Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe delivers crispy, golden fish with a perfectly seasoned batter that’s easy to make at home. Enjoy restaurant-quality seafood without the hassle!
If you’re craving that classic Captain D’s fish with its irresistible crunchy batter, you’re in the right place.
This Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe brings the restaurant favorite right into your kitchen with a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating and tender flaky fish inside. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when guests come over.
Get ready to enjoy golden, crunchy fish without the drive-thru!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Perfect Crunch Every Time – The batter crisps up beautifully for that satisfying crunch you crave.
- Easy to Make at Home – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean no fuss, no mess.
- Restaurant Quality – Enjoy the same great taste without leaving your kitchen or breaking the bank.
- Versatile Serving Options – Great with fries, coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauces.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Copycat Captain D’s Fish Ingredients List
- White fish fillets (cod, pollock, or haddock): Mild, flaky fish perfect for air frying.
- All-purpose flour: For dredging fish before battering.
- Cornstarch: Adds crispiness and light texture to batter.
- Baking powder: Helps create a light, airy batter crust.
- Salt: Enhances flavor of fish and batter.
- Black pepper: Adds mild seasoning and subtle heat.
- Cold sparkling water or club soda: Makes batter extra crispy and light.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides an extra crunchy coating for air frying.
- Cooking spray or oil: To lightly coat fish for crispy finish in air fryer.
How To Make Captain D’s Fish Recipe
Step 1: Pat your white fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add cold sparkling water or club soda, whisking until smooth and slightly thick.
Step 3: Dredge each fish fillet in a bit of flour first (this helps the batter stick), then dip into the batter. After that, press the fillets into panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy outer layer.
Step 4:Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, lemon wedges, and a side of fries or coleslaw for that classic Captain D’s experience.
Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe Tips
- Keep Your Ingredients Cold: Cold sparkling water or club soda in the batter makes it extra crispy. Don’t skip chilling it!
- Pat the Fish Dry: Moisture kills crunch—dab your fillets dry before battering.
- Flour First: Lightly dusting the fish with flour before dipping in batter helps it stick better.
- Panko Breadcrumbs for Crunch: Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but panko gives you that signature crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give each piece room to breathe for even crisping.
- Spray, Don’t Soak: A light spray of oil on the coated fish helps get that golden finish without drowning it in grease.
- Flip Halfway: Turn your fish halfway through cooking to get even browning on both sides.
- Serve Immediately: Crunch fades fast, so eat it hot or reheat quickly if needed.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Keep leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Wrap individual fish pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat fish in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness without drying it out. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes the coating soggy and the fish rubbery.
Copycat Captain D’s Batter Dipped Fish Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the fish dry before battering to ensure a crispy coating.
What type of fish works best? Mild white fish like cod, pollock, or haddock work great because they stay flaky and tender after frying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How do I get the batter extra crispy? Use cold sparkling water or club soda in the batter and coat the fish with panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
Can I bake instead of air fry? Yes, bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, but the texture won’t be as crispy as air frying or deep frying.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time? It’s best to mix the batter fresh before cooking for optimal texture and flavor.
More Copycat Captain D Recipes
- Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Captain D Fish Sticks Recipe
- Copycat Captain D’s Coleslaw Recipe
- Captain D’s Hush Puppies Recipe
- Captain D’s Coconut Shrimp Recipe
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Copycat Captain D’s Crunchy Battered Fish Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets, cod, haddock, or pollock; about 4–6 oz each
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup cold sparkling water , or beer
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Pat your white fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add cold sparkling water or club soda, whisking until smooth and slightly thick.
- Dredge each fish fillet in a bit of flour first (this helps the batter stick), then dip into the batter. After that, press the fillets into panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy outer layer.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, lemon wedges, and a side of fries or coleslaw for that classic Captain D’s experience.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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