Crispy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible—this Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe is about to become your new obsession! Flaky, golden, and full of flavor, it’s everything you love about classic fried fish.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Captain D’s battered fish. There’s just something so comforting about a big plate of crispy, deep-fried fish. It’s one of my ultimate guilty pleasures, and now, you can recreate that same magic at home!
With today’s copycat recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy that signature crunch and tender, flaky interior right in your own kitchen. It’s a total game-changer for fish lovers!
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Uses cod, a widely available and flavorful white fish.
- Delivers the perfect crispy bite in every piece!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (FULL RECIPE BELOW):
- Cod fillets
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Ice-cold water
- Peanut oil for frying
HOW TO MAKE CAPTAIN D’S CRUNCHY BATTERED FISH:
- Prepare the Fish: Cut the cod into 1 1/2-inch strips. Place in a plastic bag with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake to coat evenly. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and toss again.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in ice-cold water until the batter reaches the consistency of pancake batter.
- Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat peanut oil to 350°F.
- Coat and Fry: Dip each fish piece into the batter, ensuring an even coating. Fry in batches for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer to a wire rack over a sheet tray. Sprinkle with kosher salt while hot. Serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, or tartar sauce.
BEST OIL FOR FRYING FISH: Peanut oil is our top choice for its rich flavor, but you can also use canola, vegetable oil, or shortening.
TIPS FOR EXTRA CRISPY FISH:
- Ensure the oil is fully heated before frying.
- Avoid a thick batter; thin it with a little more water if needed.
- Do not overcrowd the pan—fry in batches.
HOW TO STORE & REHEAT: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain crispiness.
TIPS & TRICKS:
- Cod works best, but other flaky white fish varieties will also do well.
- Always use ice-cold water in the batter for maximum crispiness.
- This recipe pairs well with all your favorite dipping sauces.
- Perfect for a fish fry—easily double or triple the batch to serve a crowd.
If you love recreating restaurant classics at home, you HAVE to try this Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe!
Other must-try recipes:
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Salmon Recipe: A Healthy, Flavorful Meal in Minutes
- Easy Air Fryer Recipes Every Busy Mom Will Love
- Delicious Turkey Meatballs with Egg Noodles: A Comfort Food Favorite
Let me know in the comments how this turned out for you! Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for even more delicious recipes!