Crispy Beer Batter Fish – Light, Flaky, and Better Than Takeout!

There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy, golden piece of beer-battered fish. It’s light, flaky, and packed with that classic restaurant crunch—except this version is even better because you can make it right at home!

The secret? Beer. It helps the flour coating become airy and crisp, giving you that satisfying bite. And if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), just pop them in the air fryer the next day for a few minutes—they crisp right back up like they were freshly fried!

How to Get That Perfect Crisp

For that even, restaurant-style coating, make sure your fish is dry and at room temperature before dipping it in the batter. When frying, place the cooked fish on a wire rack to let excess oil drain—this keeps it crisp and not soggy.

Want to level it up? Serve it on a brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and homemade tartar sauce for a healthier, homemade Filet-O-Fish sandwich!

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/2 can of beer

• 1/2 tbsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)

• Oil for frying

For the Tartar Sauce:

• 1 cup mayo

• 1/4 onion, finely diced

• 1 pickle, finely diced

• 1 tbsp pickle juice

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Frank’s hot sauce

• 1/2 tbsp mustard

Directions

1. Prepare the Fish

• Lay fish on a paper towel and refrigerate for 30 minutes to dry it out. This helps the batter stick better.

2. Make the Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, beer, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

• On a separate plate, spread the 1/4 cup flour for dredging.

3. Fry to Perfection

• Heat oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat.

• Dredge fish in flour, then coat it fully in the beer batter.

• Fry in batches, flipping once, until golden and crispy.

• Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve with French fries and tartar sauce or make a crispy fish sandwich with brioche, lettuce, and pickles.

Leftovers? No Problem!

Reheat your beer-battered fish in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, and it’ll be just as crispy as when you first fried it.

This easy, crispy beer-battered fish will transport you straight to a seaside fish shack—but from the comfort of your home. Enjoy!

Did you like this recipe, let me know on YouTube, Pinterest & Instagram 

Follow for more recipe ideas @mylakesideliving on Instagram or tag #mylakesidelivingrecipe

Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest recipes, travel tips and home ideas

PIN IT FOR LATER