This crispy golden whiting fish is perfectly seasoned, well coated, and fried until golden brown— soft and moist on the inside and irresistibly crunchy on the outside. It’s a Southern favorite that never disappoints.
Whether you grew up eating it at family fish fries or you’re just discovering this delicious dish, there’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a crunchy piece of fried fish. With the right seasoning like our Jacmel seasoning blend (optional) for extra flavor and technique, you can bring restaurant-quality fried whiting straight to your kitchen!
About This Fried Whiting Fish
This recipe for fried whiting fish is a basic Southern fried fish recipe. Beautifully panned fried with a super golden crust, moist and tender on the inside, and serves well for dinner or potluck.
Fried chicken and fried fish are probably the first two dishes that are on top of Southern cuisine. This pan-fried fish is coated with delicious, seasoned corn flour and is pan-fried within 10 minutes or less.
Hot or cold, this crispy fried whiting fish is always a crowd-pleaser. With this pan-fried fish recipe, there’s no reason to bring out the deep fryer. Plus, it will take less time to cook the fish than the amount of time it will take you to wash and put away the deep fryer.
What is Whiting Fish?
From the Atlantic Ocean to the local fish markets and stores, this mild, white-fleshed whiting fish has a delicate, flaky texture with a slightly sweet flavor. No wonder why it’s an excellent choice for frying.
Whiting is a Gadiformes (cod-like) fish. This slender, low in mercury fish occupies the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, including the North Sea on the East Coast of Britain. Although it is often compared to cod, this fish has the character to stand alone at the dinner table. Unlike cod, whiting fish tend to lean more on the softer and lighter side.
Make This Recipe For Less Than 15 Dollars
What I like about whiting fish is that it’s inexpensive. Every bite of this fried whiting takes me back to not only childhood fish fries, but also when funds were limited—the sound of sizzling oil, the scent of seasoned fish filling the air, and the joy of gathering around the table with family and sometimes, friends. Fried whiting isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.
I often pick up a couple of bags from Aldi for less than $12.00, making it perfect for a $15.00 or less meal.
It serves well with a side of potato fries, yuca fries, to steamed cabbage for a meal everyone will love!
Aside from being extremely easy to prepare, this recipe is gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour).
The fish is incredibly delicious and fries well in minutes. Not to mention, it compliments most food dishes and is easy to thaw if frozen.
This Southern pan-fried whiting fish doesn’t get any easier than this. It pairs well with cauliflower, rice and beans.
Secret To Getting That Perfect Crunch
Start by cleaning the fish with vinegar, lemon, or lime. Rinse well then pat dry.
Place the fish in a large bowl or plate, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
The key to crispy fried whiting is using a well-seasoned cornmeal or flour coating, frying in hot oil (350–375°F), and ensuring the fish is dry before coating.
For coating, the key ingredients I used to make the fried whiting fish are – cornmeal, cayenne pepper, 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt and pepper to taste, dried basil, and vegetable oil for frying.
Some prefer a wet batter for a thicker crust, while others love the classic cornmeal-flour dredge for a crunchy texture.
More Fish Recipes To Enjoy
BOUILLABAISSE (FRENCH FISH STEW)
How To Make This Fish
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Pan Fried Whiting Fish Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy Bottom Skillet or Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste; Lightly season the fish with salt and pepper to taste. I also added 1 ½ tsp. Kosher salt and 1 tsp. ground black pepper to the flour coating.
- 1 pk. Whiting fish fillet
- vegetable oil for frying Peanut will also work as well. I used about 6 cups of oil
Instructions
- Wash and lightly season the fish with salt and pepper. Set aside.In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, cayenne pepper, all-purpose flour, salt and pepper to taste, and basil. Mix well and set aside.
- in a heavy bottom pan add the oil and heat the oil to 375℉. Coat each fish one by one and set aside on a plate.
- Then fry the fish in small batches for 5 minutes per side. Repeat the steps with the remaining fish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: French fries, coleslaw or pikliz, hush puppies, cornbread, or with this Haitian style mac and cheese or with this Stovetop mac and cheese.
- Lighter Options: Cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- Dipping Sauces: Tartar sauce, hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Bread Pairings or Make it a Sandwich: Alongside vegetables, serve this fried whiting with this Air fryer Milk Buns, or serve it as a sandwich in a soft bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiment.
Michelle says
I just found this recipe and made it tonight. It was delicious. Thank you for this great gluten free option, I had both gluten free flour and cornmeal in my pantry. I found the frozen whiting at Costco.
Mirlene says
So glad it worked out. Thank you, Michelle
Sharon says
I use my electric skillet for pan frying the whiting. Comes out perfect every time. Great recipe! Thank you.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Sharon. Glad you liked the recipe and that the fish came out great for you.
Gladys says
I fry all my seafood with lemon fish fry and it is delicious. I don’t use the fish fry with lemon pepper because it is to salty but you can add a little yourself if you want.
Shirley says
I have Pacific whiting frozen. How do you prepare frozen fish for frying? When defrosted it’s soggy and I dry it with paper towel but when finished frying it tastes bland. I don’t like it that way.
Mirlene says
Hi Shirley,
Please stay tuned as I have a video explaining how to solve this issue soon on our Youtube channel.
William Licklider says
Be sure to defrost your fish in cold water. Allow to drain and then pat dry. Let sit at room temperature while preparing other ingredients. If you try to defrost whiting or any other white fish fast using warm water it will be soggy and mushy.
Roxann says
Oooo, what a great trip. For the frozen fillets, I do have a question. Do I need to defrost on the same day in the cold water or the day before? For how long?
Mirlene says
Hi Roxann,
you can defrost it in cold water on the same day. Usually take about 30 – 50 minutes to defrost under water.
Marissa Vega says
Can I stick these in the air fryer?
Mirlene says
Yes. However, the texture may change slightly. Cook it at a minimum (air fryer) temperature of 325 degrees and a maximum of 375 degrees (depending on your air fryer).
Erica Mcfadgon says
Great recipe!!!! this fish was an all time favorite. Deliciously good.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Erica!
Yenni says
I bought whiting with the skin on am I supposed to remove or leave on?
Mirlene says
It depends on your preference. The skin will be crispy when fried.
blue 517 blue says
i just bought some whiting at the store, i am going to use your receipe.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much.Hope you enjoy it.
Rebekah says
Can I use regular flour?
Mirlene says
Yes, you can use regular flour.
Claretha says
Can I use fish seasoning??
Mirlene says
Hi Claretha,
You can use fish seasoning. However, it may alter the taste.
Lana Kaufman says
How hot should the oil be?
Mirlene says
Keep the temperature between 350-360 degrees.
Prairiedogg says
Never mind parts of my questions.
How much oil do you use? How deep is it in the pan?
Can you use a mixture of oil and butter?
Mirlene says
Hello. I used a 6-quart Dutch oven to fry the finish. If you are pan-frying it, I recommend using no more than half of cup (1/2) oil and at that quantity, you may use butter as well; although it is not necessary. If you would like to deep fry the fish, I recommend using up to 3 cups of oil but no butter.
Nicole says
Do you keep the skin on?
Mirlene says
Hello Nicole, I purchase the whiting fillet. You can make it with the skin on if choose to. It will not change the outcome of the dish. The skin will be crispy.
Carolyn says
I feel like I’ve been living under a rock, this recipe is so delicious and quick! I love fried whiting and before Covid, I found a place that makes the most amazing fried whiting. But, I don’t eat out anymore and the restaurant is too far away from my home. So imagine my excitement when I saw your simple yet delicious recipe, which I’ve tried numerous times and OMG, it’s fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing!
Mirlene says
Thank you so much Carolyn.
I am very happy to read your comment. Please stay safe and be well.
Prairiedogg says
What kind and how much oil do you put in the pan?
How long do you cook?
Carl Schultz says
Whiting is similar to Pollack ( a mild or flavorless fish found in the Bering Sea and other oceans)
Pam says
My kids love this type of meal, I can’t wait to try your recipe. Looks great!
MDesir says
Thank you!
Leslie says
My mouth is watering! I love southern fried as opposed to battered. Your side selections are spot on. I could get into a good southern meal!
MDesir says
Thank you very much, Leslie!
Elaina says
I’ve never had whiting before, but this is similar to how my family fries fresh caught catfish. Super yummy!
MDesir says
You will like it. It is a flakier fish. It does not work well in stews as it will crumble apart. The technique is similar to when frying catfish.
Hope says
I love how quick and easy this is to cook! It looks very tasty!
ChihYu Smith says
I love pan fried fish! They are the best !
Tina says
This looks so good. I lived in Texas and love Southern food. I have to try this soon! Any tips on how to fry on the skillet?
STACEY CRAWFORD says
What a great, healthier alternative to fried fish! delicious!
Cathy says
Not being from the South, I’ve never tried whiting, but this looks like the recipe to use when I’m down there!
Anya says
Oh my! Those flakes are the best and that crust is amazing!
MDesir says
Thank you, Anya!
Raia Todd says
I love pan-fried fish! This looks so delicious!
MDesir says
Thank you, Raia!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I have never heard the term whiting fish before. I am from the midwest and we say white fish, and I wonder if it is the same thing. Either way, the fish looks great and I love when I find regional variations in ingredients!
MDesir says
Hmm! You just gave me some research to do. I wonder if it is called the same thing as well. I will have to look this up. Thank you!
Renee D Kohley says
My kiddos adore crispy fish – i love your simple breading/seasoning – they will love that!
MDesir says
My kiddos love it too when I make it. I think it is because they can easily have it with their favorite dish. Thank you!