Fish Fry

You have got to try our fish fry without cornmeal in a skillet at home. Next to our Oven Fried Fish this is the best way to fry fillets on the stove to flaky with a crispy breading made spicy or kept mild just for your family.

Let us show you how easy it is for how to fry fish yourself this week. With breadcrumbs and an egg wash you can create a crunchy exterior while maintaining the tender moist seafood inside.

What type of fish do you use for a fish fry?

For a fish fry, popular choices include mild, flaky white varieties such as cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, catfish, or it’s a great way of how to cook walleye. They hold up well to frying, develop a crispy exterior, and have a neutral flavor that pairs perfectly with a batter or breading. For best results choose filets based on local availability so they are as fresh as possible.

Can you do a fish fry without cornmeal?

Yes, that is what we will show you here. For this go around we are using some traditional seasonings you would expect but with flour instead of cornmeal. To get that to stick, egg is typical but you could brush with mayonnaise instead if you need an egg-free option.

If you wanted to make a traditional Louisiana Fish Fry recipe, this typically refers to a seasoned breading or coating mix to prepare fried fish with a distinctive Southern or Cajun flavor. It is a popular style that is a bit spicy but can be adjusted to your tastebuds. You can also buy a packaged breading mix at the store like this.

Can you do a fish fry with frozen fish?

For this you really want either fresh filets or defrosted at least. We do show you how to cook frozen fish here but the breading won’t stick at the beginning. You’d have to par-bake it essentially, halfway thru before dredging and going thru this whole coating process. In the end you wouldn’t get the ideal outcome.

Can you fry fish without oil?

Yes! Submerging pieces into hot oil typically adds more calories than other methods. Pan-frying with less oil, baking or Air Fryer Beer Battered Fish with a minimal amount of oil will result in fewer calories and can come out just as crispy!

Sides for Fried Fish

I serve pretty much the same side dishes with this and our Beer Battered Halibut too. I like a vegetable if I have it on hand as well as some type of feel good carb. Depending on what’s on sale or in my fridge I will mix and match the two for dinner. A few of our favorites would be;

1. Crispy, golden-brown French fries are necessary if you want to make and serve air fryer fish and chips. You can make them from scratch or use frozen fries for convenience.
2. Jiffy Hush Puppies are essentially deep-fried cornmeal balls made with cornbread mix, garlic powder and seasonings. A beloved Southern side dish.
3. Slow Cooker Collard Greens or other leafy greens seasoned with bacon or ham provide a healthy and flavorful side option.
4. If you remove the skins before breading I highly suggest you making fried Fish Skin chips to enjoy!

I do tend to make something in the same oil that is left after our deep fried fish are done. Wasting is definitely a pet peeve of mine so there’s that. Hot Water Cornbread is one that works well in the same oil. Homemade and fried it’s like a cake. Sweet and buttery taste complements the fried fish’s flavors.

How many calories are in a fish fry?

The number of calories can vary depending on several factors, including the type and size of the piece(s), the breading or coating used, and the cooking method and ingredients in your Fish Fry Seasoning + whether you are deep-frying, pan-frying, or baking but 150-200 per piece is typical.

Cornmeal for Fish Fry will be a bit higher in calories just because of the nutritional make up of this vs. flour.

If you wanted to buy a packaged dry mix like this one you could as well. A bit faster prep for sure but the seasonings are what they are and it is hard to tweak them beyond what it tastes like as is. We use less for Fried Swai Fish and more for other varieties.

What to do with leftovers

If you have some left, save when cooled in freezer bags in the fridge. Suck all the air out and put parchment paper in between them. Within 3 days, Reheat Fried Fish in Air Fryer for best results.