What is Fish and Chips? The Quintessential British Classic

Fish and chips is an iconic British dish, deeply embedded in the culinary culture of the United Kingdom and a staple found in virtually every Irish pub and seaside takeaway across the globe. This beloved main course traditionally features succulent fish, typically cod or haddock, coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried to a golden crisp perfection. It’s served alongside a generous portion of “chips”—thick-cut, deep-fried potatoes, often referred to as French fries outside of the UK. The combination creates a delightful contrast of flaky fish and tender potato, all encased in a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.

While synonymous with UK cuisine, the popularity of fish and chips has spread far and wide, making it a globally recognized and cherished dish. From bustling city centers to quaint coastal towns, it’s a dish that evokes comfort and tradition.

In the traditional preparation, the fish is usually coated in a simple yet effective batter made from flour and water, or often beer, which helps to achieve that distinctively light and airy, yet crispy texture once fried. While cod or haddock are the most common choices due to their mild flavor and firm, flaky flesh, other varieties of white fish such as plaice or pollock can also be used, offering slight variations in taste and texture.

Is Traditional Fish and Chips Gluten-Free? Making it Safe for Everyone

Regrettably, for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances, traditional fish and chips, as commonly sold in fish and chip shops, is typically not gluten-free. The classic batter recipe relies heavily on wheat flour, which contains gluten, making it unsafe for individuals who need to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. This can often mean missing out on a beloved comfort food, which is why we’ve created a fantastic alternative.

Our recipe today transforms this classic into a completely safe and incredibly delicious meal for everyone. Instead of a traditional wheat-based batter, we’re making a breaded version of gluten-free fish and chips. This approach not only ensures it’s 100% gluten-free but also completely dairy-free, catering to a wider range of dietary needs.

Beyond being gluten and dairy-free, we’re also offering healthier cooking alternatives to deep-frying. You’ll find instructions for both the air fryer and pan-frying methods, which significantly reduce the amount of oil used while still delivering that desired crispy texture and rich flavor. This means you can enjoy your favorite British classic without any compromise on health or taste!

Why This Gluten-Free Fish and Chips Recipe is a Must-Try:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt for obscure specialty items to make this healthy gluten-free fish and chips recipe. All the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, making preparation stress-free and convenient.
• Effortless to Make: Our method simplifies the process of breading the fish. You’ll simply coat the fish fillets in a sequence of gluten-free all-purpose flour, beaten egg, and then crisp gluten-free panko bread crumbs. From there, it’s a breeze to cook them in your air fryer or on the stovetop. Cooking the potatoes, whether in the air fryer or frying pan, is equally straightforward, ensuring a delicious meal without culinary complications.
• Achieves Incredible Crispiness: The secret to truly crispy fish and chips lies in the breading! By utilizing gluten-free panko bread crumbs as the outermost layer, we guarantee an exceptionally crunchy exterior that won’t become soggy. Say goodbye to soft, unappealing coatings and hello to satisfying crunch in every bite!
• 100% Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: This recipe is a game-changer for anyone with dietary restrictions. It’s meticulously crafted to be completely gluten-free and dairy-free, making it perfect for individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or lactose intolerance. Now, everyone can enjoy the classic taste and texture of fish and chips without any concerns, truly making it a meal for all to savor!

Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Fish and Chips:

Here’s a helpful visual overview of the key ingredients required to create this mouth-watering gluten-free fish and chips recipe. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture!

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please make sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes and Smart Substitutions for Success:

• Olive Oil: I opted for olive oil to toss the potatoes, which adds a lovely flavor and helps them crisp up beautifully. However, you have several excellent alternatives for cooking oil. Feel free to use another high smoke point vegetable oil such as sunflower oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Each will contribute slightly different flavor profiles and properties, but all work well for achieving crispy results.
• Potatoes: For this recipe, I used Yukon Gold potatoes, which are known for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely. Russet potatoes are another fantastic choice; their higher starch content makes them ideal for perfectly golden and fluffy fries. You can also experiment with other varieties like red or new potatoes if you prefer a different texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour: The type of gluten-free flour blend you use can significantly impact the coating. I highly recommend using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that predominantly features lighter flours and starches, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch. These blends typically create a crispier, lighter coating. Avoid gluten-free flour blends that contain heavier flours, like garbanzo bean flour (chickpea flour), as these can result in a denser, sometimes gummy coating. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, regular all-purpose flour will work perfectly.
• Spices: My go-to spices for seasoning the fish are ground paprika and ground coriander, which impart a warm and aromatic flavor. However, feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking! Other excellent additions include garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Fish: While fresh cod fillets are traditionally the preferred choice for making classic fish and chips due to their mild flavor and ability to flake beautifully, you have other fantastic options. Haddock fish is another popular and excellent alternative, offering a similar texture and taste. You can also use other types of firm, flavorful, and flaky white fish such as pollock, halibut, or even tilapia. Ensure the fish is fresh and cut into appropriate serving sizes.
• Egg: The egg plays a crucial role as a binder, helping the flour and panko crumbs adhere to the fish, which is essential for achieving a cohesive and crispy coating. Therefore, it’s important to include it. If you have an egg allergy or prefer to keep this recipe egg-free, you can use alternatives like aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a commercial egg-replacer, following the package instructions for substitution.
• Gluten-Free Panko Crumbs: To achieve that desirable super crispy effect, I highly recommend coating the fish with gluten-free panko bread crumbs. Panko crumbs are coarser than regular bread crumbs, leading to a much crunchier texture. If panko isn’t available or you prefer a different coating, you can simply use another layer of gluten-free all-purpose flour after the egg wash, or even finely crushed gluten-free crackers. For those without Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, regular panko bread crumbs will work wonderfully.

How to Make Crispy Gluten-Free Fish and Chips (Step by Step Guide):

1. Prepare Your Cooking Method: Preheat Air Fryer or Frying Pan

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and allow it to heat for at least 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the correct temperature. If you don’t have an air fryer, prepare your stovetop method by heating about 1 cup of cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Ensure there’s enough oil for shallow frying, but not so much it splashes.

2. Season the Potatoes: Toss with Oil and Salt

Take your evenly sliced potatoes (cut into thick chip-like strips) and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over them. Mix everything thoroughly again, either with your hands or a spatula, until the potatoes are uniformly seasoned and glistening with oil. This initial seasoning is key for flavorful chips.

3. Cook the Potatoes to Crispy Perfection

(i) Air Fryer Method: Carefully arrange the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for 15 minutes. After this time, give the basket a good shake to redistribute the potatoes, then continue to air fry for another 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

(ii) Stovetop Method: Place the seasoned potatoes into the hot oil in your frying pan. Fry them for about 10 minutes over medium-high heat, allowing them to develop a golden crust. Then, flip the potatoes over and continue frying for another 10 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and deliciously crispy. Remove the homemade fries from the pan using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain, and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Prepare the Flavorful Flour Mixture

In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour with the salt, ground paprika, and ground coriander. Use a fork or whisk to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This seasoned flour will be the first layer of coating for your fish, infusing it with flavor and preparing it for the next step of breading.

5. Coat Fish Evenly in the Flour Mixture

Gently dredge each fish fillet, one at a time, into the prepared flour mixture. Ensure that each piece of fish is completely and evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour lightly. This initial flour layer helps to create a drier surface, allowing the egg wash to adhere better in the subsequent step.

6. Dip Fish in Beaten Egg for Adhesion

In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the egg until it’s well beaten and uniform in consistency. Carefully dip each flour-coated cod fillet into the beaten egg, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly covered. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving to the next step. The egg acts as the crucial “glue” for the crispy panko crumbs.

7. Final Coating: Ensure Fish is Covered in Panko

Immediately after dipping in egg, transfer the fish fillets to another shallow dish containing the gluten-free panko crumbs. Press the panko crumbs gently onto all sides of the egg-dipped cod until each piece is completely and generously coated. This layer of panko is essential for achieving the incredibly crispy texture of your fish and chips.

8. Cook the Breaded Cod to Golden Perfection

(i) Air Fryer Method: Arrange the fully coated cod pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For extra crispiness and to prevent sticking, lightly spray the fish with nonstick cooking spray or a fine mist of oil. Air fry the cod for 7 minutes. Then, carefully flip the fish pieces over, spray with a bit more cooking spray, and continue to air fry for another 5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, flaky, and golden brown.

(ii) Stovetop Method: In the same frying pan, heat another 1/4 cup of oil (or enough to shallow fry) over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the panko-coated fish pieces into the pan. Fry for approximately 5 minutes on one side until a beautiful golden crust forms. Gently flip the fish and fry for another 5 minutes on the other side, or until the fish is fully cooked through and the breading has reached a glorious golden brown perfection.

9. Combine and Finish Cooking Fish and Chips

(i) Air Fryer Method: Once your fish is nearly done, add the previously cooked potatoes back into the air fryer basket alongside the fish. Air fry everything together for an additional 3 minutes. This step gently reheats the chips and allows the flavors to meld, ensuring everything is piping hot and extra crispy when served.

(ii) Stovetop Method: After the fish is cooked, return the reserved potatoes to the frying pan with the fish. Gently toss or fry them all together for another 3 minutes over medium heat. This will warm the potatoes through and allow them to mingle with any residual flavors in the pan, ensuring a harmonized and delicious dish.

10. Serve Hot and Savor Every Bite!

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Serve your crispy gluten-free fish and chips immediately while they are piping hot. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the fried fish. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces – whether it’s classic ketchup, a tangy chili sauce, or a creamy homemade tartar sauce or mayonnaise, they all complement this dish wonderfully.

(PRO TIP: For an authentic British experience, consider serving this delightful meal with a splash of malt vinegar and an ice-cold gluten-free beer on a warm summer’s day. It truly elevates the experience!)

Dish by Dish Pro Tips & Tricks for the Best Fish and Chips:

• Coat Fish Thoroughly for Best Results: To ensure your fish stays together, cooks evenly, and achieves maximum crispiness, it’s vital to thoroughly coat each piece of cod with the breading. Don’t skimp on any step – the flour, egg, and panko layers all work in harmony to create that perfect crust and prevent the fish from flaking apart too soon.
• Customize Your Seasoning: While I love the combination of ground paprika and ground coriander for their warm and aromatic notes, feel free to experiment with other spices to suit your palate. Popular alternatives include garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, or even a pinch of chili powder for a slight kick.
• Managing Oiliness in Pan-Frying: If you’re cooking in a frying pan and find that your fish and chips seem a bit too oily for your preference, a simple trick is to immediately transfer the cooked pieces to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. The paper towels will efficiently soak up any excess oil, leaving you with a lighter, crispier result.
• Avoid Overcrowding Your Cooker: Whether you’re using an air fryer or a frying pan, cooking in batches is key to achieving optimal crispiness. Overcrowding the basket or pan lowers the temperature and steams the food instead of frying it, resulting in soggy fish and chips. Give each piece enough space to cook properly.
• Don’t Overcook the Fish: White fish cooks relatively quickly. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough fish. Follow the recommended cooking times closely, and look for the fish to be opaque and easily flaking with a fork. The goal is tender, moist fish inside a crispy crust.
• Serve with Classic Accompaniments: Enhance your fish and chips experience with traditional pairings. Besides lemon wedges, consider a side of mushy peas, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dash of malt vinegar for an authentic British touch.

Common Questions About Gluten-Free Fish and Chips:

More Delicious Fish Recipes to Explore:

• Spicy Firecracker Salmon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Almond Crusted Salmon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Easy Salmon Kabobs (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Fantastic Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes to Try:

P.S. If you try this incredible gluten-free fish and chips recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a star rating below and/or sharing your thoughts in the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is invaluable and always appreciated. Don’t forget to explore my entire Recipe Index for a treasure trove of delicious recipes on the blog. You can also connect with me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram for daily inspiration and updates! And for fresh, new recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week, make sure to sign up for my Email List!

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Crispy Gluten-Free Fish and Chips (Dairy-Free)

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 55 minutes
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  Yield: 2 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free

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Description

This flavorful and incredibly crispy gluten-free fish and chips recipe delivers the perfect meal, especially when you’re craving something delicious, fun, and satisfying, perhaps during the warmer months or any time you need a culinary pick-me-up. It’s also completely dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. I’ll guide you through cooking it to perfection using either an air fryer or a stovetop pan-frying method for a healthier twist on the classic!

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Ingredients

Scale

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other preferred cooking oil)
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into thick strips (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
• 4 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour (light, starch-based blend recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning potatoes)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/3 teaspoon ground coriander
• 4 pieces of fresh cod fish fillets (or haddock/other white fish)
• 1 large egg (or egg replacer for egg-free version)
• 4 tablespoons gluten-free panko bread crumbs (for ultimate crispiness)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer or Frying Pan: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. If using the stovetop method, heat up 1 cup of cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Season Potatoes with Oil and Salt: In a bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
3. Cook Potatoes: (i) Air Fryer Method: Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes, shake the basket, then fry for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside. (ii) Stovetop Method: Fry seasoned potatoes in the hot oil for 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Flip and fry for another 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Mix Flour and Condiments: In a shallow dish, combine 4 tablespoons of gluten-free all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika, and 1/3 teaspoon ground coriander. Mix well.
5. Coat Fish in Flour Mixture: Dredge each fish fillet evenly in the prepared flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
6. Dip Fish in Egg: In another shallow bowl, beat the egg. Dip each flour-coated cod fillet into the beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage, and let excess drip off.
7. Coat Fish in Panko: Transfer the egg-dipped cod to a dish with 4 tablespoons of gluten-free panko crumbs. Press the panko onto the fish until each piece is completely coated for maximum crispiness.
8. Fry the Cod: (i) Air Fryer Method: Place coated cod in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Air fry for 7 minutes, flip, spray again, and air fry for another 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. (ii) Stovetop Method: Heat another 1/4 cup of oil in the frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry panko-coated fish for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the fish is cooked through and flaky.
9. Combine and Finish Cooking: (i) Air Fryer Method: Add the cooked potatoes back into the air fryer with the fish. Air fry for another 3 minutes to reheat and crisp everything together. (ii) Stovetop Method: Add the cooked potatoes back into the frying pan with the fish. Fry all together for another 3 minutes to warm and combine flavors.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy gluten-free fish and chips hot with a fresh lemon squeeze and your favorite sauces (ketchup, chili sauce, or tartar sauce/mayonnaise).

Notes

Olive Oil: I used olive oil for tossing the potatoes, but you can also use another type of vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil, canola oil, avocado oil etc.) known for their high smoke points and neutral flavor.

Potatoes: I used Yukon gold potatoes, which become wonderfully creamy inside and crispy outside. Russet potatoes are another excellent choice, perfect for classic, fluffy fries.

Gluten-Free Flour: For the best results, I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend composed of lighter flours/starches (like rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch). Avoid blends with heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour) as they can yield a denser, less crispy coating. If gluten is not an issue, regular all-purpose flour works perfectly.

Spices: I seasoned the fish with ground paprika and ground coriander for a balanced flavor. You can easily customize this with other favorite condiments like garlic powder, onion powder, or ground black pepper for a personalized touch.

Fish: Traditionally, fresh cod fillets are ideal for fish and chips. However, haddock or other types of firm, flavorful, and flaky white fish such as pollock or halibut are also fantastic options that hold up well to cooking.

Egg: The egg is crucial for binding the flour and panko to the fish, ensuring a robust and crispy crust. If you have an egg allergy or prefer an egg-free recipe, you may substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine) or a commercial egg-replacer, following product instructions.

Gluten-Free Panko Crumbs: For that exceptional crispiness, I highly recommend using gluten-free panko bread crumbs. Their coarse texture provides a much crunchier coating than standard breadcrumbs. If panko isn’t available, an extra layer of gluten-free all-purpose flour after the egg wash can work, or even finely crushed gluten-free crackers. Regular panko bread crumbs can be used if gluten is not a concern.

Storing & Reheating: To store, place any leftover fish and chips in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For reheating, the air fryer or oven (at 350°F / 175°C) is best. Reheat for a few minutes until they are piping hot and crispy again; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Main Dish, Dinner
• Method: Air Fryer, Pan Fry
• Cuisine: British, European