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Best Recipe for Deep Frying Fish on A Keto Diet

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This easy recipe is the best way to make golden brown fish fillets for a ketogenic diet.

This is one of my favorite ways to prepare pieces of fish in a deep fryer because this flavorful almond flour mixture creates fish filets with a delightfully crunchy coating. 

This is a good recipe for those with gluten intolerance or anyone following a low carb diet because this fish recipe doesn’t require any panko bread crumbs or cornmeal coating to create a crispy crunch.

recipe for deep frying fish

Can You Eat Fried Fish on a Keto Diet?

Yes! Many low-carb diets encourage dieters to consume flaky white fish.

This is one of the best things about following a keto meal plan, as long as you don’t consume breaded fish, you can have a piece of fish anytime you want.

There are several types of fish that are perfect for a keto lifestyle, but this recipe is best with any white fish filets you have on hand.

Fried fish can be part of a healthy keto diet, but it’s important to make some considerations.

When indulging in fried fish on keto, choose a healthy oil like coconut or olive oil to maintain the desired nutritional value.

Additionally, be mindful of portion sizes, as fried fish can be calorie-dense and potentially disrupt ketosis depending on the keto fish batter you use for the cooking process. 

Fried fish provides essential nutrients for keto dieters like protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help combat inflammation, making it a healthier choice for keto devotees.

Opt for fish varieties such as cod, salmon, trout, or tilapia, which are low in carbs and high in healthy fats. 

By incorporating fried fish into your keto diet, you can enjoy benefits such as increased b vitamins which makes it a great option for those following a low-carbohydrate diet or anyone monitoring their total carbs.

Fish is a great source of high-quality protein, and low in g net carbs.

So if you are looking for a meal while counting your grams of carbs and want to increase the grams of protein you take in, a fish fillet is a great low-carb option.  

It is a good choice because it is a good source of protein, has been proven to help with cognitive function, and it is a great way to get vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids into keto-friendly recipes.

However, be cautious of excessive unhealthy fats and sodium commonly found in fried foods, and ensure moderation in your consumption.

Swap out the traditional side dish of french fries for an item with a lower carb content such as zucchini fries and this is a great choice for fried fish on a keto diet.

Fried fish can be a valuable addition to a keto diet due to its omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins which are great for warding off heart disease and improving brain function.

Plus it’s a great source of protein and will not impact your blood sugar levels as with some frozen fish sticks. 

Nonetheless, it’s essential to choose your cooking methods wisely, practice portion control, and balance your overall diet with other healthy foods.

Remember, the key to success on a keto diet lies in making mindful choices that support your weight loss goals.

recipe for deep frying fish

​Why is this the Best Fried Fish Recipe?

This is the best way to deep fry fish because it’s delicious and so easy to make, even if this is your first time making deep-fried fish.

Paired with numerous companion nourishments such as lemon wedges or homemade tartar sauce, this is the healthiest option when you want battered fish. 

Follow the recipe card below and the end result will speak for itself. 

recipe for deep frying fish

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe for Deep Frying Fish

For this fish fry, the first thing you will need is a good deep fryer.

While there are other ways to make fried food, this one consistently delivers the best fish each and every time I make it.

Plus, it’s an easy way to quickly heat the cooking oil without having to monitor the oil temperature, this is especially true if you use this deep fryer, it has a built-in deep-fry thermometer which makes things so much easier. 

If you don’t have a deep fryer and want to try this recipe in a cast iron skillet, a Dutch oven, or a large skillet, just be sure to monitor the oil to make sure it stays at the right temperature.

You will also need paper towels or some way to let the fish drip off excess oil, a wire rack set on top of a shallow dish would work as well.

This recipe for deep frying fish also calls for fresh fish. garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and a low carb cajun seasoning.

You will need a small bowl to dredge fish, or you can use paper plates if you are making a small batch and want a quick cleanup.

You can also double this recipe and use a medium bowl or a  large mixing bowl for the batter, depending on the amount you want to make.

If you are working with smaller pieces, a shallow bowl will work just fine. 

What is the smoke point of Oil? 

When choosing the best oil to use for making your first batch of deep-fried fish, there are many things to consider.

For best results, see the information below on which hot oil will have a high smoking point. 

Personally, I use vegetable oil but that may not be one of the best choices for health reasons so if you decide to choose a different oil for this great recipe, be sure to get informed on the smoke point of different oils below. 

This will impact the texture of the cooked fish, as well as the internal temperature and cooking time.

If you are making this recipe in a skillet, you may need to use several cups of vegetable oil to submerge the fish pieces. 

  • Olive oil: The smoke point can vary depending on the type of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, typically around 325-375°F (165-190°C), while regular olive oil has a higher smoke point, usually around 390-470°F (200-245°C).
  • Coconut oil: Refined coconut oil has a smoke point of about 450°F (232°C), making it suitable for high-heat cooking and frying. Unrefined coconut oil has a slightly lower smoke point, around 350°F (177°C), but it can still be used for most frying purposes.
  • Canola oil: Canola oil has a relatively high smoke point, usually ranging from 400-450°F (204-232°C), making it suitable for various cooking methods, including deep frying.
  • Avocado oil: Avocado oil is known for its high smoke point, typically between 400-520°F (204-271°C), depending on the quality and brand. It is considered an excellent choice for deep frying and high-temperature cooking.
  • Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil generally refers to a blend of different oils, and the smoke point can vary depending on the specific oils used in the blend. Typically, it has a moderate to high smoke point, ranging from 350-450°F (177-232°C).
  • Peanut oil: Peanut oil has a high smoke point, typically around 440-450°F (227-232°C), which makes it a popular choice for deep frying and other high-temperature cooking methods.

Remember, it’s important to monitor the oil’s temperature while cooking to prevent it from reaching its smoke point, as heated oil beyond its smoke point can release harmful compounds and develop an unpleasant taste.

recipe for deep frying fish

How to Make This Recipe for Deep Frying Fish

The first step in making this recipe for deep frying fish is to soak the fish in water, I usually do this the night before making.

If you aren’t worried about calories or want more of a beer batter type of recipe, feel free to soak the fish in beer instead. 

Heat up the deep fryer and prepare a paper plate lined with a paper towel, or a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet.

Both are excellent choices, but if you place the fish on a cooling rack or oven-safe dish, you will be able to keep the oven set at a low temperature to help the fish retain the heat in between batches.

Just make sure you place the finished fish pieces in a single layer, this will prevent them from sticking together. 

Add a cup of almond flour to a bowl or use a paper plate or plastic bag for easy cleanup, and add in the seasonings.

Mix the cup of flour with the seasonings and then set aside.

Drain the fish to the point that they do not contain any excess water, I usually squeeze out the cold water before dredging the fish in the breading mixture. 

Shake off any excess flour, and set aside. If you are making a lot of fish, do this a second time and then do this with the next batch as well.

It is best to coat all of the fish fillets before moving on to the next step because frying fish is such a fast process, this will free you up for monitoring the fish while it is frying. 

Heat your air fryer to 375 degrees and depending on the thickness of your fish, the cooking should only take 2-3 minutes to cook.

Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

If you are warming this cooked recipe up for later, it may be best to use an air fryer on medium-high heat to do so.

The hot air will heat it up without making it soggy and you won’t have to increase the unhealthy oil that this recipe contains. 

can you eat fried fish on keto diet

Variations on this Recipe

While this is the best recipe for deep-frying fish, you may not have what you need on hand or just want to use different ingredients.

Feel free to switch up some of the ingredients this recipe calls for to suit your needs.

Just keep the following information in mind if you are looking for a variation on this recipe for deep-frying fish. 

Can I use Coconut Flour In Place of Almond Flour in this Recipe for Deep Frying Fish?

Coconut flour is a fantastic choice for this fish recipe, even when cooked at moderate to high temperatures.

It possesses unique characteristics that you will need to take into account during the cooking process.

Due to its high fiber content, coconut flour is highly absorbent, which can influence the texture and moisture levels of my baked goods or coatings.

Since coconut flour absorbs more liquid compared to other flours, you might need to tweak the amount of liquid in this recipe.

Adding a bit more liquid or incorporating extra eggs can help maintain the desired consistency and moisture.

Be mindful of the cooking process as coconut flour tends to brown more quickly than other flours due to its natural sugars.

*To prevent over-browning or burning, you will need to keep a close eye on your fish while it’s cooking.

low carb fish breading

Tips for An Extra Crispy Crust

You can keep this recipe keto friendly and monitor the grams of net carbs while using other ingredients if you’d like an extra crispy crust, you don’t need corn meal or plain bread crumbs to do it.

You can dredge the fish in an egg wash before rolling it in pork rinds or parmesan cheese. 

Tips for a Spicy Crust

You can dredge the fish in an egg wash with egg whites or an egg mixture with beaten eggs and your favorite hot sauce to the beat eggs before rolling it in the almond flour mixture.

Add in cayenne pepper or white pepper for an extra burst of flavor.

Pair this recipe with your favorite sides and dipping sauces, squirt it with some lemon juice, and enjoy! 

​Popular Posts for Keto Dieters

When following a keto-friendly and low-carb diet, it’s important to have a good understanding of the foods you can incorporate into your meals.

For example, broccoli is considered a keto-friendly vegetable due to its low carbohydrate content.

This article on “Is Broccoli Keto Friendly?” provides insights into why broccoli is a great choice for those on a ketogenic diet and offers tips on how to include it in your meals.

Another essential item to consider is eggs, which are highly versatile and packed with nutrients. “How Many Eggs a Day on a Keto Diet?” explores the role of eggs in a keto diet.

This post tells you everything you need to know about eggs on a keto diet, including their health benefits, as well as their high protein and healthy fat content.

Nuts, on the other hand, can be a source of confusion for keto dieters due to their varying carbohydrate levels.

However, many nuts are indeed keto-friendly. “Are Nuts Keto Friendly?” breaks down the carb content of different types of nuts and provides guidance on incorporating them into a low-carb eating plan.

Lastly, radishes are a lesser-known keto-friendly vegetable that can be a great addition to your meals. “Are Radishes Keto?” explores the nutritional profile of radishes, their carb content, and how they can be incorporated into keto-friendly recipes.

By understanding the keto-friendliness of these foods, you can make informed choices that support your low-carb high-fat diet.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free newsletter so the next time I share a low-carb recipe, you will get the recipe delivered right to your inbox! 

can you eat fried fish on keto diet
Yield: 1/2 Pound of Fish

Best Recipe for Deep Frying Fish on Keto Diet

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound of white fish filets
  • 1 Cup of Almond Flour
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon of Cajun Seasoning
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder

Instructions

    The first step in making this recipe for deep frying fish is to soak the fish in water, I usually do this the night before making.
    Heat up the deep fryer to 375 degrees.

Prepare a paper plate lined with a paper towel, or a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet.

Make sure you place the finished fish pieces in a single layer, this will prevent them from sticking together. 

Add a cup of almond flour to a bowl or use a paper plate or plastic bag for easy cleanup, and add in the seasonings.

Mix the cup of flour with the seasonings and then set aside. Drain the fish to the point that they do not contain any excess water, I usually squeeze out the cold water before dredging the fish in the breading mixture. 

Shake off any excess flour, and set aside. If you are making a lot of fish, do this a second time and then do this with the next batch as well.

Heat your air fryer to 375 degrees and depending on the thickness of your fish, the cooking should only take 2-3 minutes to cook. See the post for variations on this recipe such as how to make it extra crispy.

About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

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