This recipe brings the iconic crunch and flavor of Long John Silver’s right to your kitchen. With a simple blend of ingredients, this batter creates a light, crispy coating that’s perfect for fish, shrimp, or vegetables. Whether you’re recreating a classic meal or adding a touch of crunch to your favorite dish, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress.
This batter is perfect for creating that restaurant-style fried coating without the fuss. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Incredibly Crispy Texture: Thanks to a mix of flour and cornstarch, this batter fries up super crispy and stays that way.
Easy to Make: You only need a few pantry staples, so it’s simple to whip up whenever a craving hits.
Versatile: This batter isn’t just for fish—it’s great for shrimp, veggies, or even chicken tenders.
Authentic Flavor: Lightly seasoned with salt and optional paprika, this batter tastes just like what you’d find at Long John Silver’s.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family dinners, parties, or fish fry nights, this batter recipe can be scaled up or down.
Each ingredient in this batter has a specific role in creating the signature crispy, golden coating:
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the batter, giving it structure and holding everything together.
Cornstarch: The secret to a super-crispy finish. Cornstarch lightens the flour mixture and creates a delicate, shatteringly crispy crust when fried.
Baking Powder: Adds lift and airiness to the batter, helping it puff up slightly as it fries for that airy, crunchy bite.
Salt: Enhances the flavor, balancing the blandness of the flour and bringing out the natural flavors in the fried coating.
Sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness, balancing out the salt and bringing a subtle depth to the flavor.
Paprika (optional): This mild spice adds a hint of warmth and a slight golden color to the batter, but it’s entirely optional.
Cold Water: Using cold water is key for a crispy finish, as it keeps the batter light and helps it coat evenly.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line Baking Sheet: Place parchment paper on a baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Make sure to use overripe bananas for sweetness and moisture.
Add Ingredients: To the bananas, add rolled oats, blueberries, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Accurate Measurements: Measure each ingredient carefully to achieve the best texture and flavor.
Stir Ingredients: Mix everything well, ensuring the oats and blueberries are evenly distributed. This will ensure that each cookie has a balanced amount of ingredients.
Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Flatten Slightly: Use the back of the spoon to press each spoonful into a cookie shape. These cookies won’t spread much, so shaping them beforehand helps achieve the right form.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the tops are set. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Cool on Sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set.
Transfer to Wire Rack: Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week!
This crispy batter works well with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some serving ideas to complete your meal:
Classic Sides: Pair with coleslaw, french fries, or hush puppies for a traditional fish and chips-style meal.
Sauces: Serve with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or malt vinegar for a classic pairing.
Garnishes: Lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a bright touch that balances the richness of the fried batter.
While this batter is best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat leftovers for later:
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To keep the batter crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or use an air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the batter soggy.
Put your spin on this recipe with these fun variations:
Herbed Batter: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano for an herby twist.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your cornstarch is gluten-free as well.
Beer Batter: Substitute half of the water with a light beer for an extra airy, slightly malty batter.
This Long John Silver’s Crispy Batter recipe is the perfect way to create a light, golden coating that stays crispy long after frying. Serve it up with your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy the satisfying crunch in every bite.
Enjoy this creamy, classic mac and cheese that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a…
These cookies are infused with a rich, creamy hint of Baileys Irish Cream, balanced perfectly…
This casserole brings together the hearty flavors of sausage and potatoes with the freshness of…
These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a flavorful, protein-packed dish perfect for any meal. Tender diced…
This Pork Chop Supreme recipe features tender, seasoned pork chops baked over a bed of…
This simple yet flavorful dish is an excellent accompaniment to any main course. The combination…