Cornmeal Fish Fry Seasoning is a classic Southern-style recipe that creates a crispy, flavorful crust for your favorite white fish without the need for buttermilk or a heavy batter. With a blend of cornmeal, flour, and spices, this seasoning turns fish into a golden, crunchy delight in under 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Coat and fry your fish in less than 10 minutes.
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Crispy and flavorful: Cornmeal creates a golden crust while spices add depth.
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Customizable: Swap spices or use gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
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Perfect for any white fish: Cod, catfish, grouper, or tilapia all work.
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Southern classic: Achieve restaurant-quality fried fish at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fish Fry Seasoning:
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yellow cornmeal
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all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking mix
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celery salt or plain salt
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garlic powder
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lemon pepper
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dried parsley
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cayenne pepper
For the Cornmeal Fried Fish:
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white fish fillets (cod, grouper, catfish)
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cold sparkling water
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high-heat cooking oil (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 200°F to keep cooked fish warm. Line a sheet pan with paper towels and set aside.
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Pour oil into a large, deep cast-iron skillet to a depth of about 1 inch and heat over medium heat.
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In a shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, celery salt, garlic powder, lemon pepper, parsley, and cayenne. Mix well.
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Place very cold sparkling water in a separate bowl and submerge the fish fillets.
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Once the oil is hot, remove one fillet at a time from the water, dredge it in the seasoning mixture, and gently lower it into the skillet. Repeat until the skillet is full, cooking in batches as needed.
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Fry each fillet 2–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown. Thin fillets take about 2 minutes per side; thicker fillets may take up to 4 minutes per side.
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Place fried fillets on the prepared pan in the oven to keep warm.
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Repeat with remaining fish until all fillets are cooked.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 fillets
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch
Total Time: 18 minutes (plus prep and batch cooking)
Variations
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free baking mix in place of flour.
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Cajun twist: Mix the cornmeal and flour with 5 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning for extra spice.
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Add herbs: Sprinkle fresh or dried dill, thyme, or paprika for additional flavor.
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Different fish: Works with tilapia, haddock, or halibut.
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Air fryer option: Fry in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes for a crunchy alternative.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftover fried fish in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air fryer: For the crunchiest results, air fry leftovers at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh water instead of sparkling water?
Yes, but sparkling water helps keep the crust lighter and crispier.
Can I make the seasoning ahead of time?
Absolutely, store it in an airtight container for several weeks.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking?
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the fish and do not overcrowd the skillet.
Can I bake the fish instead of frying?
Yes, lightly coat and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
Is this seasoning spicy?
Mildly, but you can increase cayenne pepper for more heat.
Can I use this seasoning for shrimp or chicken?
Yes, it works well with shrimp, chicken tenders, or other proteins.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The crust should be golden and crispy, and the fish should flake easily with a fork.
Can I freeze the cooked fish?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it will slightly alter the texture and color of the crust.
Can I make this more flavorful?
Add extra garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to the cornmeal mixture to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Cornmeal Fish Fry Seasoning creates a golden, crispy, and flavorful crust for your favorite white fish in under 10 minutes. With simple ingredients and a classic Southern approach, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality fried fish at home. Enjoy fresh from the skillet or reheat leftovers for a quick and delicious meal.
