Crispy Golden Batter Fish Recipe

If you love perfectly crispy, golden-brown fish with a light, airy coating and tender, flaky flesh inside, this Crispy Golden Batter Fish is the recipe for you. It’s everything you could want from a classic fish fry—crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with incredible flavor.

This version uses sparkling water instead of beer, giving you that same beautiful texture and lift without any alcohol. The bubbles in the sparkling water create a light, crisp batter that clings beautifully to the fish and fries up to perfection.

Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or a weekend get-together, this dish always impresses. Pair it with homemade fries, a refreshing salad, and your favorite dipping sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Light: The sparkling water makes the batter perfectly airy.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already in your kitchen.
Family-Friendly: No beer, no alcohol—just pure flavor.
Versatile: Works beautifully with other proteins like shrimp or calamari.

Ingredients

500 g (1 lb) fresh white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
1 ½ cups (200 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
⅓ cup (50 g) cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 ½ cups (350 ml) cold sparkling water or club soda
Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Instructions

Prepare the Fish:
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut them into even portions about 3–4 inches long for easy frying.
Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to about 2 inches deep. Heat to 190°C (375°F). To test without a thermometer, drop a small bit of batter in—if it sizzles and floats to the top, it’s ready.
Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water, whisking just until combined. The batter should be smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Avoid overmixing—it should stay light and bubbly.
Coat the Fish:
Lightly dust the fish pieces with flour to help the batter stick. Dip each piece into the batter, coating evenly, then let the excess drip off.
Fry to Perfection:
Carefully lower each piece of battered fish into the hot oil. Fry in small batches for 4–5 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the coating soggy.
Drain and Serve:
Remove the fried fish with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil. Keep cooked fish warm in a low oven (100°C / 210°F) while frying the remaining pieces.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Use Fresh Fish: Firm, white fish like cod or haddock gives the best texture and flavor.
Keep Everything Cold: The colder the batter, the lighter the crust.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently—overmixing will make it heavy.
Right Oil Temperature: Keep your oil consistently hot for a perfectly crisp exterior.

Variations and Add-Ins

Spicy Twist: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Herb-Infused Batter: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives for a fragrant finish.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free sparkling water.
Seafood Medley: Try this same batter with shrimp, calamari, or even vegetables for a fun twist.

Serving Ideas

Classic Pairing: Serve with crispy fries and tartar sauce for a homemade fish-and-chips experience.
Fresh and Light: Pair with a simple green salad or creamy coleslaw.
Bright Finish: Add lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh touch.

Storage and Reheating

To Store: Keep leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving—it makes the batter soggy.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can prepare the batter up to 1 hour in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Coat and fry the fish just before serving for that irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Golden Batter Fish is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special. The crunchy coating, tender fish, and delicate flavor make it a dish your family will ask for again and again. Serve it fresh, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade comfort food done right.