Fish and chips is one of those timeless meals—crispy, flaky fish paired with golden fries, all wrapped in a layer of comfort and crunch.

Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat or a weeknight reward, the magic is in the details: a light batter, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a few finishing touches that bring it all together. For Lykkers ready to bring a classic to life at home, this guide walks you through it step by step—no shortcuts, just satisfaction.

Part 1: How to Make Fish and Chips

Let’s get real—this dish is all about texture. You’re aiming for tender fish in a light, crispy coating, and chips that are fluffy inside and golden outside. With a few smart steps, you’ll get it right every time.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 2)

For the Fish:

White fish fillets (cod, haddock, or similar) – 300g

All-purpose flour – 80g (plus extra for dusting)

Cornstarch – 40g

Baking powder – 1 tsp

Salt – 2g

Sparkling water – 120g, cold

Lemon wedges – for serving

For the Chips:

Potatoes – 400g (peeled and cut into thick batons)

Salt – to taste

Neutral oil (for frying) – enough to deep-fry safely

Optional additions:

Peas (mashed or whole)

Tartar sauce or yogurt-based dip

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Prep the Chips

Start with the potatoes. You’ll want to rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then place them in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This helps with that perfect crispy outside. Drain and pat them dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: First Fry for the Chips

Heat the oil in a deep pan to about 140°C (285°F). Add the potatoes in small batches and fry them gently for 5–6 minutes. You’re not looking for color yet—just softening. Once they’re pale and tender, scoop them out and let them rest on paper towels.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish

While the chips are cooling, pat your fish dry and lightly dust each piece with flour. This helps the batter stick better. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly whisk in the sparkling water to make a smooth, pourable batter. Don’t overmix—a few small lumps are fine.

Step 4: Fry the Fish

Increase the oil temperature to 180°C (355°F). Dip each fillet into the batter, let the excess drip off, and gently lower it into the hot oil. Fry for about 5–7 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy. Let the cooked fish rest on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5: Second Fry for the Chips

Return the chips to the hot oil for their second fry—this time at 180°C. You’ll see them turn golden and crispy within 2–3 minutes. Remove and sprinkle with a little salt while they’re still hot.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your fish and chips while they’re still hot. Add lemon wedges on the side and serve with your favorite dip or a spoon of mashed peas. You’ve earned this one.

Part 2: A Classic With Room to Play

Why Fish and Chips Feels So Right

It’s the contrast that gets you—crispy meets tender, golden meets flaky. And when you make it yourself, you get to enjoy it fresh, exactly how you like it.

Customize the Coating

You can add spices or herbs to the batter for something different. A pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or dried parsley can give it a fun twist. Want a gluten-free version? Use rice flour instead of wheat-based flour—it’s light and extra crispy.

Keep It Light

Skip deep-frying? No problem. You can air-fry or oven-bake your fish and chips. For the fish, coat it in batter or breadcrumbs and bake until golden. For the chips, toss them in a bit of oil and roast at a high heat until crisp.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prep the potatoes and even par-fry them earlier in the day. Just keep them in a cool spot (not the fridge) and fry again when ready to serve.

What to Serve on the Side

Fish and chips go great with fresh greens, simple cucumber salad, or mashed peas with mint and lemon. For a bright finish, always have lemon wedges or vinegar on hand to balance the richness.

Fish and chips is a classic for a reason—it’s flavorful, fun to make, and always satisfying. Whether you go traditional or add your own twist, the result is the same: a dish that feels complete, crispy, and totally crave-worthy. So Lykkers, gather your ingredients, heat the oil, and let the golden crunch begin. Want to try a baked version next? Let’s keep it crisp in your style.