Flaky, golden, and satisfyingly crisp—this dish is comfort food done right.
When those crunchy cravings strike, this pairing of tender fried cod and seasoned onion rings delivers the ultimate indulgence. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend splurge, or a crowd-pleasing game-day meal.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Crispy Cod
Cod fillets – 4 (6 oz each)
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Cornmeal – ½ cup
Paprika – 1 tsp
Garlic powder – ½ tsp
Onion powder – ½ tsp
Salt – ¼ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Eggs – 2 large
Vegetable oil – For frying
For the Onion Rings
Large onions – 2, sliced into rings
Buttermilk – 1 cup
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
Paprika – 1 tsp
Garlic powder – ½ tsp
Onion powder – ½ tsp
Baking powder – ½ tsp
Salt & pepper – To taste
Vegetable oil – For frying
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings
Soak the Onions
Place sliced onion rings in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let them soak for 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for extra flavor.
Mix the Dry Coating
In a separate bowl, combine flour, panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Rings
Remove the onions from the buttermilk and dredge each ring in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, dip them again in buttermilk and repeat the coating step.
Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rings in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and crunchy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Step 2: Cook the Crispy Cod
Make the Breading
In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, panko, cornmeal, and seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Whisk the Eggs
Beat the eggs in a separate shallow dish until smooth.
Bread the Cod
Coat each fillet in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat once more in the flour mixture for an extra crispy crust.
Fry the Fish
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cod fillets for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Let them rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Plate & Serve
Arrange the crispy cod and onion rings on a serving platter.
Serve with dipping sauces like tartar, ketchup, or garlic aioli.
Add lemon wedges or sprinkle with fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
💡 Pro Tips
Maintain the Heat: Keep the oil at 350°F for best results. Lower temps = soggy food.
Double Dip = Extra Crunch: A second dip in buttermilk and flour makes the onion rings extra crispy.
Keep It Warm: Store cooked pieces in a 200°F oven while you finish frying the rest.
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