Making our homemade fried fish fillets recipe is so worth it. It’s not only budget friendly, but it just tastes better. Rather than buying these at a restaurant, you can serve more for your family. Best of all, you can eat these crispy fish fillets while still warm. Don’t order out! Make this crispy fish recipe and you’ll be hooked.

cooked crispy fried fish fillet recipe

Crispy Fried Fish Fillets

These crispy fish fillets are deep fried and really truly amazing. There’s just something about deep frying fish that’s gives such a satisfying crust and crunch. It’s a great start for making fish and chips. All you need are french fries and if you want a quick batch of fries, try air frying french fries.

Why we love panko bread crumbs

There’s different breading options out there that are great. But one of our favorites is using Japanese panko bread crumbs. They’re flaky, and wonderfully crunchy when fried.

Panko Bread Crumbs
Kikkoman Panko Bread Crumbs
Progresso Italian Style Bread Crumbs
Progresso Italian Style Bread Crumbs
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Breadcrumbs
365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Breadcrumbs
platter of cooked fried fish fillets and dip

Healthier Baked Fish Fillets Recipe

If you’re still looking for a crispy fish texture without the deep frying oil, then try our homemade baked fish fillet recipe here. It’s also a great way to make a big batch of crispy fish fillets in the oven. One sheet pan try can hold so much. So if you need a big batch of crispy fish fillets, try our oven baked method.

Tips on How to Fry Fish Fillets

  • Deep frying takes a little time, so get all your ingredients ready to go. Don’t wait to assemble and coat the fish when the oil is already hot. It’s hard to cool down over heated oil. So when you have everything laid out and are ready to coat your fish, then that’s when you start heating your oil.
  • Make sure to cut the fish fillets into even sizes or at least as even as possible. This helps cooking the fish more evenly and around the same time.
  • Season the fish well. A little salt and pepper really helps gives the fish more flavor.
  • All crispy fried fish fillet recipe details are in the recipe box below.

Video: Crispy Fried Fish Fillets Recipe

Frying different types of white fish?

We prefer deep frying white fish because it’s less rich. You’re already deep frying and white fish can be a little leaner, which adds to a great texture. Can you cook different types of white fish other than cod? Yup, this recipe works with any white fish. But timing will vary depending on how thick the your white fish fillet is. Here’s some other types of white fish you can bake:

  • Fresh Cod
  • Quality Tilapia
  • Catfish
  • sea bass
  • halibut (this is usually the most expensive option)
platter of cooked fried fish fillets and dip

Crispy Fried Fish Fillets

Yield: 3 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Make sure to cut your fish into even sizes so they can all cook with the same timing. For extra flavor, add dried onion powder, old bay, or other seasonings before breading them. We love panko because it gives an amazing crust. But regular breadcrumbs will work fine too.
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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces cod filets , or other white fish
  • salt , to taste
  • black pepper , to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko or other breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 large egg
  • vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Cut the fish into wide strips. Make sure they are even sized so that they cook evenly. The thicker they are, the longer they will take to cook.
    cutting fish fillets
  • Season fish with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
    seasoned strips of white fish
  • Put the panko or other breadcrumbs in a bowl. Place the flour in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Dredge fish strips in optional flour, then in egg, then into the panko/breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all pieces.
    battering and dredging fish fillets
  • In large frying pan, heat about 1/4-inch of oil to about 350-375°F (175-190°C) over medium-high heat. An instant-read thermometer is great to regulate oil temp. Do not let oil get too hot or else the panko will burn on outside and the fish will still be raw on inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a piece of panko in the oil, and when it sizzles easily, the temperature should be in the correct range.
    testing hot oil
  • When the oil is hot, add the coated fish in a single layer.
    deep frying fish
  • Fry until golden brown on both sides and until the fish is fully cooked in the center, about 2 minutes per side, depending on oil temperature and how big the fish is cut.
    turning golden brown fish fillets
  • Serve warm with your favorite dip.
    cooked crispy fried fish fillets on plate with dip

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 313kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 103mg, Sodium: 230mg, Potassium: 570mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 289IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 68mg, Iron: 3mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 313
holding piece of crispy fried fish fillet

Storing leftover fried fish

Store the leftovers in an airtight plastic container or plastic bag. Try to eat the fish within 2 days of frying. Any longer than that, you can freeze them. Before eating again, allow them to thaw in the fridge for a day. Then warm a skillet on low heat and slowly heat and crisp the leftover fish. You can also re-heat them in the oven by pre-heating the oven to 400F. You want the oven to be hot so it crisps the fish. No need to add any extra oil to the cooked crispy fish.

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