Hey everyone, thanks for visiting my website! I love spending time on the lake just north of town. The Major, Shannon and I set out on a beautiful day to catch some fish to fry up. The only fish we caught was a pretty little Perch, which I threw back so he could get bigger for another day. It’s a good thing I’ve got some other catch in the ice box back at the barn!.
Deep fried breaded fish fillets make for an irresistibly delicious and satisfying meal. The crispy, golden brown exterior pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky interior of the fish. But before you can enjoy this tasty dish, an important question needs answering: can you deep fry breaded fish fillets?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can deep fry breaded fish fillets for mouthwatering results While the process requires care and precision, it is certainly achievable with the right techniques In this detailed guide, we will walk through the entire process step-by-step, from breading and frying to serving your perfectly crispy deep fried fish fillets.
Selecting the Best Fish for Deep Frying
When deep frying breaded fish fillets starting with high-quality fish is non-negotiable. Look for fillets that are fresh, firm and bright in color. Some of the best options for deep frying include
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Haddock
- Halibut
- Catfish
- Snapper
These fish hold up well to the high heat of deep frying, cook evenly throughout, and have a mild flavor that pairs nicely with the crispy breading. Thinner fillets around 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick are ideal, as they will fry up the fastest and crispiest. Avoid fatty fish like salmon, which can cause excess splattering during frying.
Always pat the fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels before breading. Any excess moisture can make the coating soggy and hinder browning.
Setting Up Your Breading Station
A proper breading station is crucial for perfectly breaded fish ready for the deep fryer. You will need three shallow dishes or bowls:
- Dish 1: All-purpose flour
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Breadcrumbs
Arrange them in order from left to right. As you work from left to right, the breading will adhere neatly to the fish.
For best results, use fresh breadcrumbs made from crusty bread pulsed in the food processor. You can also add some seasoning to the flour and breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Breading the Fish Fillets
With your station prepped, it’s time to coat those fish fillets! Follow these steps:
- Pat fillets completely dry again before starting.
- Place a fillet in the flour and coat both sides, tapping off any excess. This helps the next layers stick.
- Dip the floured fillet in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, place the eggy fillet in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere. Flip and repeat on the second side.
- Set aside on a baking sheet or plate and repeat with remaining fillets.
Avoid overhandling the fillets as this can damage the breading. Work quickly but gently for best results.
Heating the Oil For Frying
Properly heated oil is essential for crispy, non-greasy fish. Using a deep fry thermometer, heat at least 2-3 inches of high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil to 350-375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the temperature by adding a pinch of breadcrumbs to the oil. If they sizzle immediately, it’s ready!
Maintain this temperature throughout the frying process by adjusting the heat as needed. Overheating can burn the coating before the inside is cooked.
Frying the Breaded Fish Fillets
Once your oil is shimmering hot, it’s time to fry! Follow these tips:
- Work in small batches of 2-3 fillets so you don’t crowd the pot and lower the oil temperature.
- Gently add each breaded fillet to the hot oil one at a time. The coating may initially sink then float back up as it sets.
- Fry for 2-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The coating should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Flip the fillets over just once during frying using tongs or a slotted spoon. Frequent flipping leads to soggy breading.
- Remove the fried fillets to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Season with salt right away.
- Check that the oil has returned to temperature before frying the next batch.
Frying in properly heated oil for the right amount of time is the key to perfect crispiness without greasiness. Resist the urge to move the fillets around too much during frying.
Serving Your Crispy Fish Fillets
Your golden, crunchy deep fried fish fillets are ready to be devoured! Consider serving with:
- Lemon wedges
- Tartar sauce or remoulade
- French fries or potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Dinner rolls
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color. Tartar sauce adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the crispy fish. Crunchy fries or slaw balance the textures.
Tips for Leftovers
You may have leftover deep fried fish fillets. To reheat and restore some crispy texture:
- Use an air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Pan fry in 1 Tbsp. oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Avoid microwaving which will lead to a soggy, rubbery texture.
So there you have it! With the right techniques and care, you can absolutely deep fry breaded fish fillets for incredibly tasty results. Crisp, golden fillets pair wonderfully with bright flavors like lemon and tartar sauce. Just be sure to start with quality fish, set up a proper breading station, fry at the right temperature, and avoid overhandling. Follow this guide and you’ll be enjoying restaurant-worthy deep fried fish in no time.
What Breading Ingredients Make the Crispiest Fried Fish?
A cup of all-purpose flour and a cup of yellow corn meal will make up the base of the breading. This gives the fried fish the classic gritty breading texture. Corn starch is essential to fish breading. Add a heaping tablespoon of it because it will help the batter adhere to the fish. Add a heaping tablespoon of baking powder as well. This will give the batter a extra pop of volume for a better bite. Then, flavor the mix – I use garlic powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, and Original Seasoning. Mix well.
Start with a Good Homemade Tartar Sauce
I promise that making your own tartar sauce for five or ten minutes will elevate any fried fish to a whole new level. I like to mixup some Duke’s Mayonnaise, W sauce, capers, diced dill pickles, and some horseradish.
The best fish for frying, in my experience, is white and flaky. To get a golden brown crust, the oil needs to be at a good, steady temperature. Check the oil temperature often while frying because adding the fish will reduce the temperature of the oil.
Crispy Breaded Cod Air Fryer Recipe
FAQ
Can you deep fry frozen breaded fish fillets?
Can you deep fry Gorton’s fish fillets?
How long to deep fry fish fillets in oil?
What are the reasons for breading fish fillets before deep frying?
Should you bread fish before deep frying?
When it comes to deep frying fish, the breading process is a crucial step that can make or break the final outcome. Properly breading the fish ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the flesh moist and flavorful on the inside.
How can I prepare fish for kids?
This is really dependent on the personal preference of your children. Some children will eat fish the same way adults do for others you may need to make this more interesting by creating things like homemade fishcakes, fish burger patties, fish balls or by adding this to toast or even pasta. Involving your children in the preparation and cooking process can also encourage them to consume the fish.
How do you cook breaded fish in a deep fryer?
Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as needed to keep it within this range. Once the oil is hot and ready, carefully add the breaded fish fillets one at a time.
How long do you fry breaded fish fillets?
Fry the fillets for 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Once your breaded fish fillets are fried to perfection, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy.