Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Oven Fried Fish is a healthier twist on traditional fried fish, baked to golden perfection in your oven. This recipe features a crunchy, flavorful coating that perfectly complements tender white fish fillets without the hassle of deep frying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound thick white fish fillet (such as cod), cut into 8-10 pieces
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C) and place a dark-colored roaster or baking sheet inside to heat up. This ensures the pan is hot enough to melt butter and crisp the fish.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and baking powder to make the dry breading.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.
- Step 4: Lightly coat each fish piece in the dry breading. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it again with the dry breading, pressing gently to help it stick well. Place the breaded pieces on a plate.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and add 3 tablespoons of butter, spreading it evenly over the surface. Arrange the breaded fish pieces on the pan.
- Step 6: Bake the fish for 10 minutes, then flip each piece. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on top, and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the coating is crispy and the fish is cooked through.
- Step 7: For extra crispiness, finish the fish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Step 8: Allow the fish to rest on the pan for 5 minutes after baking. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- If using Panko breadcrumbs, consider dredging the fish in seasoned flour first for better coating adhesion and crispness.
- Cornmeal adds extra crispiness to the coating; if unavailable, increase the amount of breadcrumbs instead.
- Thicker fillets like cod work best for this recipe, but you can substitute with tilapia or other white fish; adjust baking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish as long as it is fully thawed and patted dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly and crisps up nicely.
Is it necessary to use a dark-colored pan?
A dark-colored pan absorbs more heat and helps achieve a crispier crust on the fish. If you don’t have one, use the best oven-safe pan you have and watch closely for browning.
PrintCrispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe
This Crispy Oven Fried Fish recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional fried fish by baking it in the oven. The fish is coated in a flavorful dry breading mixture and butter, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust and tender, juicy interior. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal with less oil and mess than pan frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the dry breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the eggs
- 2 large eggs
For the fish
- 1 pound thick white fish fillet – preferably cod, cut into 8–10 pieces
For the pan
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Heat Pan: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Place a dark-colored roasting pan or baking sheet inside the oven to heat. It’s important to use a hot pan to effectively melt the butter and help the breading crisp up.
- Mix Dry Breading: In a shallow dish, combine all dry breading ingredients: flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, sea salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and baking powder. Mix evenly.
- Prepare Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth and combined.
- Bread the Fish: First dip each fish piece lightly into the dry breading. Next, coat them thoroughly with the beaten eggs. Finally, dip each piece again into the dry breading, pressing gently to adhere a thick, even crust. Place coated fish on a plate until all pieces are breaded.
- Melt Butter on Hot Pan: Carefully remove the heated pan from the oven. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and swirl to melt and coat the pan evenly. Arrange the breaded fish pieces on the pan in a single layer.
- Bake the Fish: Bake the fish for 10 minutes. Then, flip each piece carefully, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on top, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crisp and the fish is cooked through.
- Broil for Extra Crispness: For a final crispy finish, place the pan under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the fish rest on the pan for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Fish: Skinless cod is preferred for its thick, firm fillets which hold up well to baking. Tilapia can be used but tends to cook faster and be less juicy due to thinner fillets.
- Cornmeal: Adds extra crispiness to the coating. If unavailable, double the breadcrumbs instead.
- Breadcrumbs: If substituting with Panko breadcrumbs, it is recommended to first dredge the fish in seasoned flour alone before breading. This ensures the coating sticks properly and crisps up nicely.
Keywords: oven fried fish, crispy baked fish, baked cod recipe, healthier fried fish, crispy fish fillets, easy fish recipe
