Craving new ways to enjoy fried fish at home?
Here are 19 easy and flavorful fish fry recipes that bring crispy perfection to your table.
There’s something magical about the sound of fish sizzling in a hot pan. The crispy crust and flaky inside make fish fry recipes a favorite in kitchens around the world.
Growing up, Friday nights meant the house was filled with the aroma of spiced fish and bubbling oil. My family would gather around the kitchen, waiting eagerly for that first golden bite.
Whether you’re craving a classic Southern fried fish, a spicy Indian masala, or a light pan-seared tilapia, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are simple, quick, and guaranteed to turn out delicious every single time.
With step-by-step tips, seasoning ideas, and the best frying techniques, you’ll feel like a pro in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the crispy, golden world of fish fry recipes that are perfect for any meal or mood.
1. Basic Fish Fry Recipe
This easy fish fry recipe is perfect for frying any kind of fresh fish to golden, crispy perfection using a simple flour and cornmeal coating. Just dip, fry at 375°F, and serve with your favorite tangy sauce or citrus wedges for a celebration-worthy dish every time!
Read the Recipe: Basic Fish Fry Recipe
2. Fried Fish Recipe
Make this crispy fried fish in just 30 minutes with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, and spices, then fry until golden brown. Serve with your favorite sides like coleslaw, fries, or lemon wedges for a quick and delicious meal!
Read the Recipe: Fried Fish Recipe
3. Andhra Fish Fry Recipe
Coated in a zingy blend of spices, herbs, and lemon juice, fish fillets are pan-fried until golden, crisp, and irresistibly aromatic. This Andhra-style favorite is a quick, fiery delight that pairs beautifully with rice, rasam, and veggies.
Read the Recipe: Andhra Fish Fry Recipe
4. Friday Night Fish Fry with Homemade Tartar Sauce | PWWB
Dredge cod fillets in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and pan fry until golden and crispy, then serve with homemade tartar sauce and french fries for a classic Wisconsin Fish Fry. This easy, dairy-free recipe avoids deep frying for a light and tender fish experience.
Read the Recipe: Friday Night Fish Fry with Homemade Tartar Sauce | PWWB
5. Southern Fried Fish Recipe
Southern fried fish is a soul food classic made by dipping red snapper in a flavorful egg batter, coating it with seasoned flour and cornmeal, then frying it until crispy and golden brown. You can deep fry or pan fry it, and it’s perfect alongside collard greens, mac and cheese, or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Read the Recipe: Southern Fried Fish Recipe
6. Crispy Pan Fried Fish
Crispy Pan Fried Fish is a quick and delicious dish with a golden, crunchy crust and juicy inside, perfect for a fast dinner. To cook it perfectly, use a heavy skillet heated first, then add oil just before placing the fish, and avoid moving the fish until it naturally releases from the pan, ensuring it stays crispy and tender.
Read the Recipe: Crispy Pan Fried Fish
7. Crispy Beer Batter Fish Recipe
This Crispy Beer Batter Fish coats tender, flaky white fish in a light, crunchy crust made with beer, flour, garlic powder, and paprika. The secret to perfect crispiness is keeping the oil at 375°F and seasoning the fish well before frying—step up your fish game with this easy and delicious recipe!
Read the Recipe: Crispy Beer Batter Fish Recipe
8. Easy Tilapia fish fry – Best fish fry to try
This Easy Tilapia Fish Fry is a quick and flavorful dish made with just a few ingredients, enhanced by the lovely taste of shallots. Marinate the fish, fry it until golden, and enjoy it with rice or a fresh salad for a delicious meal!
Read the Recipe: Easy Tilapia fish fry – Best fish fry to try
9. Homemade Cornmeal Fish Fry Mix
Making your own Cornmeal Fish Fry Mix is quick and simple — just combine pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, salt, lemon pepper, paprika, and cayenne in a plastic container or paper bag, then give it a good shake. Dip your fresh fish in this flavorful coating, fry until golden and crispy, and enjoy a delicious Southern-style fish fry with all your favorite sides!
Read the Recipe: Homemade Cornmeal Fish Fry Mix
10. Fish Fry Recipe
Spicy Fish Fry is a flavorful South Indian dish where firm white fish is marinated with spices, ginger, garlic, and lemon, then shallow-fried in coconut oil for a smoky, crispy finish. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course, enjoyed with lemon wedges, onion rings, and steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Read the Recipe: Fish Fry Recipe
11. Fish Fry Recipe, Kerala Fish Fry or Meen Varuthathu
This Kerala Fish Fry is a quick and tasty way to enjoy fresh fish by marinating it with spices, garlic, ginger, vinegar or lime juice, and curry leaves before pan-frying or deep-frying in coconut oil. The crispy, flavorful fish pairs perfectly with rice and curry for a delicious, everyday meal made simple and satisfying.
Read the Recipe: Fish Fry Recipe, Kerala Fish Fry or Meen Varuthathu
12. Southern Fried Fish | Nik Snacks
Fry seasoned fish fillets in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve immediately for a delicious, crunchy treat that’s perfect for Fish Fry Friday or any seafood craving!
Read the Recipe: Southern Fried Fish | Nik Snacks
13. 10 Minute Indian Masala Fish Fry
Make this flavor-packed Indian Masala Fish Fry in just 10 minutes using your favorite fish fillets coated in a zesty homemade spice mix. Pan-fry with onions and garlic until crisp outside and juicy inside for a dish that’s perfect as a snack or main course.
Read the Recipe: 10 Minute Indian Masala Fish Fry
14. Fried Fish
Crispy fried fish gets a Southern twist with tender white fillets dipped in milk, then dredged in a bold cornmeal-flour seasoning blend and pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s fast, flaky, and full of flavor—perfect for summer nights and second helpings!
Read the Recipe: Fried Fish
15. Louisiana Fish Fry Seasoned Fish Fry 10 oz Bag
Coat your favorite fish, shrimp, or veggies in this flavorful blend of cornmeal, garlic, and spices, then fry until crispy and golden. Just dip while wet, fry at 375°F, and enjoy a taste of Louisiana magic!
Read the Recipe: Louisiana Fish Fry Seasoned Fish Fry 10 oz Bag
16. Fish Fry Seasoning
This Fish Fry Seasoning blends yellow cornmeal, Old Bay, lemon pepper, and spices for a crispy, flavorful coating that’s perfect for catfish, whiting, and more. Just mix the ingredients, store in an airtight container, and use about 1½ cups per 2 pounds of fish for the best results!
Read the Recipe: Fish Fry Seasoning
17. Fish Fry Seasoning and Breading
Mix cornmeal, flour, and bold spices like smoked paprika, garlic, and cayenne to create a crispy, flavorful coating for your favorite fish. Just stir it all together, coat your fish, and fry for a golden, crunchy bite that’s ready in minutes!
Read the Recipe: Fish Fry Seasoning and Breading
18. Southern Style Fried Fish & Fixins
This recipe features crispy cornmeal-breaded tilapia, creamy coleslaw, and hushpuppies for a delightful southern-style fish fry. Prepare the fish by soaking it in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coat with a seasoned cornmeal mixture before frying, and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Read the Recipe: Southern Style Fried Fish & Fixins
19. Unbelievable Fish Batter
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Whip up the crispiest and fluffiest fish fry ever with this easy batter—just five everyday ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. Simply coat your favorite white fish fillets, fry until golden, and enjoy a flavor-packed crunch that’ll rival any fish and chips shop!
Read the Recipe: Unbelievable Fish Batter