Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter

When the weather is gloomy or I’m craving something hearty and indulgent, nothing beats my Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter. This dish is inspired by a weekend when my family and I cozied up indoors while the rain poured outside. I whipped up this platter with whatever we had in the pantry—and it became an instant favorite. The flaky cod with its golden, crunchy coating paired with sweet, tender onion rings hit all the right notes. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this platter brings comfort and crunch in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter

1. Irresistible Crunch with Tender Centers
The contrast between the crispy golden coating and the flaky, moist fish is pure perfection. The onion rings add another layer of crunch with their lightly seasoned batter and tender onions inside.

2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need anything fancy. Everything on the ingredient list is either in your pantry already or easy to grab at the store. The magic lies in the technique and freshness.

3. Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Game day, family dinner, or even a backyard gathering—this platter never fails to impress. Serve it with tartar sauce and lemon wedges, and you’ve got a classic combo that everyone loves.

4. Homemade and Healthier Than Takeout
When you make it at home, you control the quality of oil, the thickness of batter, and the seasoning. That means fresher flavor, less grease, and more satisfaction.

5. Customizable and Fun to Make
Want to spice up your batter? Use cayenne or chili powder. Prefer a gluten-free version? Swap the flour. This recipe is highly adaptable and easy to make your own.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s break down what makes this Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter truly shine:

For the Cod:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Cod is the traditional fish for a fried platter thanks to its mild flavor and flaky texture. You can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia if needed.

1 cup all-purpose flour
Flour is the foundation of the batter, creating the perfect crisp shell. You can also use gluten-free flour blends if desired.

1 tsp baking powder
Baking powder gives the batter a light, airy finish. Don’t skip it—it’s key to that signature puffed coating.

1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp paprika
These seasonings add depth and a mild smoky flavor. You can swap paprika for smoked paprika or add a dash of chili powder for heat.

1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper
Basic seasoning brings out the best in the fish. Feel free to adjust to taste.

1 cup cold sparkling water
Cold sparkling water keeps the batter light and crispy. Club soda works too. The fizz is what helps create those golden, airy pockets in the coating.

Vegetable oil for frying
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower oil.

For the Onion Rings:

2 large onions, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
Sweet onions work best—think Vidalia or Walla Walla. They caramelize slightly while cooking and complement the savory batter beautifully.

1 cup all-purpose flour
Same as with the fish—this gives you a crispy exterior.

1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp paprika + 1/2 tsp salt
These ingredients mirror the fish batter but with a slightly lighter flavor.

3/4 cup cold sparkling water
Keeps the batter bubbly and light for perfect coating.

For Serving:

Lemon wedges
A squeeze of lemon brightens the rich flavors.

Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce
Classic tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or even spicy mayo all pair wonderfully here.

How to Make Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter

Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating a golden, crunchy platter that rivals any fish and chips shop.

Step 1: Prep the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to about 2-3 inches deep. Heat to 350°F. Use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady.

Step 2: Make the Batter for the Cod

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water, whisking until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the fish but not clumpy.

Step 3: Dry and Dredge the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly dust each fillet with flour to help the batter stick. Dip each fillet into the batter and let the excess drip off.

Step 4: Fry the Cod

Carefully lower each battered cod fillet into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 5 to 7 minutes, turning halfway, until the coating is golden brown and the fish is cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Prepare the Onion Ring Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, paprika, and salt. Stir in the cold sparkling water until smooth.

Step 6: Dip and Fry the Onion Rings

Dip each onion ring into the batter and let excess drip off. Fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the crispy battered cod and onion rings on a large platter. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.

If you have a recipe for a side dish that pairs well with the cod and onion rings, such as a corn casserole, consider linking to it. For example:

• “For a delightful side, try our Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole to accompany your crispy cod and onion rings.

Additional Tips & Variations

Add Heat:
Mix 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper into the batter for a spicy twist.

Crispier Batter:
Keep your batter ingredients ice-cold for the best crunch.

Different Fish Options:
Try haddock, pollock, or even catfish if you can’t find cod.

Make It Gluten-Free:
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and double-check your baking powder.

Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes to keep things crispy.

Freezing Tip:
Flash-freeze battered (but unfried) fish and onion rings on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Fry straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two of cook time.

FAQs: Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before battering to avoid soggy coating.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for beer in batter?
Absolutely—cold sparkling water or club soda works beautifully and keeps the batter light and airy.

How do I keep the batter from falling off the cod?
Pat the fish dry and dust with flour before dipping into the batter. This step helps the batter adhere and stay crispy.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep the fish and onion rings warm in a 200°F oven while frying batches.

What if I don’t have a thermometer?
Drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top quickly, the oil is hot enough.

Is air frying an option?
For onion rings, yes—though they’ll be less crispy. For cod, the batter won’t set properly in an air fryer.

Conclusion: Why You Need to Try This Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter

Whether you’re cooking up comfort food for your family or treating yourself to a golden, indulgent meal, this Crispy Battered Cod and Onion Rings Platter delivers flavor, texture, and pure satisfaction. With its shatteringly crisp batter, flaky cod, and sweet, tender onion rings, it’s a winning combo that brings pub-style vibes straight to your home kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it a regular on your meal rotation.

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