Fish and chips is one of those classic comfort meals that always feels a little special. Crispy battered cod and hot golden fries come together into a meal that feels nostalgic but still very approacable. The batter fries up light and crisp, the potatoes get that restaurant-style crunch, and everything comes together without feeling fussy. If you love seafood, another reader favorite is our honey garlic shrimp.
The Key to Crispy Fish and Chips
Oil temperature does most of the work here. Keeping it steady helps prevent greasy fish and soggy fries. Make sure to dry the cod well before dipping it into the batter. This makes a noticeable difference in how crisp the coating turns out. The double-fry method for the potatoes is also essential. The first fry cooks them through and sets the structure, while the second fry delivers that golden, crisp exterior.
Serving Ideas
Fish and chips is a full meal on its own, but it also pairs well with lighter sides if you want to round things out. Serve it with one of our classic fresh salads like Caesar salad, lemon parmesan kale salad, or even a simple side salad to balance the richness of the fried fish. Some people also like to lighten things up a bit by using the air fryer for the fries. Air fryer French fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, and air fryer garlic parmesan fries all work really well here and still give you that crisp contrast without deep frying.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fish and chips are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be saved with a little care. Store leftover fish and fries separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them separate helps prevent excess moisture from softening the coating. For reheating, skip the microwave if possible. An oven or air fryer will give you the best texture. Reheat fish and fries at 375°F until hot and crisp, usually 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once if needed.
Crispy Fish and Chips
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into even ½-inch thick strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1½ pounds cod fillets, cut into 4-ounce pieces
- Tartar sauce, for serving
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This helps remove excess starch for a crispier result. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before frying.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the milk and egg, and whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined. Let the batter rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 365°F, using a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy. Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
- Working in batches, carefully lower the dried potato strips into the hot oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender but not yet browned. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet to drain. Let cool slightly.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece into the prepared batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Adjust heat as needed to maintain 365°F. Transfer the fried fish to a clean paper towel-lined tray to drain.
- Return the partially cooked potatoes to the hot oil and fry again for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Drain well on paper towels and season immediately with kosher salt.
- Serve the crispy fish and chips hot with tartar sauce and lemon wedges on the side.
This recipe was inspired by the Fish and Chips recipe from iambaker.net.
Must Try Seafood Recipes
See More →
Spicy Crab Salad
Spicy Crab Salad is a creamy, seafood-packed dressing with imitation crab, shrimp, and a spicy kick from chili garlic sauce.
Shrimp Nachos
Indulge your taste buds in a symphony of flavors with our Shrimp Nachos – an appetizer masterpiece featuring succulent shrimp, creamy cheese, and zesty taco toppings. Once you dive into these irresistible nachos, the rich blend of seafood goodness will keep you coming back for more.
Bang Bang Salmon
Bang Bang Salmon – a mouthwatering dish that takes salmon to new heights with a sweet and spicy sauce that will have you coming back for more!