Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter

This Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter is the ultimate comfort food combo! Featuring golden, flaky cod fillets coated in a light and crispy batter, paired with crunchy, perfectly seasoned onion rings, this dish is perfect for fish fry nights, game-day gatherings, or a fun family meal. Serve it with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Crunchy – The light batter fries up perfectly golden and crisp.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – No need for takeout when you can make this classic at home!
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a quick frying process.
• Perfect for Sharing – A great appetizer or main dish for a crowd.
• Customizable – Adjust seasonings or use an air fryer for a lighter version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Battered Cod:

• Cod fillets (or haddock, pollock, or halibut)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Beer (or club soda for a non-alcoholic version)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Onion Rings:

• Large onions (sweet or yellow)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar as a substitute)
• Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce
• Ketchup or spicy mayo
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Add Liquid – Slowly pour in the beer (or club soda), whisking until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prep the Onion Rings

3. Slice the Onions – Cut onions into thick rings and separate them.
4. Coat the Onion Rings – Dredge in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture again. For extra crispiness, press them into panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Onion Rings

5. Heat Oil – In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry – Cook onion rings in batches for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.

Step 4: Fry the Cod

7. Dredge the Fish – Lightly coat the cod fillets in flour, then dip into the batter.
8. Fry Until Golden – Carefully place the battered cod into the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

9. Plate It Up – Arrange the crispy cod and onion rings on a platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
10. Dip & Enjoy – Serve with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist – Add cayenne pepper to the batter for a little heat.
• Cheesy Onion Rings – Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb coating.
• Air Fryer Version – Cook onion rings and cod at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Lighter Version – Use club soda instead of beer for a milder flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch in the batter.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze battered cod and onion rings separately for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheating: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! Haddock, pollock, or halibut work well as substitutes for cod.

What’s the best beer for the batter?

A light beer like lager or pale ale gives the best crispiness without overpowering flavor.

Can I make this without beer?

Yes, club soda is a great substitute that still creates a crispy batter.

How do I prevent the batter from falling off the fish?

Make sure the fish is dry before dipping it into the batter. Lightly flouring it first also helps.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best for frying due to their high smoke points.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture won’t be as crispy, but it’s still tasty.

How do I keep the fish and onion rings crispy?

Place fried items on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, but use it within an hour for the best results. The carbonation helps create a light, airy texture.

What sides go well with this platter?

Coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad make great sides.

Can I add extra seasoning?

Absolutely! Try Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter is a restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home. With its perfectly golden batter, flaky fish, and crunchy onion rings, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it up with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the ultimate fried comfort food experience!

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