Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two all-time favorites: crispy fried fish and onion rings.
 - The perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and tenderness in every bite.
 - Simple, pantry-staple ingredients make it easy to prepare.
 - A crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion.
 - Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or dipping sauces.
 
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crispy Cod:
- Cod fillets (6 oz each)
 - All-purpose flour
 - Panko breadcrumbs
 - Cornmeal
 - Paprika
 - Garlic powder
 - Onion powder
 - Salt and pepper
 - Eggs
 - Vegetable oil for frying
 
For the Golden Onion Rings:
- Large onions, sliced into rings
 - Buttermilk
 - All-purpose flour
 - Panko breadcrumbs
 - Paprika
 - Garlic powder
 - Onion powder
 - Baking powder
 - Salt and pepper
 - Vegetable oil for frying
 
Directions
Prepare the Onion Rings:
- Soak onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
 - Mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
 - Remove onion rings from the buttermilk and coat them in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, dip them back into the buttermilk and coat again in the flour mixture.
 - Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry the onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
 
Prepare the Crispy Cod:
- Combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
 - In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
 - Dredge each cod fillet in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat again with the flour mixture.
 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry cod fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
 
Serve:
Arrange crispy cod fillets and golden onion rings on a platter. Serve with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
 - Prep Time: 30 minutes
 - Cook Time: 20 minutes
 - Total Time: 50 minutes
 
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for an extra kick.
 - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
 - Healthier Option: Bake the cod and onion rings instead of frying. Spray with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
 - Herbaceous Flavor: Mix dried parsley, dill, or thyme into the coating mixtures for an herbal twist.
 
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
 - Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
 
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, haddock, pollock, or tilapia work well as substitutes for cod.
2. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Ensure the cod and onion rings are well-coated and fry them immediately after breading.
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can bread the cod and onion rings ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
5. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil.
6. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked cod and onion rings in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
7. Is there a dairy-free alternative for buttermilk?
You can use unsweetened almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
8. Can I skip the cornmeal in the cod coating?
Yes, but the cornmeal adds extra crunch and flavor.
9. How can I tell when the cod is cooked through?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Try tartar sauce, remoulade, aioli, or spicy mayo for dipping.
Conclusion
This Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter is a show-stopping dish that combines bold flavors, crispy textures, and a touch of indulgence. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Serve it up with your favorite sides and sauces, and watch it disappear!
Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter
- Total Time: 50 minutes
 - Yield: 4 servings
 
Description
Crispy Cod & Golden Onion Rings Platter: flaky cod fillets coated in a golden crust paired with perfectly seasoned onion rings. This crowd-pleaser is the ultimate comfort food feast, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Cod:
- Cod fillets (6 oz each)
 - All-purpose flour
 - Panko breadcrumbs
 - Cornmeal
 - Paprika
 - Garlic powder
 - Onion powder
 - Salt and pepper
 - Eggs
 - Vegetable oil for frying
 
For the Golden Onion Rings:
- Large onions, sliced into rings
 - Buttermilk
 - All-purpose flour
 - Panko breadcrumbs
 - Paprika
 - Garlic powder
 - Onion powder
 - Baking powder
 - Salt and pepper
 - Vegetable oil for frying
 
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Rings:
- Soak onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
 - Combine flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
 - Remove onion rings from buttermilk, coat in the flour mixture, dip back in buttermilk, and coat again.
 - Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry onion rings until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
 
 - Prepare the Crispy Cod:
- Mix flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
 - In a separate dish, beat the eggs.
 - Dredge each cod fillet in the flour mixture, dip in eggs, and coat again with the flour mixture.
 - Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry fillets for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
 
 - Serve:
- Arrange cod fillets and onion rings on a platter. Serve with tartar sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces.
 
 
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-coat the onion rings.
 - Ensure oil is at the right temperature to avoid soggy results.
 - Add cayenne pepper for a spicy twist or dried herbs for more flavor.
 
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
 - Cook Time: 20 minutes
 - Category: Main Course
 - Method: Frying
 - Cuisine: American