Crave that Crispy Golden Deep Fried Fish But Do not Want The Smell
Let’s be honest — sometimes we need that crispy, golden, deep-fried fish but don’t want the smell, oil splatters, or guilt that comes with it. Enter: Oven-Fried Fish That Tastes Just Like the Real Thing! It’s crunchy on the surface, soft and flaky within, and your oven does all the heavy lifting. No deep fryer, no smoke alarm, no embarrassment — just pure, crispy goodness…
Time to Prepare
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
4 fish fillets (cod, haddock, tilapia, or catfish – your choice!)
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
½ cup cornmeal (for that authentic fried texture)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick!)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
Cooking spray or olive oil (to help with crisping)
Lemon wedges & tartar sauce, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly spray it with cooking oil. (This ensures crispness on all sides — no soggy bottoms here!)
Set up your dredging station:
In one bowl: mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In the second bowl: whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
In the third bowl: combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and cayenne pepper.
Coat the fish like a pro:
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels.
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture (shake off excess).
Dip into the egg mixture.
Roll in the breadcrumb-cornmeal mix until fully coated.
Lay them out:
Place the coated fillets on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil on top for that golden finish.
Bake it till you make it:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re done when the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve and devour:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, serve with tartar sauce or spicy mayo, and prepare to fool your taste buds into thinking you just deep-fried dinner.
Pro Tips:
For extra crispiness, preheat the baking sheet before placing the fish on it.
Want a pub-style crunch? Use crushed cornflakes or panko + cornmeal mix.
Avoid crowding the fish — they need breathing space to crisp up evenly!
Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for a coastal kick.
Variations:
Spicy Cajun: Add chili powder and extra cayenne to the breading.
Herb Lover’s Dream: Mix in dried parsley, dill, or thyme.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and crushed rice crackers instead of flour and breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Twist: Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for cheesy crunch.
Final Remarks:
Who knew your oven could simulate a fried so well? This Oven-Fried Fish gives you all the crispness with none of the oil drama. It’s light, crispy, and wonderfully “reel” fantastic – pun totally intended! So next time that craving hits, skip the fryer and let your oven show off its crispy skills.