Deep Fried Fish Recipe

Updated on July 31st, 2025

Crispy and full of flavor, this deep fried fish recipe is a great way to enjoy fresh fillets like crappie, perch, or walleye. Each piece is coated in a buttery cracker crust seasoned with garlic salt and Old Bay, then fried until golden and crisp. It’s an easy method that works well with a variety of freshwater fish, and the results are always crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce for a classic fish fry at home.

Why this recipe works

• Crispy coating with real flavor: Crushed buttery crackers add more richness and crunch than standard breadcrumbs, giving every bite great texture.

• Perfect seasoning blend: Garlic salt and Old Bay bring just enough punch without overwhelming the flavor of the fish itself.

• Fast and easy cooking: These fillets fry up in just a few minutes, making them ideal for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.

• Versatile and flexible: This method works with many types of fish, so you can use whatever’s fresh or in your freezer.

Serving suggestions

• Add a citrus kick: Lemon wedges are a must for brightening the flavor and cutting through the richness of the fried coating.

• Pair with casual sides: Serve with coleslaw, fries, or buttered corn for a no-fuss, filling meal.

• Keep it classic: Tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy mayo work well on the side for dipping.

• Serve as a platter: This makes a great centerpiece for a fish fry dinner with friends or family, just add a few cold drinks and you’re set.

Deep Fried Fish Recipe

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Crispy and full of flavor, this deep fried fish recipe is a great way to enjoy fresh fillets like crappie, perch, or walleye.

• Author: Bobby
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1lb fresh fish fillets
• 1 1/2 cups buttery crackers (crushed)
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon old bay seasoning (divided)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water (or milk)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• Oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. In shallow dish combine crackers, garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon of old bay seasoning. In another bowl mix egg, water, ¼ teaspoon old bay seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
2. First coat each fish fillet in the egg mixture, and then put the fillet into the cracker mixture and coat well pressing down so the crackers stick. Repeat until all the fillets are coated.
3. Deep fry in batches at 350 degrees for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 119
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1080.4 mg
• Fat: 5.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 10.3 g
• Protein: 6.7 g
• Cholesterol: 60.1 mg