Crispy Fish Batter Recipe (Long John Silver’s Copycat)
This easy copycat recipe recreates the iconic light, crispy, golden batter you know from Long John Silver’s. Perfect for coating fish fillets or even chicken, this batter fries up crunchy and flavorful every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup cold club soda or cold water
- 4 fish fillets cod, haddock, or your choice
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare fish: Pat fish fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add liquid: Slowly pour in cold club soda while whisking until a smooth batter forms (should be slightly thick but pourable).
- Heat oil: Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Batter & fry: Dip each fillet into the batter, letting excess drip off. Carefully place into hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain & serve: Remove fillets and place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or fries.
Notes
- Keep the batter cold for maximum crispiness.
- This batter also works great for shrimp or chicken strips.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer; fry in batches for best results.