heavy cream.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Select a deep heavy-bottomed pot.

Pour vegetable or canola oil about 3 inches deep.

Heat oil to 375°F using a digital thermometer.

Maintain consistent temperature for perfect frying.

Step 5: Coat and Fry Fish

Dredge fish pieces through batter, allowing excess to drip off.

Gently lower battered fish into hot oil.

Fry 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown and interior becomes flaky.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried fish onto wire cooling rack or paper towels.

Sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt.

Let excess oil drip away to maintain crispiness.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Arrange crispy fish and golden fries on serving plate.

Pro Tips for Crunchy, Flaky Results

• Select high-quality, firm white fish like cod or haddock for the best texture and flavor.
• Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature using a candy thermometer to prevent greasy, undercooked fish.
• Fry fish in small batches to ensure each piece gets crispy and cooks evenly without dropping oil temperature.
• Add a splash of sparkling water or beer to create a lighter, crispier batter that stays crunchy longer.
• Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep fried fish crisp by preventing steam buildup and soggy bottoms.

How to Keep Fish and Chips Fresh and Crisp

• Store leftover fish and chips in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for the best quality and taste.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread fish and chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat fish and chips in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This technique helps maintain the original crispy texture without additional oil.
• Never use the microwave to reheat battered fish, as it will make the coating soggy and tough, destroying the delightful crispy texture.

Great Sides to Pair With Fish and Chips

• Perfectly Pair Crispy Fish and Chips
• Refresh with Zesty Lemonade: Bright, citrusy lemonade cuts through the richness of fried fish, cleansing your palate with each refreshing sip and balancing the crispy batter's heaviness.
• Complement with Tangy Tartar Sauce: Homemade or store-bought tartar sauce adds creamy, zingy flavor that enhances the delicate fish and provides a cool contrast to the hot, crispy coating.
• Match with Light Pilsner Beer: A crisp, cold pilsner beer's hoppy notes and effervescence perfectly complement the golden-brown fish, cutting through the oil and creating a classic pub-style dining experience.
• Elevate with Crisp Coleslaw: Crunchy, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a fresh, tangy side that adds textural contrast and lightens the meal's richness with its zesty, cool crunch.

Fun Flavor Twists for Fish and Chips

• Gluten-Free Crispy Fish: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch for a light, crispy coating that's safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Air Fryer Health Hack: Skip deep frying and use an air fryer to reduce oil content while maintaining a crunchy exterior for a lighter version of the classic dish.
• Herb-Infused Seafood Delight: Add fresh chopped herbs like dill or parsley to the batter for an elevated flavor profile that brings brightness to the traditional recipe.
• Protein Alternative: Swap fish with chicken or tofu for those wanting a different protein option while keeping the same crispy batter technique.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

White fish like cod, haddock, or pollock are ideal because they have a mild flavor and firm texture that holds up well during frying.

• How can I make the batter extra crispy?

Add a small amount of cornstarch or beer to the batter mixture to create a crunchier coating. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F) for maximum crispiness.

• Can I use fresh or frozen fish?

Both fresh and frozen fish work well. If using frozen fish, ensure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before battering to prevent excess moisture.

• What's the secret to preventing soggy fish?

Keep the oil at a consistent temperature, don’t overcrowd the pan, and drain the fried fish on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness.

Battered Fish And Chips Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic British “battered fish and chips” deliver crispy golden perfection from seaside kitchens. Seafood lovers relish this comfort dish that brings ocean-fresh flavor and satisfying crunch to dinner plates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fish Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs (680 grams) white fish fillets (e.g., cod, rockling, tilapia, or haddock)
• 1/2 lb (227 grams) frozen french fries
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Batter Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1/2 gallon (1.9 liters) neutral frying oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously slice white fish fillets into uniform portions, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking and optimal crispy texture.
2. Preheat oven or air fryer and arrange frozen French fries in a single layer, preparing them according to package recommendations for maximum crispiness.
3. Create a smooth, lump-free batter by whisking flour, baking powder, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until achieving a silky, well-integrated mixture.
4. Fill a deep, heavy-bottomed pot with oil, gradually heating to precisely 350°F using a reliable candy thermometer to guarantee perfect frying temperature.
5. Thoroughly coat each fish piece in the prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off for a light, crisp coating.
6. Gently lower battered fish into hot oil, maintaining adequate spacing between pieces to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper oil circulation.
7. Fry fish for approximately 5 minutes, carefully turning once to achieve an evenly golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
8. Extract fried fish using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, transferring to a wire rack to drain excess oil and preserve crispiness.
9. Immediately sprinkle hot fish with a light dusting of salt to enhance flavor profile.
10. Plate crispy fish alongside golden French fries, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges and complementary dipping sauces like tangy tartar sauce or classic ketchup.

Notes

• Ensure fish fillets are at room temperature before battering to help the coating adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Pat fish completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the batter soggy.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for consistent, even frying.
• Test batter consistency by dipping a spoon – it should coat the back smoothly without dripping off immediately.
• Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to prevent fish from absorbing too much oil or becoming greasy.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend.
• Add extra flavor to batter by including herbs like chopped parsley or dill for a fresh twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg