Southern Fried Fish

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this Southern-style fried whiting is the ultimate comfort food! Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and fried to perfection, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious weeknight meal or a weekend fish fry.

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Southern Fried Fish

Why You'll Love This Southern Fried Fish Recipe

• Crispy & Flavorful: The perfect balance of crunch and bold seasoning

• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have

• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust cayenne and black pepper to taste

• Great for Any Occasion: Serve it for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or fish fry gatherings

• Pairs with Anything: Goes great with fries, coleslaw, or cornbread.

• Crispy Every Time: The perfect golden brown crust with every bite!

  
  

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Pat Dry the Fish: Removing excess moisture ensures crispier breading

• Let It Rest: Allowing the breaded fish to sit before frying helps the coating stick

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady

• Drain on a Wire Rack: This prevents soggy bottoms and keeps the fish crispy

  
  

Southern Fried Fish Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c. yellow cornmeal

• 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

• 3 tsp. season salt

• 1tsp. black pepper

• 1 1/2 tsp. paprika

• 1 tsp. garlic powder

• 1 tsp. onion powder

• 1 tsp. lemon pepper

• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

• 3 large eggs

• 1 lb. whiting fillets, patted dry

• Canola oil, for frying

Let's Get Started!

1. Seafood Breading:  In a zip-lock bag, add cornmeal, flour, season salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper and cayenne then shake to combine.

2. Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl. Add each fillet (one at a time) to egg mixture then add to the seafood breading and shake to coat well.

3. Shake of excess coating and place fish on parchment paper covered baking pan. Repeat breading process with each fillet. *Let the fish set for 10 minutes before frying. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy bottom pan.

4. Working in batches, lower fillets into the hot oil. Fry 2-5 minutes (depending on size of the fish) until golden brown on both sides.

5. Remove fish from fryer, drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Season lightly with season salt. Serve while hot.