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Home » Fish Recipes

Fish Fry Seasoning and Breading

Brandi Crawford kitchen headshot photo
Modified: Jun 4, 2026 · Published: Aug 2, 2024 by staysnatched · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment
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If your fish fry breading keeps falling off in the grease, turning soggy, or tasting bland, this recipe fixes all of that. The coating actually sticks, fries up crispy and golden, and stays packed with flavor in every bite. I’ve been sharing Southern comfort food recipes online for over 10 years, and one thing about me, I’m not serving pale, under-seasoned fried fish. This recipe gives you that crunchy fish fry texture people need in their lives.

breaded catfish nuggets on a plate with hot sauce and a fresh lemon

Use this breading with my Catfish Po Boy, Air Fryer Catfish, Fried Cod, and Fried Catfish recipes.

Table of Contents

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  • Fish Fry Breading Ingredients
  • How to Make Fish Fry Breading
  • Fish Fry Seasoning and Breading
    • Want to save this recipe for later?
    • Ingredients  1x2x3x
    • Instructions 
    • Notes
    • Nutrition
    • Nutrition Data
  • Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
  • Additional Flavor Substitutions
  • More Spice Blend Recipes

Fish Fry Breading Ingredients

  • Yellow Cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
yellow cornmeal, all purpose flour, and spices in separate bowls
cornmeal, flour, and spices in a glass bowl

How to Make Fish Fry Breading

  1. Combine cornmeal, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Stir and use for breaded fish or store for use later.

Want to save this recipe for later?

I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.

fish fry breading in a white bowl
breaded catfish nuggets on a sheet pan with parchment paper
person holding catfish nugget dipped in hot sauce
fish fry breading in a white bowl

Fish Fry Seasoning and Breading

Brandi Crawford
If your fish fry breading keeps falling off in the grease, turning soggy, or tasting bland, this recipe fixes all of that. The coating actually sticks, fries up crispy and golden, and stays packed with flavor in every bite. I’ve been sharing Southern comfort food recipes online for over 10 years, and one thing about me, I’m not serving pale, under-seasoned fried fish. This recipe gives you that crunchy fish fry texture people need in their lives.
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course seasoning, Spices
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 123 kcal

Want to save this recipe for later?

I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika is fine.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for a spicy kick. I like it spicy and add a full teaspoon.
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir.
  • Pair the fish fry breading with this Catfish Nuggets Recipe.

Notes

When making your own spice blend you should always make it to suit your taste. If it's your first time, cut the spices noted in the recipe in half. Taste the blend (you will have to do so before mixing it with flour), and then build and add more to suit your taste. You can always add additional spices in, but once you have added something, it's much harder to walk that back.
The recipe can be easily doubled, tripled, etc. for batch use.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3g
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Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips

How do I get crispy brown crust when making fish?

Select the right type of fish: Choose a firm and flaky fish variety like cod, catfish, haddock, or tilapia. These types of fish hold up well to frying and provide a nice texture.

Preparing the fish: Ensure the fish is completely dry. This helps remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the breading from sticking properly.

Dip each fish fillet into the fish fry breading, pressing gently to help it adhere. Make sure both sides are evenly coated with the breading mixture. You can also use buttermilk, as noted above.

Resting the breaded fish: Place the breaded fish fillets on a baking sheet or plate and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the breading to set and adhere better to the fish, resulting in a crispier texture.

How do I store homemade fish fry?

It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.

Can I re-use leftover fish fry breading?

If the leftover breading mixture has come into contact with raw fish, it's best to discard it to avoid cross-contamination. Bacteria from the raw fish could multiply and pose a food safety risk.

How do I ensure this breading sticks to the fish?

Pat the fish dry first. If the fish is wet, the breading is way more likely to slide right off while frying. I love to use buttermilk to ensure it sticks. It's also great for tenderizing the fish. Once you coat the fish, let it sit for a few minutes before frying. That little step helps the breading hold on better instead of falling apart in the oil.

Additional Flavor Substitutions

  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Lemon Pepper
  • Smoky Chipotle
  • Parmesan and Herb
  • Old Bay Seasoning

More Spice Blend Recipes

Dry Rub for Chicken Recipe
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning and Rub
Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
Homemade All Purpose Seasoning

More Fish Recipes

  • Crispy fried cod served with fries, tartar sauce, and hot water cornbread in a red checkered basket.
    Fried Cod
  • breaded catfish nuggets on a plate with hot sauce and a fresh lemon
    Crispy Catfish Nuggets
  • nobu miso black cod in a cast iron skillet
    Nobu Miso Black Cod Recipe
  • fish sandwich with cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun on a plate with fries
    Crispy Fish Sandwich

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Welcome!

Brandi is a self-taught cook and fitness enthusiast. She is the author of The Super Easy Air Fryer Cookbook and has been featured on Good Morning America and in Women's Health Magazine, Shape, Parade, Essence, Country Living, Southern Living, BuzzFeed, Delish, The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Spaces Magazine, Greatist, and more.

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