Best Gluten Free Fish and Chips

There's nothing quite like the classic British dish of fish and chips. The crispy golden batter, the tender, flaky cod, and the perfectly cooked chips make for a comforting and delicious meal. But what if you want to enjoy this classic dish with a twist?

Perhaps you need a gluten-free option or want to try making air fryer fish and chips for a healthier alternative. Look no further! This blog post will guide you through the best fish and chips recipe, featuring gluten-free ingredients and an air fryer cooking method. Let's dive into this tasty journey!

What You Need: Ingredients

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need to make the best fish and chips:

For the Fish:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup gluten-free beer or sparkling water (for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Chips:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cod

First, let's talk about the fish. For the best fish and chips, you need high-quality cod. We recommend getting your cod from Fish For Skeptics. Our cod is perfect for fish and chips because it's fresh, sustainably sourced, and has the perfect texture for frying.

1. Pat the Cod Dry: Start by patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to ensure the batter sticks well.
2. Season the fish by putting a little salt on both sides. Let the fish sit for a few minutes before making the batter.

Step 2: Making the Batter

Next, we'll make the gluten-free batter. This batter is light, crispy, and absolutely delicious.

1. In a big bowl, mix together gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Add Liquid: Gradually pour in the gluten-free beer or sparkling water while whisking nonstop. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick. If it's too thick, add a little more liquid.

Step 3: Preparing the Chips

While the batter rests, let's move on to the chips. You can make them in the air fryer for a healthier option.

1. Cut the Potatoes: Peel and cut the russet potatoes into thick slices, about 1/2 inch wide.
2. Soak the Potatoes: Soak the potato slices in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, making the chips crispier.
3. Dry and Season: After soaking, drain and pat the potatoes dry. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chips are golden and crispy.

Step 4: Frying the Fish

Now that the chips are cooking, it's time to fry the fish.

1. Heat the Oil: If you're using a deep fryer, preheat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you're using a skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Coat the Fish: Dip each cod fillet into the batter, making sure it's fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully placing the fish in the hot oil.
3. Fry: Fry the fish in batches, about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Air Frying Alternative

1. Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Coat the Fish: Lightly coat the fish fillets with olive oil, or use a breading method. Dredge the fillets in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then coat them with breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not overlap to ensure even cooking.
4. Air Fry: Cook the fish for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fillets are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Serve immediately, pairing with your freshly cooked chips for a delightful meal.

Serving Your Fish and Chips

Now that both the fish and chips are ready, it's time to serve your delicious meal!

1. Plate Up: Arrange the fish and chips on a plate. For an authentic touch, serve them on a piece of parchment paper or in a small basket.
2. Add Condiments: Serve with traditional condiments like malt vinegar, tartar sauce, or lemon wedges. For a gluten-free option, ensure your condiments are also gluten-free.
3. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your homemade fish and chips! The crispy batter, tender fish, and perfectly cooked chips make for an unbeatable combination.

Tips for the Perfect Fish and Chips

1. Use high quality cod: Cod from Fish For Skeptics is your best bet for tender and flavorful fish.
2. Don't Skip the Soak: Soaking the potato slices is key to achieving crispy chips.
3. Control the Batter Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the batter by adding more or less liquid. A slightly thicker batter will give you a crunchier coating.
4. Serve Immediately: Fish and chips are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Making the best fish and chips at home is easier than you think, especially with this gluten-free recipe and air fryer method. Use good ingredients like cod from Fish For Skeptics and take extra steps to make sure everything is crispy and delicious.

Whether you're gluten-free or just looking for a healthier take on this classic dish, this recipe will not disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a plate of the best fish and chips you've ever had!