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There is nothing quite like biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy piece of fish that practically melts in your mouth, and that’s exactly what this Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe delivers. Using a clever double coating technique and baking instead of frying, this dish achieves that irresistible crispiness without the extra oil mess, making it a healthier, fuss-free alternative to traditional fried fish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight supper or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe balances crunchy texture, subtle spices, and flaky white fish into an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays an important role in creating that perfectly crispy, flavorful crust and moist, tender fish inside. From the lightly spiced breading mix to the generous use of butter, you’ll see how every item contributes to making this Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe extraordinary.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crunchy coating and helps the breading stick.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Adds extra texture and crunch to the crust.
- 2 tablespoons fine cornmeal: Boosts crispiness with a subtle, hearty bite.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the crust and fish.
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika: Gives a warm color and a gentle smoky sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon dried onion powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder: A touch of garlic for that classic flavor punch.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Helps create a light, airy texture in the coating.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the perfect binder for the breading layers.
- 1 pound thick white fish fillet (preferably cod): The star of the dish—flaky, mild, and holds the coating beautifully.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Essential for richness and to achieve that golden finish when baked.
How to Make Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to a scorching 430°F (220°C). Pop a dark-colored roasting pan or large baking sheet inside to get it really hot. This is a key step because placing the fish on a preheated pan helps the butter melt instantly and ensures the breading crisps up beautifully right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, sea salt, paprika, onion and garlic powders, plus the baking powder. This mix is what creates the magical crunch and that inviting golden color you’ll adore on your Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. These will act as the glue, helping the breading layers stick snugly to the fish pieces for maximum crispness.
Step 4: Coat the Fish with Love
Here’s the special technique: start by lightly dipping each fish piece into the dry breading, then coat it with the beaten eggs, and finally dredge it again in the breading, pressing gently to pack on as much as possible. This double coating makes all the difference in achieving that signature crunch on your Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe.
Step 5: Melt Butter on Hot Pan and Add Fish
Carefully remove your preheated pan from the oven and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Swirl it around the pan to melt and coat the surface evenly. This butter bath helps crisp the coating and imparts a rich, irresistible flavor as the fish bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Crisp
Arrange the breaded fish pieces on the buttery pan and bake for 10 minutes. Then flip them over, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, and finish baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the crust is crisp and the fish flakes easily. For an extra golden finish, pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Let Rest and Serve
Once the baking is done, let those crispy beauties rest on the pan for 5 minutes. This short pause lets the crust firm up nicely, sealing all those flavors in. Then serve immediately while still warm and crunchy—the best way to enjoy your Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe.
How to Serve Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe
Garnishes
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is practically mandatory with this fish; it brightens the dish and balances the buttery richness. Fresh chopped parsley or dill adds a burst of color and a fragrant finish that makes every bite feel fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy oven fries or a light green salad with a vinaigrette work beautifully alongside. For something a bit heartier, creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables complement the fish perfectly, offering a range of textures and flavors that keep your meal exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe in crispy taco shells with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a fun twist. Alternatively, pile the fish atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or fluff up some steamed jasmine rice for a lovely comfort food plate. Presentation is your playground here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The coating will lose some crispness but reheating carefully can bring back much of the magic.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pieces for up to one month by laying them out on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and keeps the breading intact for your next quick meal.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat fish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the coating soggy, dulling that wonderful crunch you worked so hard to achieve.
FAQs
Can I use other fish types for this Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe?
Absolutely! Thick white fish like haddock, pollock, or tilapia also work wonderfully. Just make sure they are firm and can hold up to the breading process.
Why do I coat the fish with breading, then egg, then breading again?
This double coating technique ensures your fish gets that deeply crunchy exterior that stays on during baking, giving you the signature crisp texture without frying.
Is this recipe healthy compared to traditional fried fish?
Yes! Baking the fish instead of deep-frying reduces the oil content significantly, while still providing a rich buttery flavor and crispy crust, making it a lighter option.
How important is the preheated pan step?
Very important! Starting on a hot pan allows the butter to sizzle immediately, helping set and crisp the breading quickly, which results in a better texture overall.
Can I prepare this recipe with gluten-free ingredients?
Of course! Substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, and use gluten-free cornmeal if needed. The result will still be delicious and crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I crave that satisfying crunch without all the hassle of frying. It’s joyful comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make and impressively flavorful. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it transforms your fish dinners into a crispy, buttery celebration of texture and taste. Happy cooking!
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Crispy Oven Fried Fish Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Oven Fried Fish recipe delivers perfectly crunchy and flavorful fish fillets with a golden breadcrumb coating baked to perfection in the oven. Using a combination of flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and spices, the fish is double-coated for extra crispiness and baked with butter to achieve a deliciously rich and crispy texture without frying. Quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy twist on traditional fried fish, this recipe yields tender, moist white fish fillets with a satisfying crunchy crust.
Ingredients
Dry Breading Mixture
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound thick white fish fillet (preferably cod, cut into 8–10 pieces)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Place a dark-colored roaster or baking sheet inside the oven to heat up; this hot pan will help melt the butter evenly when preparing to bake the fish.
- Make breading: In a shallow dish, combine all the dry breading ingredients: flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Prep eggs: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well until fully blended. This will be used to help the breading adhere to the fish.
- Bread fish: Dip each piece of fish into the dry breading mixture to coat lightly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it again with the dry breading—this time pressing on as much as will stick to create a thick, crispy crust. Place all breaded fish pieces on a plate until ready to bake.
- Melt butter: Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt and spread it evenly across the surface of the pan. Arrange the breaded fish pieces on the melted butter in the pan.
- Bake: Bake the fish for 10 minutes at 430°F (220°C). Then flip each piece, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on top, and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the coating is golden and crispy and the fish is cooked through. For an extra crispy finish, place the fish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Finish: Once baked, let the fish rest on the pan for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the coating to crisp up further. Serve the crispy oven fried fish immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using a hot pan ensures the butter melts quickly and helps create a crispy crust on the fish.
- Double coating the fish with breading and egg gives an extra crunchy texture.
- Broiling at the end adds an attractive golden finish and enhances crispiness.
- Cod is preferred for its thickness and mild flavor, but you can substitute other firm white fish like haddock or pollock.
- Be careful when flipping the fish to avoid breaking delicate pieces.
