Frying Fish in Olive Oil is a delicious dinner that gives you super crunchy fish with less oil and all the flavor! Pan-frying fish has such a delicious flavor but it’s much easier than deep-frying fish!
My best friend has one child and he is my best buddy. Tanner is an AVID fisherman. On a recent visit, he woke up at 430am to go fishing! Then he came home and made dinner for the family. This is HIS recipe – what a great kid!!!!
What You Will ❤️ About Frying Fish in Olive Oil
- Easy – This is a simple breading and it was done in less than 15 minutes from start to finish
- Flavor Bomb – The combo of breading ingredients gives any white fish a punch of flavor! No worries though – it’s not TOO spicy.
- Crunchy – I love the crunch this fried fish has when done – it definitely is a recipe I make on repeat!
Ingredients for Frying Fish in Olive Oil
This fried fish recipe is crunchy and delicious – and only has 4 ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup Hooters Wing Breading – this wing breading is pre-seasoned and my favorite
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce – if you’re missing this, you can use tabasco or wing sauce
- 1 pound cod fillets – see variations section for other fish that work well
- 1/2 cup olive oil – I always use extra-virgin olive oil – this decanter is my go-to!
Recipe Variations for Pan-Fried Fish
- Cooking Oil – swap out the olive oil for other frying oil – be aware of smoke points for oils so you cook at the appropriate temperature
- Avocado Oil – High Smoke Point of 480º – can cook on HIGH heat
- Coconut Oil/Ghee/Sunflower Oil/Safflower Oil/Peanut Oil – 450º Smoke Point – can cook on HIGH/MEDIUM HIGH
- Canola Oil/Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 400º Smoke Point – cook on MEDIUM HIGH
- Type of Fish – There are so many kinds of fish that work for this recipe – I especially like white fish like cod, tilapia, blue gill, perch, bass and catfish. Try and avoid super thin pieces as they will be too delicate when turning.
- Seasoning – If you can’t find or don’t have Hooter’s Wing Breading, you can also use all-purpose flour and add paprika, chili powder, salt & black pepper
How to make crispy pan fried fish?
Because the fish is “damp” and has moisture – there’s no need for egg! Here’s how to make the best pan-fried fish in olive oil:
- Heat skillet on medium (6/7 of 10) and add olive oil
- Lay out two breading trays or shallow dishes and pour breading in one and sauce in the other
- Coat fish fillets in Hooter’s Wing Breading
- Move coated fillets to Franks Red Hot Sauce and dip each side so completely coated
- Move fillets back to wing breading and re-coat
- Lay fillets into hot skillet – should sizzle and pop right away.
- Fry fish for 3 minutes per side. Watch closely so breading does not burn.
- Remove from pan and serve with a garnish of fresh lemon juice.
Tips, Tricks & FAQs
If using extra virgin olive oil – I wouldn’t put too much in the pan – but if using vegetable oil – you might try 1/2 inch of oil in the pan – it keeps the fish from sticking too much. I made this fried fish recipe in a cast iron skillet.
Get a good stainless steel fish spatula!!! The difference is amazing! I first noticed this type of spatula on Hells Kitchen and decided to try it out. It’s so much better. The stainless steel is very thin and slips underneath the fish easily. And I use it for so many things!!!
Yes – of course – fish such as salmon, tuna and trout are also delicious when fried in olive oil. Because those sometimes have skins you will definitely want that fish spatula! Most of the time these types of fish are not breaded and are just seasoned or marinated. They also don’t need to be cooked all the way through like white fish as you can have salmon (or the others) medium rare.
Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like these glass ones) in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375º for 5-6 minutes.
What to serve with pan fried fish?
More Delicious Fried Recipes
Get Heather’s NEW cookbook – Air Fryer Cooking for One today!
Frying Fish in Olive Oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hooter's Wing Breading
- 1/3 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
- 2 pounds cod
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Heat skillet on medium (6/7 of 10) and add olive oil1/2 cup olive oil
- Lay out two breading trays or shallow dishes and pour breading in one and sauce in the other1 cup Hooter's Wing Breading, 1/3 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
- Coat fish fillets in Hooter's Wing Breading2 pounds cod
- Move coated fillets to Franks Red Hot Sauce and dip each side so completely coated
- Move fillets back to wing breading and re-coat
- Lay fillets into hot skillet – should sizzle and pop right away.
- Fry fish for 3 minutes per side. Watch closely so breading does not burn.
- Remove from pan and serve with a garnish of fresh lemon juice.
Catherine says
Oh my gosh,this sounds absolutely dreamy! Amazing kid,so thank you so much, gotta try,need it now!😊
FoodHussy says
It's really good – you'll love it!
Roy Allan says
Bloody proud of Tanner, good lad
Tanner says
Thanks man👍