Fish is one of the most popular foods in the world, and there are endless ways to prepare it. You can bake it, poach it, grill it, or fry it. This article will talk about the different ways to fry fish like a pro.
Deep-Frying A Fish
The key to fried fish perfection is in the seasoning and the oil. You’ll want to season your fish in such a way that the seasoning doesn’t overpower the tender flavor of the fish. And when it comes to oil, you’ll want to choose one with a high smoke point that can withstand the high heat of frying without burning.
Once you’ve mastered those two elements, frying fish is a snap. Here are some tips to follow so that you can fry fish like a pro:
1) Choose the right type of fish
A white fish like cod, halibut, or catfish works well for frying. Avoid using oily fish like salmon or trout, as they can make the fried fish greasy. And no one likes a greasy fish, right? So start by cutting the fish you chose into even-sized pieces. If the fish is very fresh, you can leave the skin on. If it’s not as fresh, you may want to remove the skin and then season it.
2) Season the fish
As we mentioned before, you’ll want to use a light hand when seasoning your fish. A simple seasoning of salt, lemon juice, and pepper is all you need. You can also season the fish with a little salt and pepper, then dust it with flour, cornmeal, or bread crumbs.
3) Choose the right oil
As we mentioned before, you’ll want to choose an oil with a high smoke point so it can withstand the high heat of frying without burning. Some good options include vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. Pour sufficient oil into a heavy skillet to come 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat. Wait for it to reach 350 degrees F on a deep-frying thermometer.
4) Preheat the oil
You’ll want to preheat the oil in your frying pan over medium-high heat before adding the fish so that your fish cooks nicely. When frying, be sure to keep the temperature of the oil consistent. This will help to ensure that the fish cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
5) Carefully add the fish to the hot oil
Add the fish to the hot oil carefully so that you don’t splash yourself with hot oil. Cook each side of the fish for about 2-3 minutes or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through.
6) Cook the fish in batches
Do not overcrowd the pan when you fry the fish. Cook the fish in batches so each piece has enough space to cook evenly.
7) Don’t overdo it
Fried fish is best when it’s cooked until it’s golden brown and crispy. But be careful of overcooking, or it will be dry and rubbery.
8) Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil
Once your fish is cooked and looks crispy, make sure to use a paper towel to remove any excess oil from the fried fish before serving. This will help to keep the fish from being too greasy. Use a slotted spoon when you are removing the fish from the hot oil and transfer it to the paper towel-lined plate.
9) Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
Lemon wedges and tartar sauce are the perfect accompaniments for fried fish. The lemon beautifully cuts through the richness of the fried fish, and the tartar sauce adds a delicious creaminess.
A Recipe To Try
For a truly indulgent fried fish experience, try deep frying. Deep frying results in fish that is extra crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside. Just be careful not to overdo it. As deep-fried food can be greasy if not done correctly. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
-1 pound fish fillets (any type of fish will work)
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a deep saucepan or Dutch oven with enough oil to come up the sides at least 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F (or 175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- Place flour in a shallow bowl. Season with some salt and pepper. Then coat the fish fillets in flour.
- Carefully add coated fish fillets to the hot oil and fry both sides for 2 to 3 minutes. Or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon or wire skimmer to remove fried fish from the oil and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool down for a few minutes before serving with lemon wedges if desired.
Air Frying A Fish
Another way of frying a fish is by air frying it. This is a healthier option than deep-fried fish. You can use an air fryer to fry your fish. Place the fish in the fryer basket and set the timer. The perfect time to air fry a fish is between 10 to 12 minutes.
Here are certain tips to use while you air fry a fish like a pro:
1) The first step is to season the fish.
Some of the common seasonings used for air-fried fish are salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2) Preheat the air fryer before placing the fish in the basket.
Most air fryers have a preheat setting. Set the temperature to 400 degrees F and preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
3) Cook the fish in batches.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the fish in small batches to ensure the fish cooks evenly.
4) Use cooking spray.
There is a great possibility that the fish will end up sticking to the fryer. The cooking spray will help to prevent the fish from sticking to the basket.
5) Flip the fish halfway through cooking.
Flip the fish halfway through cooking so that both sides of the fish are cooked evenly but resist the temptation to flip the fish too often.
6) Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Always allow the fish to rest for a few minutes before being served. This will help lock in the flavors and make sure that the fish is not overcooked.
These are some tips that will help you air fry a fish like a pro. Follow these tips, and you will be able to make perfect air-fried fish every single time.
A Recipe To Try
The air fryer’s functioning is based on hot air circulating around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior without all of the oil that traditional frying requires. Try using an air fryer if you are looking for a healthier alternative. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
-1 pound fish fillets (any type of fish will work)
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Place flour in a shallow bowl. Before coating the fish fillets with salt and pepper, then coat in flour.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add coated fish fillets to the basket and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer fried fish to the prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until all of the fillets have been cooked. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Pan-Fried Fish
Some people say that pan-frying is the best way to fry fish. They may be onto something because when done correctly, pan-frying fish results in crispy skin and a succulent, flaky interior. Some tips on how to pan-fry fish:
1) Use a non-stick skillet or pan
Make use of a non-stick skillet or pan and heat the oil over medium-high heat before adding the fish. This will help you avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
2) Add oil
Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, but don’t go overboard. You’ll know you have enough oil when it begins to shimmer.
3) Gently place the fish on the pan
Place the fish skin-side down in the pan. Do not stuff the pan, or the fish will steam instead of fry.
4) Cook for 2-3 minutes
2-3 minutes are sufficient for the fillets to cook, or wait for them to be golden brown and cooked through.
And that’s all there is to it! Pan-frying fish is simple, and with these tips, you’ll be sure to end up with a delicious, crispy, and flaky result.
A Recipe To Try
Pan-frying can be done with any type of fish, but we recommend trying it with this recipe-
Ingredients:
-1 pound fish fillets (any type of fish will work)
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Place flour in a shallow bowl. Before coating the fish fillets in flour, season them with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated fish fillets to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer fried fish to the prepared baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until all of the fillets have been cooked. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Now that you know how to fry fish like a pro put your skills to the test and make some fried fish for your next meal. Your family and friends will be impressed!
With these tips, you can easily make perfect fried fish. So go ahead and give it a try!
