Frying fish and seafood can seem intimidating.
You might wonder, “Will it make my house smell?”
or “Will I end up with a soggy batter?”
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Here are 3 methods tofry fishat home for a delicious meal of deep-fried, pan-fried, and air-fried fish.
It’s simpler, less messy, and more healthful than deep-frying.
If frozen, thaw the fillets in the refrigerator.
Credit: Blaine Moats
A 1-pound package will thaw in 1 to 2 days.
Transfer fillets to a cutting board.
Cut the fillets into 3-inch x 2-inch pieces.
Rinse the fish and pat dry with paper towels.
This wet mixture helps the coating stick to the fish.
Turn each fillet over and repeat until the whole fillet is covered with the dry mix.
Standard vegetable oil is affordable and nearly flavorless, and canola or peanut oil works well too.
Heat the fat over medium-high.
The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when adding the fish to the pan.
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Fry the fish until golden on the bottom.
Pan-frying the average fillet takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Take care to avoid splattering the fat.
Credit:Jake Sternquist
The fat should still be hot enough to sizzle when the fish is flipped.
With a spatula, carefully transfer each cooked piece of fish to the paper towels to drain.
Flip the fish over to drain both sides.
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Keep the cooked fish warm on a baking sheet in the oven while cooking the remaining fish.
If desired, serve the pan-fried fish with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.
It will come out a crisp, golden brown.
You’ll need a 3-quart heavy saucepan or a deep-fat fryer for frying the fish.
Attach a deep-frying thermometer to the side of the pan.
Add 12 cup all-purpose flour to a shallow dish and set it aside.
Use a whisk to beat the batter until smooth.
Dip fish pieces into the flour, turning to coat all sides, and shake off excess flour.
The flour will help the batter stick to the fish.
Next, dip the fish into the batter, turning to coat all sides.
Use a whisk to beat the batter until smooth.
This takes about 3 or 4 minutes per batch.
Drain the deep-fried fish on paper towels, flipping the fillets to drain both sides.
Transfer fish to a baking sheet and keep it warm in the oven while frying the remaining fish.
Here’s how to air-fry battered fish for similar results to pan-fried and deep-fried fish methods.
If frozen, thaw the fish in the refrigerator.
Cut the fillets into 6-ounce portions.
Rinse the fish and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a shallow dish, add 12 cup all-purpose flour.
In a separate shallow dish, combine 1 beaten egg with 2 tablespoons water or milk.
In one more dish or plate, add 13 cup panko bread crumbs.
Dip fish pieces into the flour, turning to coat all sides, and shake off excess flour.
Cook at 400F until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
Sprinkle with 14 teaspoon salt and pepper.
