TGIF fish fry: 19 insanely delicious fish recipes

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Thank goodness it’s Friday, and in the culinary world, that means one thing—fish fry time! These 19 mouthwatering recipes are your ultimate guide to turning the final workday of the week into a fishy favorite.

Fish and fries on a metal tray with tartar sauce and lemon.
Fish and Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cajun Catfish

Catfish fillet with cornmeal breading topped with herbs and served with spicy tartar sauce.
Cajun Catfish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cajun catfish without the guilt? This Air Fryer Catfish recipe has you covered with its cornmeal crunch and spicy tartar kick. It’s the perfect way to keep your Friday fish tradition without an oil-splattered stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Catfish

Salmon Chowder

Easy salmon chowder in bowl.
Salmon Chowder. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Salmon Chowder features with canned salmon and cannellini beans for convenience. It’s dairy-free, chunky, and chock-full of veggies, making it a guilt-free comfort food for chilly Fridays.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Chowder

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Drizzling sauce over crispy salmon bites on a cutting board.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bite-sized and brimming with flavor, these Air Fryer Salmon Bites are the fun way to do Fridays during Lent. They’re crispy, they’re juicy, and they’re so easy to pop in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Instant Pot Fish Stew

Fish stew with tomatoes and onions in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Fish Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into this Instant Pot Fish Stew for a Lenten Friday that’s easy and elegant. White fish swims in a delicate wine and fennel broth, making dinner a 30-minute affair.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Fish Stew

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod fillets without breading topped with lemon and herbs.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In just 15 minutes, you can transform your air fryer into a no-breading zone with this flaky and tender Air Fryer Cod. It’s the healthy, no-fuss fish dish that’ll make your Friday night dinner feel like a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon with zucchini noodles and lime.
Grilled Salmon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fire up the grill for these Spicy Grilled Salmon fillets that’ll add a little sizzle to your Lenten Fridays. It’s a simple, zesty marinade that turns a plain salmon dinner into a backyard celebration.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Fish and Chips

Fish and fries on a metal tray with tartar sauce and lemon.
Fish and Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who needs a deep fryer when you can have crispy, golden Fish and Chips straight from your air fryer? This classic combo is reinvented with less oil and more crunch, making your Friday fish fry a whole lot lighter. Cod or haddock, the choice is yours, but the deliciousness is guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Fish and Chips

Instant Pot Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a plate in tortillas with coriander and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

From frozen to fabulous, these Instant Pot Fish Tacos make Friday dinners a fiesta in about 30 minutes. Tilapia stars in this healthy, family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a Lenten favorite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Fish Tacos

Air Fryer Tilapia

Air fryer tilapia fillet on a plate with zucchini and lemon.
Air Fryer Tilapia. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When you’ve got 15 minutes and a craving for something light and zesty, this Air Fryer Tilapia is your go-to. Seasoned with garlic and lemon, it’s a no-brainer for a quick and healthy Friday fish dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tilapia

Sheet Pan Fish with Corn

Sheet pan fish cooked with corn and veggies and topped with green onions.
Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring a taste of the tropics to your Lenten Fridays with this Sheet Pan Fish with Corn. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish

Salmon Patties

Air fryer salmon patties on a bun with tomatoes, sprouts and lettuce.
Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fresh salmon takes center stage in these Air Fryer Salmon Patties, making canned fish a thing of the past. Juicy on the inside, light and crisp on the outside, these patties are a game changer for your Friday fish routine.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Patties

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Lighten up your Lenten Fridays with this Mediterranean Cod that’s swimming with veggies and flavor. It’s a seafood dish that’ll make you feel like you’re dining along the coast with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia

Almond crusted tilapia with fresh herbs.
Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ditch the bread crumbs and say hello to this Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia for a low-carb Lenten feast. It’s pan-fried to perfection in just 10 minutes, offering a healthy and grain-free dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia

Kerala Fish Curry

Fish curry in an earthenware baking dish.
Kerala Fish Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kerala Fish Curry is the Lenten answer for those craving a little spice and everything nice. It’s a combination of flaky fish, fiery spices, and creamy coconut milk that’ll transport you straight to Southern India.
Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon fillet with paprika and parsley after air frying.
Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Forget overcooked salmon with this Air Fryer Salmon recipe that nails the crispy outside and tender inside. It’s a quick and easy way to get your Omega-3s on Fridays without the fuss. So go ahead, make salmon the star of your Lenten table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Panko Crusted Rockfish

panko crusted rockfish on a plate with spinach.
Panko Crusted Rockfish. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Transform your Friday fish game with these oven-fried Panko Crusted Rockfish Fillets. They’re golden, crunchy, and have a parmesan panko coating that’ll make even the pickiest eaters at your table ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

Blackened Cod Tacos

Three blackened cod tacos on a peach tile background.
Blackened Cod Tacos. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up your Friday nights with Blackened Cod Tacos that pack a smoky punch. They’re quick, they’re savory, and they come with a side of crisp cabbage and zesty lime. Wrap it all up in a lightly charred tortilla, and you’ve got a fish taco fiesta that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos

Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Sheet pan salmon and cauliflower.
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Take a trip to Africa with this Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings cauliflower, lemon, olives, and spices together for the easiest weeknight dinner. So, spice up your Friday fish routine with a dish that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Nigerian Fish Stew

Nigerian Fish Stew in a pan.
Nigerian Fish Stew. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Nigerian Fish Stew is your chance to swim in the rich flavors of the sea without leaving your kitchen. It’s a delicious combo of spices and fresh fish that makes for a harmonious Lenten meal. So, ladle up this stew and let your Friday dinner go global.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fish Stew

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