Long John Silver’s Batter

This Long John Silver’s–style batter gives seafood that iconic light, crisp, golden coating everyone loves. It mixes up in minutes with pantry spices and fries beautifully, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the fish tender inside. Perfect for fish fillets, shrimp, or homemade fish-and-chips night, this simple batter delivers restaurant-style results right at home. Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dip for a satisfying, classic meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cold water

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. Slowly whisk in the cold water until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
3. Let the batter rest 10–15 minutes to hydrate and develop flavor.
4. Dip fish or other seafood into the batter, coating evenly.
5. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or deep skillet.
6. Fry battered seafood until golden and crisp, a few minutes depending on thickness.
7. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sauces and sides.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: ~120 kcal | Servings: 4

Tips

• Keep the water very cold for the crispiest results.
• Work in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.

FAQ

Can I use sparkling water instead of still water?
Yes—sparkling water makes the batter even lighter and crispier.

Can this batter be used for vegetables?
Absolutely; it works great on onion rings, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Why rest the batter?
Resting helps the flour hydrate and improves texture and adhesion.

Do I need to season the seafood first?
A light sprinkle of salt and pepper on the seafood enhances flavor before dipping.