How to Deep Fry Salmon for Golden, Crispy Perfection

Deep frying salmon may sound unconventional, but when done right, it transforms this healthy fish into a crispy, succulent treat. The key is controlling the oil temperature and carefully selecting the right cut and batter to ensure a moist interior and perfectly golden-brown exterior.

I’m someone who loves salmon all the ways, but deep fried salmon just might be my new favorite The first loud crunch through that light and airy flavorful crust, followed by the delicious salmon, is simply memorable Not only is it one of the best ways to enjoy this beautiful fish, but you don’t even need a deep fryer. Just some fresh salmon, a cold beer and a few simple ingredients.

In this guide I’ll share my tips for deep frying salmon at home to golden crispy perfection.

Why Deep Fry Salmon?

There are several advantages to deep frying salmon versus other cooking methods

• The oil’s high heat cooks the salmon quickly and keeps the juices and moisture inside.
• Frying gives salmon a wonderfully crisp, golden exterior without drying it out.
• Flavors from a light batter or breading are amplified.
• Deep frying showcases salmon’s richness and pairs well with sauces.
• It’s a quick and easy cooking method with impressive results.

For salmon lovers like me, deep fried salmon is a must-try recipe that will upgrade this healthy fish to a gourmet level.

Tips for Choosing Salmon

When selecting salmon fillets for deep frying, opt for:

• Sustainably-caught wild salmon like sockeye or coho.
• Even thickness so pieces cook at the same rate.
• Skin and pinbones removed for easier eating.
• Firm, shiny salmon without any dull or dry areas.
• Fillets about 1-1.5 inches thick to allow even frying.

Thicker cut salmon holds up better to frying than thin tail sections. Frozen salmon works well too.

How to Cut Salmon for Frying

Properly cutting the salmon helps ensure it fries evenly into tender, flaky pieces:

• Trim fillets into rectangular portions approximately 3-4 inches long.
• Cut each piece across the width of the fillet into 2-3 strips, based on thickness.
• Slices should be 1-1.5 inches wide and about 3/4 inch thick.
• Uniform sizing allows the salmon to cook at the same pace.

Cut the salmon just before frying for best texture and moisture retention.

Breading Salmon

Breading adds crunch and great flavor. Try these easy breading methods:

• Flour-egg-breadcrumb: Dust salmon in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko or breadcrumbs.
• Beer batter: Dip fillets in a light batter of flour, beer, and spices.
• Cornmeal: For Southern style, coat salmon in seasoned cornmeal.
• Spiced flour: For convenience, just dredge salmon in flour mixed with spices.

Apply coatings right before frying so they stay crisp. Let excess drip off before frying.

How to Deep Fry Salmon Step-By-Step

Once your salmon is prepped, it’s time to fry. Follow these steps:

• Pour oil at least 3-4 inches deep in a heavy pot or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F.
• Pat salmon dry and coat with selected breading. Let adhere for 5 minutes.
• Fry in batches of 2-3 pieces to maintain oil temperature.
• Cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, flipping once.
• Drain on a rack, season with salt and serve warm.

Use a thermometer and adjust heat to keep oil between 325-375°F. Overheating risks burning the crust before salmon is cooked through.

Deep Frying Safety Tips

Like any high-heat cooking method, deep frying comes with some safety considerations:

• Always monitor the hot oil closely and don’t leave it unattended.
• Let kids participate only with close supervision.
• Keep the handles of pots and lids facing away from the front of the stove.
• Don’t overfill pots with oil which can bubble over dangerously.
• Allow the oil to fully cool before disposing or straining for reuse. Hot oil can easily ignite if mishandled.

With some care and attention, deep frying at home can be done safely with delicious results!

Best Oils for Frying Salmon

Choosing the right frying oil makes a difference in the end result:

• Peanut oil – A favorite for deep frying with a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Canola oil – Another neutral-flavored oil good for deep frying.
• Vegetable oil – A budget-friendly option you likely have on hand. Good all-purpose oil.
• Grapeseed oil – A light oil that lets the salmon flavor shine through.
• Corn oil – Works well for deep frying and offers a hint of corn flavor.

Whichever you use, always heat the oil slowly and test the temperature before adding food.

Serving Deep Fried Salmon

Deep fried salmon deserves accompaniments as delicious as itself. Some ideas:

• Homemade tartar sauce or creamy garlic aioli for dipping
• A squeeze of fresh lemon
• Coleslaw or potato salad
• French fries
• Rice pilaf or cous cous
• Sauteed vegetables like zucchini or squash
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Wedges of lemon or lime

FAQs About Deep Frying Salmon

Here are answers to some common deep frying questions:

What temperature should I fry salmon?

Heat oil between 325°F and 375°F. Salmon cooks best at 350°F.

How long does it take to fry salmon?

4 to 5 minutes per side for 1-inch thick pieces. Larger cuts may need a minute or two longer.

Can I fry salmon without breading?

Yes, plain salmon can be fried but the coating helps seal in moisture and provides crunch.

Does the skin need to be removed before frying?

Yes, remove skin which can toughen when fried. The skin can also make the salmon curl.

What size pot do I need?

Use at least a 5-6 quart pot so the oil doesn’t bubble over. Wider is better than taller.

Can I reuse frying oil?

Oil can be reused a few times for frying fish but has a shorter shelf life than oil used for lower temperatures.

Tasty Salmon Recipes

Once you’ve mastered the art of deep frying salmon, try out these fun recipes:

• Salmon fish tacos – Crispy fried salmon wrapped in warm tortillas with zesty slaw and salsa.
• Salmon po’ boys – Pile fried salmon onto a soft sub roll with lettuce, tomato and remoulade sauce.
• Salmon croquettes – Make crispy salmon patties flecked with herbs, spices and vegetables.
• Salmon cakes – Pan-fry breaded salmon cakes for a lighter crisp texture.
• Southern salmon patties – Bind together flavorful fried salmon flakes with eggs and breadcrumbs.

However you decide to enjoy your deep fried salmon, this simple recipe is sure to impress. With its contrast of hot, crispy exterior and moist, flaky fish, deep fried salmon takes this healthy protein to new heights. Frying up salmon has never been so fast and delicious!