Oven Fried Fish is a healthy way to enjoy crispy, crunchy, baked fish without the extra calories. This naturally gluten free fish recipe is on the table in less than 30 minutes!

What is the Secret Ingredient in Oven Fried Fish?
Oven Fried Fish has a secret weapon ingredient that makes everyone who tries it lick their plates clean.
Kids and adults are powerless over this baked fish recipe because who can resist potato chips?!
Oven Fried Fish has a simple, yet irresistible topping of crushed potato chips, parmesan cheese, and crushed cereal. The chips and parmesan add flavor, while the cereal adds to the crunch and makes the breading naturally gluten free.
Is Oven Fried Fish Healthy?
Oven Fried Fish is healthier than traditional fried fish recipes because it’s not cooked in oil. The crispy topping gives the crunch of fried fish, but baking it in the oven saves on calories.
Also, the fish is topped with breading rather than coating it on all sides. Not only does this make the fish recipe lighter, but saves time preparing the recipe.
There’s no need to dredge in flour, dip in egg, and then coat in breading. Simply sprinkle on the easy topping, throw in the oven, and enjoy!
If you love healthy fish recipes, try Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Mexican Fish, or Grilled Salmon in foil.
How to Make Oven Fried Fish
- Crush potato chips and cereal in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
- Mix together potato chips, cereal, parmesan, paprika, and melted butter.
- Pat fish dry. TIP: Line a baking sheet with a paper towel, lay fish on top, and then pat down another paper towel on top.
- Transfer fish to greased baking sheet. Sprinkle crunchy topping over fish and bake.
Healthy Substitutions
To provide that comforting crispness, Oven Fried Fish recipe uses potato chips and crushed gluten free cereal, such as Corn or Rice Chex, or Rice Krispies.
I prefer using cereal over breadcrumbs because it plays up the texture. Plus cereal is more accessible and cheaper than speciality gluten free breadcrumbs.
To make the Oven Fried Fish recipe lighter, reduce the amount of potato chips, but add in the same amount of crushed cereal. For instance, if the crushed potato chips are reduced by 1/4 cup, add 1/4 cup more crushed cereal.
TIP: If the amount of potato chips is reduced, you may want to add 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon salt to topping.
Forgoing the tartar sauce will also save calories. Serve with lemon wedges instead.
more modifications
- Use any flaky, mild white fish such as tilapia, cod, flounder, swai, grouper, or catfish. Baking times will depend on the thickness of the fish.
- Swap out any type of preferred potato chip – baked (will also save calories), salt & vinegar, BBQ, tortilla chips, etc.
- Substitute any neutral tasting cereal – Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Rice Krispies, or Corn Flakes (Corn Flakes are not gluten free)
- Grated Parmesan can be substituted for the freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How to Reheat
The best way to reheat cooked fish is to avoid the microwave. Using an oven or toaster oven gives better results because the fish can be reheated gently and maintain its crunchy topping.
- Preheat oven to300ºF.
- Place a large piece of foil on a baking sheet and lay fish on top of foil. Fold up the sides of the foil so it’s loosely tenting the fish.
- Bake until fish is heated through. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
What to Serve With Fish
- Crispy Oven Baked Fries
- Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Parmesan Ranch Potatoes
- Grilled Zucchini
- Bacon Roasted Green Beans & Potatoes
- Also makes a great main dish to serve with mac and cheese!
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Oven Fried Fish
Ingredients
Potato Chip Crusted Fish:
- 1 1/2 pounds mild white fish (I used tilapia)
- 1/4 cup crushed corn or rice Chex cereal
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 3/4 cup crushed potato chips, about 2 ounces
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted
AMAZING Tartar Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, regular or light
- 2 tablespoon sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 teaspoon whole-ground mustard
- pinch kosher salt
- pinch freshly ground pepper
lemons, for serving
Instructions
Oven Fried Fish
- Preheat oven to 400ºF. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl mix crushed cereal, Parmesan, potato chips, paprika, and melted butter. Pat fish dry and lay on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle topping evenly over top. Bake 12-15 (depending on thickness of fish) or until fish flakes easily with fork. Serve with AMAZING tartar sauce and lemons.
AMAZING Tartar Sauce
- Place all tartar sauce ingredients in a mini prep food processor or mini chopper. Pulse until well mixed, but not pureed. Alternatively, finely chop capers and mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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Recipe Notes
- Use any flaky, mild white fish such as tilapia, cod, flounder, swai, grouper, or catfish. Baking times will depend on the thickness of the fish.
- Swap out any type of preferred potato chip – baked (will also save calories), salt & vinegar, BBQ, tortilla chips, etc.
- Substitute any neutral tasting cereal – Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Rice Krispies, or Corn Flakes (Corn Flakes are not gluten free)
- Grated Parmesan can be substituted for the freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Preheat oven to300ºF.
- Place a large piece of foil on a baking sheet and lay fish on top of foil. Fold up the sides of the foil so it’s loosely tenting the fish.
- Bake until fish is heated through. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
Nutrition
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Susan Gamache says
Hi………i liked this recipe but used filet of sole. I would never buy or eat tilapia…..it is the worst fish you can eat……very unhealthy.
Melissa says
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, and yes, the good thing is you can make it with any preferred fish! Have a wonderful day!
Best,
Melissa
Anonymous says
My entire family, even my picky middle boy, loved this recipe! Will be making again and again!
Melissa says
Thank you so much for letting me know. That gives me such happiness! I hear you, though, no child can resist this fish recipe. My kids get so excited when I make it.
Megan says
I have some half empty bag of chex – this is the perfect way to use it up and make a delicious fish meal for the family. Great idea!
Melissa says
Yep, I always have something like that laying around too. You can also use Rice Krispies, Cornflakes, or bread crumbs work well too. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
I used Cod but it was the tartar sauce that really made the meal! Yes, so good!
Melissa says
This is one of the few fish recipes my kids eat that they don’t complain the slightest bit about. 😉