Achieving perfectly crispy, golden-brown fish is easier than you think with this simple and foolproof batter recipe. Whether you’re frying up fish tacos, fish and chips, or a classic seafood dinner, this light and crunchy batter will elevate your dish to restaurant-quality perfection. Plus, it’s versatile—use your favorite white fish like cod, tilapia, haddock, or even shrimp!
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a GF option)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (adds extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for light, airy texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water or beer (beer adds depth; sparkling water keeps it light)
- 1 large egg (optional, for richer batter)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (enough for deep frying)
- 1–1.5 lbs firm white fish fillets (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)
Optional Seasoning for Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce
- Hot sauce
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
