Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet

Whenever you want to make a new, fun, and satisfying dish with fish, try Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet!

Eating fish is an important part of a balanced diet. You can cook fish in many ways than you can count. Once you try it, the fish fillet will surely be one of your favorite fish recipes of all time.

The Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet is a popular dish where you coat the fish in seasoned breading and deep fry it until golden brown and flaky. Inside, you will experience how tender and flavorful the fish is.

crispy fried fish fillets

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It’s time to include more fish recipes in your diet and you won’t have any regrets when you cook Crispy Pan Fried Fish. Even if it’s your first time cooking fish, this is the perfect dish to start with!

How to Make Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet

The key to a good-quality Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Filet is a well-seasoned breading mix. You can make it from scratch to ensure the best results. All you have to do is deep fry until perfectly cooked inside and out.

Learn all about the Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet right here!

Ingredients

I’ve tried many fried fish recipes, and so far, here are the ingredients that have given me the best results.

Haddock

What kind of fish do you usually fry?

There are many fish options that are good for frying. In this recipe, I suggest using haddock because of its mildly sweet yet flavorful taste that you can further improve with spices.

Once you cook the haddock, it will have a tender and soft texture that feels like it melts in your mouth. In addition to frying, you can also bake, poach, smoke, saute, or broil haddock for incredible quality.

Health Benefits of Haddock

  • Fish like haddock are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help take care of your heart.
  • According to WebMD, haddock can strengthen your bones and teeth.
  • It is also low in calories to help with weight loss and metabolism.
  • Healthify Me mentioned that haddock could have a good effect on stress and mental health.
  • With fish in your diet, you can make sure that you are getting a balanced diet too.
Flour

What type of flour can give you the best-fried quality?

My secret to extra crispy fish is to use two kinds of flour: corn flour and plain flour. Plain flour has wheat, while corn flour does not. Trust me, using corn flour will make a big difference in the texture.

Both of these will be good for giving the fish a crunchy, crispy, and flaky quality. When you bite into the fish, you will definitely hear that satisfying crunch. I also use this combination for Crispy Chicken Wings, Chin Chin, and Fish Rolls!

Baking powder and baking soda

It won’t hurt to make the dish crunchier.

Just when you think it can’t get any crispier, why not add baking powder and baking soda to improve the texture? Both of these are leavening agents that can certainly be good for fried food.

You can use them for baking and frying, too. Medical News Today mentioned that baking powder and baking soda can make your dishes crispy and light.

fried fish fillet prep
Seasoning

It won’t be a Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet without the seasoning.

Take your choice of fish to the next level with the best spices. I suggest using paprika, sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder to give the dish a pleasant, savory, and smoky flavor from the inside out.

You won’t believe how much better the dish will taste with these seasonings. When seasoned well, you will certainly get the full burst of flavors. There are also plenty of other herbs and spices you can use for your fish.

Apple cider vinegar

Why should you use apple cider vinegar for frying fish?

Taste Cooking suggests dipping food in vinegar before frying to add more flavor to the dish. It will also remove any fishy smell that can affect the quality of the fish. In fact, this vinegar helps keep the flesh plump and soft. 

The apple cider vinegar also tenderizes the fish to make it easier to cook inside. With vinegar, the seasoning will easily stick to the fish to be sure that everything is fully coated in the breading mix.

Sunflower oil

Whenever I deep fry, I use oil with a high smoke point to get the right flavor and texture. This oil also retains the nutrients that the food can provide. My go-to option is sunflower oil, but you can use other oils as well.

Once you have prepared your ingredients, let’s start making the best Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet!

Directions

Now, it’s time to cook the Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet!

Prepare the haddock

  1. Remove the pin bones from the haddock.
  2. Slice the fillet with a knife.
  3. Pat the mix of seasonings over the fillet.
  4.  Coat the haddock with plain flour and corn flour.
  5. For the batter, mix the plain flour, cornflour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and water in a bowl.
  6. Then, add apple cider vinegar.
  7. Dip the haddock fillet into the mixture.
  8. Lightly coat the haddock in flour again.

Frying time!

  1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Fry the fish for five minutes.
  3. Use tongs to cook both sides until golden brown.
  4. Fry for a few more minutes or until done.
  5. Use a strainer skimmer to remove excess oil.
  6. Finally, transfer to a tray lined with a kitchen towel to serve!
crispy fried haddock

Try biting or slicing into the Crispy Pan Fried Fish to know how crispy, crunchy, and flavorful it is. Let me know how much you loved this recipe!

crispy fish fillet

Tips

Buying Haddock

  • The haddock should have neat trims and firm flesh.
  • The fillet should be closely packed without gaps.
  • Buy fish without whitish areas.
  • If you smell ammonia or a fishy odor, then the fish may be unsuitable for cooking already.
  • Touch the flesh of the fish, and if your finger bounces back without dents on the fish, you have yourself fresh fish. 

Storing haddock

  • Freeze or refrigerate the fish fillet within two hours to keep the flesh fresh and firm.
  • Use refrigerated fish within two days.
  • If you store it in the freezer, then you can use it for up to six months. 

Best way to store haddock

  1. First, wash the fish once you get home.
  2. Then, pat it dry with a paper towel.
  3. Store the fish in a container or wrap it in aluminum foil.
fried fish

More Tips

How else can you improve the Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet?

While it sounds easy, many factors can affect the dishes. For instance, you need to cook the fish at a certain temperature. If the oil is too hot, the fish might burn and stick to the pan, but it might cook in its liquid if the oil is not heated enough. 

Next, refrain from turning the fish from time to time. Letting it fry for five minutes on each side will also ensure it’s evenly cooked. Don’t overcrowd the fish in the pan for the best results. 

You can also try frying in oil and butter to create a more heat-resistant frying fat. Pour the oil in first, followed by the butter. Once the butter stops spluttering, you can add in the fish. 

Filleting Haddock

If you bought whole fresh fish and you want to know how to fillet it, then this guide can help you. 

  1. Cut around the head of the fish, using the pectoral fin as your guide. 
  2. Run your knife on one side of the backbone down to the tail. 
  3. From the head, cut through the gut of the fish. 
  4. Then, cut through the flesh to make one fillet. 
  5. Repeat the same process on the other side. You can start from the head or the tail.
  6. You can trim the fillet for smoother edges of the haddock. 
crispy fried haddock fish recipe

Filleting your fish can take time and practice, so if you don’t have enough time to fillet your haddock, you can buy the packaged haddock fillet. 

Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet Variations

You can always make your own version of the Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet.

Aside from haddock, cod, flounder, catfish, and tilapia are suitable substitutes for deep frying. You can also use herbs and spices such as mixed herbs, mace, mustard powder, allspice, cardamom, and more!

You can use either corn flour or all-purpose flour instead. If you prefer, you can skip the baking powder and baking soda. The fish can be crispy even when you just use an egg wash or a buttermilk bath.

Moreover, you can choose not to dip the fish in vinegar, especially if the haddock does not smell too fishy. Don’t forget to share your own version of the Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet!

More Fish Recipe For You

More Fish Recipes

  • Red Bream Stew – sometimes, the best stew recipes have fish in them.
  • Smoked Mackerel Stew – cook mackerel in savory pepper sauce for a savory dish.
  • Grilled Salmon – get the perfect flavor and grill makes on your salmon.
  • Smoked Mackerel – enjoy smoky and spicy mackerel when you cook it in the oven.
  • Grilled Croaker – taste how heavenly Croaker can be when you grill it.
  • Fish Rolls – it’s the perfect option if you want to make your fish crispy and crunchy.
  • Assorted Fish Stew – your favorite fish cooked in delicious pepper sauce until tender and aromatic.
  • Grilled Tilapia – one of the best ways to cook your tilapia.
  • Deep frying pan: Fry the fish in a deep pan.
  • Strainer skimmer: Take the fish out of the pan using this tool.
  • Tongs: Toss the haddock in the oil with tongs.
  • Knife: Fillet the dish with a knife.
  • Bowl: Prepare the batter in a bowl.
  • Tray: Serve the fish on a tray.

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How to Serve Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet

Is you Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet ready to serve?

You can serve the Crispy Pan-Fried Fish Filet as it is on a plate, but you can also try adding some side dishes or sauces to make the dish more interesting. Fish can be served with vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and broccoli.

Instead of eating them as they are, you can slice them into chunks and serve them in taco shells with lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa. This is also a great option for making a sandwich with fish as the filling.

You can’t forget about the fish and chips combination – it’s a crispy dish all throughout. Whenever you want a salad with a rich protein topping, the Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet is the one for you.

Even if you serve it with just steamed rice and vegetable side dishes, the fish will still taste incredible. You can also serve the fish with a side of pasta for a unique experience.

If you want to give the fish more flavor, you can opt for tasteful sauces like lemon sauce, fried seafood dipping sauce, and parsley sauce. 

Here are dishes that you can cook alongside the fish:

  • Leftover Fried Rice – fish can be a fantastic breakfast option with your fried rice.
  • Couscous
  • Plantain Chips – what better chips to pair with fish than plantain chips, right?
  • Egg Omelet Sandwich – try it in a sandwich as a filling!
  • Salad – it will surely make your veggie salads taste better.
  • Couscous – fish is an awesome topping for your couscous bowls.
  • Tortilla Wrap – make it the filling for your wraps for fish that’s on the go.

Storage Tips

  • At room temperature: Don’t leave the fried haddock at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Make Ahead

In the refrigerator: Scrape off any sauce on the fish and place it in aluminum foil or a container. Then, you can store it in the fridge to eat within a few days.

To freeze: Place the fish in a container and place them in the freezer for up to one month. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you crisp fish fillets?

The secret to crispy fried fish is the coating! You can coat it twice or even thrice to thicken the crust. Like this recipe, you can use two kinds of flour for that extra crunch. I also suggest adding baking powder and baking soda for better texture.

How to fry fish till crispy?

First, you need to make sure that the oil is hot enough before you add in the fish. The temperature should be 175-190°C. Also, fry in batches so that the fish will cook all the way through.

Wait until the bottom of the fish turns golden brown before flipping it over. When you flip it over too soon, it might chip away some of the breading. Let each side cook for about five minutes before cooking the other side.

How to make fish crispy after frying?

Always drain the excess oil from frying. Letting it sit in the oil will make it soggy. Don’t overcrowd the pan, especially when cooking lots of fish at the same time. It also helps to serve the fish while it’s still hot and crispy.

Should I use flour or cornstarch to fry fish?

You can use both! Plain flour and corn flour or cornstarch help make the fish extra crispy. While the plain flour creates a thick coating, the cornstarch will give it a light and delicate texture.

crispy fried fish fillet
battered crispy fried fish

Crispy Fried Fish (VIDEO)

4.67 from 3 votes
You haven't had it all until you try this crispy and juicy fried haddock fish!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6
Course Main Course
Cuisine England
Calories 372kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 34 oz haddock fillet

For the fish rub

For the batter

For the dry flour coating

  • 1 cup plain flour A pinch: sea salt, paprika, and all-purpose seasoning (optional)

For frying

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the haddock fillet.
    A pined-boned haddock has the fine pin bones removed. If you bought haddock that still has pin bones, you could remove them by grabbing tweezers and drawing out the pin bone from the fillet. 
  • Proceed to slice the fillet however you like. You can split it into thinner fillets to allow it to fry quicker and more evenly. 
  • Season the fish.
    Sprinkle the seasoning over the fillets and gently pat the fillet with the seasoning to distribute evenly.
  • Coat the haddock in plain flour.
    Next, pour plenty of plain flour on a plate and coat the haddock with the flour for a crispy crust and juicy flesh.
  • Make the batter.
    For the batter, combine the plain flour, cornflour, sea salt, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, baking powder, baking soda, and water. Then, add apple cider vinegar to the batter.
  • Coat the haddock with the batter.
    Dip the haddock fillet in the mixture and allow the excess batter to drip back into the bowl completely.
    Lightly coat the haddock in flour once more.
    After dipping into the batter, coat the haddock in plain flour for extra crispiness and to keep the batter intact. 
  • Fry the fillet.
    Let the oil heat up over medium-low heat before frying the fish for 5 minutes.
    Turn once until the crust becomes crispy and golden.
    Use a strainer skimmer to remove it from the oil to eliminate excess oil. 
  • Finally, transfer to a tray lined with a kitchen towel.

Video

Notes

  • Practice how to clean and fillet fish to master the skill.
  • Do not overcrowd the haddock after coating and while deep frying.
  • Use herbs and spices that you prefer for the seasoning. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 (of 6)Calories: 372kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 33gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1066mgPotassium: 547mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 309IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 3mg
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