Crispy Fish Fry Recipe (Crunchy Outside, Juicy Inside)

If you’re craving a crispy, spicy fish fry that tastes just like a restaurant or seaside dhaba, this crispy fish fry recipe is exactly what you need. The fish turns golden and crunchy on the outside, while staying soft and juicy inside—no sogginess, no overpowering oil.

This recipe works beautifully as:
✅ a starter or appetizer
✅ a side dish with dal–rice
✅ a tea-time snack
✅ a party favorite

Let’s make perfect crispy fish fry at home step by step 🐟🔥

Quick Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marination Time: 20–30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes
• Servings: 3–4
• Difficulty: Easy

Best Fish for Crispy Fish Fry

For best results, use firm fish fillets:

✅ Rohu
✅ Pomfret
✅ Surmai (King Fish)
✅ Basa
✅ Tilapia
✅ Catfish

👉 Boneless or bone-in—both work well.

Ingredients for Crispy Fish Fry

Fish

• 500 g fish fillets or slices (washed & pat dry)

Marinade Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
• Salt to taste

For Crispy Coating

• 3 tbsp rice flour
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp besan (gram flour)

For Frying

• Oil (for shallow or deep frying)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan / kadai
• Tongs or spatula
• Kitchen towel

Step-by-Step Crispy Fish Fry Recipe

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Fish

1. Wash fish pieces thoroughly.
2. Pat completely dry using a kitchen towel.

✅ Dry fish = extra crispy coating.

Step 2: Marinate the Fish

In a bowl, mix:

• ginger garlic paste
• red chili powder
• turmeric
• coriander powder
• black pepper
• lemon juice
• salt

Apply this marinade evenly on fish pieces.

Let it rest for 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating

In a separate bowl, mix:

• rice flour
• cornflour
• besan

Just before frying, lightly coat each fish piece with this dry mix.

✅ Do not add water—dry coating gives maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Fish

Shallow Fry Method (Best Balance)

1. Heat oil in a pan on medium flame.
2. Place fish gently into hot oil.
3. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
4. Flip carefully.

Deep Fry Method

• Fry until crisp and golden.
• Remove once bubbles reduce.

⚠️ Do not overcrowd the pan.

Step 5: Drain & Serve

Remove fish and place on kitchen towel to absorb excess oil.

Your crispy fish fry is ready 🐟✨

How to Serve Crispy Fish Fry

This dish tastes amazing with:
✅ Green chutney
✅ Onion rings + lemon wedges
✅ Tomato ketchup
✅ Steamed rice & dal
✅ Simple cucumber salad

Tips for Extra Crispy Fish Fry

✅ Always pat fish dry
✅ Use rice flour for crunch
✅ Fry on medium flame
✅ Don’t flip too often
✅ Add coating just before frying
✅ Use fresh oil

Variations You Can Try

1) South Indian Style Fish Fry

Add curry leaves + extra black pepper.

2) Spicy Fish Fry

Increase red chili powder or add chili paste.

3) Lemon Pepper Fish Fry

Use crushed pepper + extra lemon zest.

4) Air Fryer Fish Fry

Brush lightly with oil and air fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Best eaten fresh and hot
• Marinated fish can be stored in fridge for 12 hours
• Avoid reheating fried fish (loses crispiness)

Nutrition (Approx Per Serving)

• Calories: 280–350 kcal
• Protein: high
• Carbs: low
• Fat: moderate

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Frying fish straight from water
❌ Adding wet batter
❌ Frying on low flame
❌ Overcrowding the pan
❌ Using stale oil

Conclusion

This crispy fish fry recipe is simple, reliable, and delivers restaurant-style results every time. With the right coating and frying technique, you’ll get perfectly crunchy fish that’s juicy inside and full of flavor.

Once you try this at home, packaged frozen fish fingers won’t even tempt you 😄🐟🔥