Crispy Fried Fish & Homemade Onion Rings

A Golden, Crunchy, and Flavorful Meal

This Crispy Fried Fish & Homemade Onion Rings is the perfect spring or summer dinner—light, crunchy, and packed with flavor. The tender, flaky fish is coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and fried until golden brown, while the onion rings are dipped in a light, crispy batter for the perfect crunch. Paired with a creamy, zesty dipping sauce, this meal is great for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or even a backyard cookout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Golden – The perfect balance of crunchy coating and tender fish.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick frying make this a hassle-free meal.
• Homemade Goodness – No store-bought breading, just fresh and flavorful ingredients.
• Customizable – Works with different types of fish and seasonings.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for a cozy dinner, a summer gathering, or a fun weekend meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fish Fry:

• 4 fillets of bluegill or perch (thawed if frozen)
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

For the Onion Rings:

• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
• Oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayo
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Fish:

1. Mix the Coating – In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash – In another bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk.
3. Coat the Fish – Dip the fish fillets into the buttermilk mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Fish – Heat oil in a pan to 175°C (350°F) and fry fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Onion Rings:

1. Prepare the Batter – In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Add Sparkling Water – Gradually whisk in sparkling water or club soda to create a light batter.
3. Dip & Fry – Coat onion rings in the batter and fry in hot oil until crispy and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce:

1. Mix Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Serve – Enjoy with hot, crispy fish and onion rings!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornmeal for a gluten-free version.
• Different Fish: Try this recipe with cod, tilapia, or catfish.
• Cheesy Onion Rings: Sprinkle grated parmesan over hot onion rings for extra flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes to keep crispy.
• Freezing: Breaded (but not fried) fish fillets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen.

FAQs

1. What’s the best fish for frying?

Bluegill, perch, cod, tilapia, or catfish work well for frying.

2. Can I air-fry the fish instead of deep frying?

Yes! Air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Why use sparkling water for the onion rings?

It makes the batter lighter and crispier, resulting in a crunchier texture.

4. How do I know when the fish is done?

The fish should be golden brown and flake easily with a fork.

5. Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. What’s the best oil for frying?

Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for a neutral flavor and high smoke point.

7. How do I keep the fried food crispy?

Place fried food on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

8. Can I add beer to the batter?

Yes! Substitute sparkling water with cold beer for a richer, pub-style batter.

9. What sides go well with this meal?

Pair with coleslaw, a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or fries.

10. How do I make the dipping sauce spicier?

Add sriracha, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Conclusion

This Crispy Fried Fish & Homemade Onion Rings is an easy, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy spring or summer dinner. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers flavor, crunch, and freshness in every bite. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality crispy fish and onion rings at home!