If you love the light, airy, crunchy coating from Long John Silver’s, this copycat batter comes remarkably close. The secret is the combination of flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder, which creates that signature crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups cold water or club soda
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Flavor Boost
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
These seasonings are often included in popular copycat versions for extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional seasonings.
- Slowly add the cold water or club soda, whisking until smooth.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish or Chicken
- Pat fish fillets or chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Lightly dust each piece with a little flour or cornstarch before dipping into the batter. This helps the batter stick better.
Step 3: Fry
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Dip each piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- Carefully place into the hot oil.
- Fry fish for 3–5 minutes or chicken for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on a wire rack for maximum crispiness.
Step 4: Make the Crispy Crumbs
For authentic Long John Silver’s-style “crunchies”:
- Drizzle a few spoonfuls of batter directly into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle these crunchy bits over the fish or chicken before serving. This trick is popular among copycat enthusiasts.
Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Use ice-cold club soda instead of water.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best crunch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4–6
This batter works beautifully on cod, haddock, tilapia, shrimp, chicken tenders, and even onion rings. Serve with tartar sauce, fries, and coleslaw for the full seafood-restaurant experience!
