19 Crispy Fried Fish Dishes to Satisfy Your Craving

1. Sheet Pan Fish and Chips

When you think of fried fish, the classic British pub favorite is likely one of the first dishes that comes to mind. This version is made almost entirely on one sheet pan, which means it's ready in under an hour and cleanup is a breeze afterward.

2. Gluten-Free Crispy Fish Fillets

For those who are unable to eat gluten, fried fish might seem like an off-limits dish. But with this recipe that uses almond flour and chili powder for the crispy coating, those with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy this meal. Pair the fish with a side of vegetables for a well-rounded dinner, or use the crunchy fillets to make a tasty fish sandwich.

3. Fish Stick Tacos

For a quick and satisfying fried fish meal that the entire family will love, try these fish stick tacos. You'll use frozen fish sticks and pair them with a homemade cabbage slaw and a generous scoop of creamy sour cream. Don't forget to warm up the tortillas before assembling the tacos for the best outcome.

4. Baja Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw

Fried shrimp are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when served in a taco with a tangy cabbage slaw, hot sauce, sliced scallions, and a fresh squeeze of lime juice. When preparing the batter for the shrimp, be sure to add seltzer and combine flour with cornstarch for a light and crispy texture.

5. Oven-Baked Fish Sticks

Indulge in a bit of nostalgia (or treat your kids to one) with this fun and delicious dish. Skinless tilapia fillets are coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, seafood seasoning, olive oil, and salt. These fish sticks are baked in the oven, though you can always fry them for an extra crispy touch. Pair them with store-bought coleslaw for a simple and satisfying meal.

6. Pan Fried Lemon Sole

No deep fryer? No problem! Follow this recipe and pan-fry your fish instead. In this dish, tender sole fillets are coated in breadcrumbs and cooked in a zesty caper-butter sauce. Serve alongside roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

7. Fried Mixed Seafood

This iconic fried fish dish is a staple on many restaurant menus, and it's actually quite easy to prepare at home. A mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder is used to coat the fish, enhancing its crispy texture without overwhelming its natural flavor. For optimal results, fry each type of seafood separately to ensure even cooking and a crisp finish.

8. Air-Fried Crispy Fish Po' Boys with Chipotle Slaw

These famous 'po-boy' sandwiches, inspired by New Orleans, make for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, requiring only 30 minutes to prepare. The crispy air-fried white fish is topped with a chipotle coleslaw and served on toasted hoagie rolls. When choosing the fish for this recipe, consider cod, flounder, or tilapia.

9. Fried Fish Sandwich With Tartar Sauce and Hand-Cut Chips

This dish features three parts, yet it all comes together in just 30 minutes. The fish is dipped in a tempura-like batter, fried until golden and crispy, and served on a toasted bun with homemade tartar sauce and a side of hand-cut potato chips. While we love making this during the summer, it’s a tasty choice any time of year.

10. Fried-Fish Subs with Chili Sauce and Herbs

For Thai food lovers, these fried fish sandwiches are a must-try, bringing the bold and vibrant flavors of Thailand to your plate. Crispy fried shallots add a satisfying crunch, while a drizzle of Thai chili sauce, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a burst of tangy lime juice create a deliciously balanced dish.

11. Shrimp Cakes

For a fun variation on crab cakes that still delivers that crispy fried seafood fix, give shrimp cakes a go. This recipe combines chopped shrimp and sweet potatoes with garlic and various spices to create satisfying, flavorful patties that cook in just ten minutes. Serve them up with tartar sauce and coleslaw for a complete meal.

12. Persian Fried Fish with Saffron and Turmeric

This Persian fish recipe is infused with the flavors of a variety of vibrant spices, including ground saffron, turmeric, and paprika, which help coat the fish along with a generous amount of flour. To complete this dish, pair it with sabzi polo, a savory Persian rice dish.

13. Thai Fried Fish with Spicy Chile Sauce

This Thai-style fried fish, known as Pla Pad Cha, features crispy snapper fillets served atop a bed of rice. The bold flavors are driven by ingredients like red and green Thai chiles, white peppercorns, brined green peppercorns, and oyster sauce. Be careful while frying to keep the fish pieces intact.

14. Easy Cornmeal Fried Shrimp

Believe it or not, this popular appetizer comes together in just 30 minutes. The trick is soaking the shrimp in a mixture of egg and milk before dredging it in a blend of cornmeal and flour. This creates crispy, light shrimp that you'll want to make time and time again. For an extra kick, you can mix in a teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning into the flour before coating the shrimp.

15. Classic Fried Whitebait

This classic British snack, also known as fried tiny fish, is made by coating blue anchovies in flour and frying them to a golden, crispy perfection. Since the fish are small enough, they don’t need to be deboned before frying. A tangy dipping sauce, like aioli or tartar sauce, is a perfect complement to this dish.

16. Bengali-Style Fried Fish in Onion and Tomato Curry

Known as fish bhuna in South Asian cuisine, this hearty curry is rich with flavor. It combines Kashmiri red chili powder, tomatoes, and vinegar, while spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric round out the profile. Like many curries, it’s best served with a side of rice to balance the boldness.

17. Air-Fried Crumbed Fish

If you’re not keen on frying fish in the oven or on the stovetop, an air fryer offers a great alternative. Flounder fillets are dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, then air-fried in just 12 minutes—almost as quickly as it takes to prepare the rest of the meal and enjoy a glass of wine.

18. Moroccan Fried Whiting Fish

For this Moroccan dish, we recommend using either hake or whiting. These fish offer a subtle flavor and tender texture, with easily removable bones. The recipe starts by seasoning the fish with a Moroccan spice blend, which includes ingredients like ground cardamom and allspice, before coating the fillets in flour and frying them. Serve with a side of lemon slices for an extra tangy kick.

19. Potato-Crusted Arctic Char

For a delightful twist, coat Arctic char in crispy fried hash browns, creating a crunchy crust that contrasts with the rich, buttery fish. Serve this dish alongside fresh green beans and a dollop of Greek yogurt, then finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chives to complete the flavor experience.