Long John Silver’s Batter

 

Long John Silver’s Batter Recipe: Crispy, Golden Perfection at Home

If you've ever found yourself dreaming of that unmistakable crunch from Long John Silver’s crispy fried fish or chicken, you're not alone. There's something iconic about that light, airy, golden batter — crisp on the outside, tender inside, and deliciously seasoned. Now, you can bring that signature crunch home with this easy copycat Long John Silver’s Batter recipe.

Perfect for fish, chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables, this recipe lets you recreate your favorite fast-food indulgence in your own kitchen — no drive-thru required.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Crispy, light texture: The secret is in the combination of flour, corn starch, and baking powder, which creates that signature bubbly crunch.

• Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand.

• Versatile: Use it for fish fillets, chicken tenders, shrimp, or even onion rings and zucchini fries.

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Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons corn starch

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional for extra flavor)

• 3/4 cup cold water (adjust for consistency)

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

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Instructions

1. Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and onion powder. Slowly add cold water, whisking until smooth. The batter should be slightly thinner than pancake batter — thin enough to coat but not too runny.

2. Prepare Your Protein or Veggies

Pat your fish fillets, chicken tenders, or vegetables dry with paper towels. This helps the batter stick better and fry up crispier.

3. Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot before frying to avoid soggy batter.

4. Dip and Fry

Dip each piece into the batter, letting excess drip off, then gently lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Drain and Serve

Remove to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce.

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Tips for Extra Crispy Results

• Use cold water: Cold batter hitting hot oil creates more bubbles = more crunch.

• Fry in small batches: Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and can lead to greasy, limp batter.

• Double-fry for extra crispiness: For an ultra-crunchy result, let pieces cool slightly and refry for 1–2 minutes.

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What to Serve With It

• Classic sides: French fries, hush puppies, coleslaw

• Dipping sauces: Tartar sauce, malt vinegar, spicy mayo, or honey mustard

• Upgrade it: Turn into a fish sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomato, and creamy sauce

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Final Thoughts

There’s something nostalgic and satisfying about replicating restaurant favorites at home — and this Long John Silver’s Batter recipe is spot-on for flavor and texture. Whether you're frying up flaky white fish or crispy chicken strips, this batter gives you that signature crackle that makes every bite irresistible.

So dust off your deep fryer (or skillet), gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your taste buds — and maybe even outdo the original.

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Pro tip: Pair this with a cold drink and a sunny day, and you’ve got your own DIY fish fry at home!