Name: Crispy Cod & Onion Ring
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the crispy cod:; 2–3 fresh or thawed cod fillets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying or air-frying; For the onion rings:; 2 large sweet onions, sliced into 1/4-inch rings; 1 cup buttermilk or milk; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornmeal or panko; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying or baking; Optional for serving:; Lemon wedges; Tartar sauce or garlic aioli

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This Crispy Cod & Onion Ring combo is the ultimate pub-style plate I love recreating at home. The flaky white cod is coated in a crunchy, golden crust, and the onion rings are perfectly crisp with a sweet bite. Served with a simple tartar or aioli, this dish delivers everything I crave in classic comfort food — crunchy, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings that restaurant-style texture and flavor right into my kitchen. The cod stays tender and juicy on the inside while the coating crisps up beautifully. Pairing it with homemade onion rings makes it even better — it’s like fish and chips, but with extra flair. Whether I’m serving it for a cozy dinner or a weekend treat, it’s always a hit. Crispy Cod & Onion Ring

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crispy cod:

Fresh or thawed cod fillets
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Egg
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying or air-frying

For the onion rings:

Large sweet onions, sliced into rings
Buttermilk or milk
All-purpose flour
Cornmeal or panko
Salt and pepper
Oil for frying or baking

Optional for serving:

Lemon wedges
Tartar sauce or garlic aioli

Directions

I start by patting the cod dry and seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
I set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and panko mixed with cornstarch in a third.
I dip each fillet in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
I fry the cod in hot oil (about 350°F) for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
For the onion rings, I soak the rings in buttermilk, then dredge in seasoned flour or cornmeal until well coated.
I fry the onion rings in batches until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.
I serve everything hot with lemon wedges and dipping sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2–3 servings. It takes 20 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

Variations

Air fryer cod and onion rings turn out great with less oil — I just spray lightly with oil and cook at 400°F until crispy.
A Cajun spice mix adds heat and extra depth.
I’ve also added sliced pickles or slaw on the side for freshness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crisp again — I avoid microwaving to keep everything crunchy. Crispy Cod & Onion Ring

FAQs

What type of cod should I use?

I prefer thick fillets of fresh or thawed cod — the firmer the better so it holds up to frying.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes! I bake both cod and onion rings at 425°F, flipping once, until golden and crisp — about 15–20 minutes.

What sauce pairs best?

Tartar sauce, lemon garlic aioli, or even a spicy mayo all work beautifully with this dish.

Can I use a different fish?

Definitely. Haddock, pollock, or even tilapia work — just adjust the cook time depending on thickness.

How do I keep the onion rings crispy?

I fry in small batches and place them on a wire rack (not paper towels) while I finish the rest.

Conclusion

This Crispy Cod & Onion Ring dish is a crunchy, golden dream — full of flavor and texture. I love making it when I want something that feels indulgent and satisfying, but still easy to pull off at home. It’s a dish that never disappoints, and always makes dinner feel like a treat.