Ingredients:
- Fish piece according to choice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added spice)
- 1 cup cold club soda or sparkling water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the cold club soda or sparkling water, whisking continuously, until a thick but smooth batter is formed. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish fillets but still pourable.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep.
- Dip the fish fillets into the batter, allowing any excess to drain off, and carefully lower them into the hot oil. Fry the fish in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully flip the fish halfway through cooking. Remove the fried fish from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
- Repeat with the remaining fish fillets until all are cooked.
- Serve the crispy fried fish hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. You can also serve it with tartar sauce, coleslaw, or fries for a classic fish and chips meal.
Enjoy your delicious homemade crispy fried fish!