Ingredients:
¾ cup all-purpose (plain) flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
¾ cup cold sparkling water (or cold regular water)
Ice cubes (for chilling the batter bowl, optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Batter Mix
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add Cold Water
Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water while whisking constantly until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter. The batter should coat the back of a spoon. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are fine.
Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Place the batter bowl over a second bowl filled with a few ice cubes to keep it cold while you prepare your ingredients for frying. A cold batter helps make the coating extra crispy.
Dip and Fry
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350–375°F (175–190°C). Dip your desired food (fish, shrimp, chicken tenders, onion rings, zucchini, etc.) into the batter, letting any excess drip off, then carefully place it in the hot oil.
Cook Until Golden
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy — usually 3–5 minutes, depending on the size and type of food.
Drain and Serve
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with dipping sauces of your choice.
Tips:
Sparkling water gives a lighter, crispier result. You can also use beer for a beer batter variation.
Avoid letting the batter sit too long before frying — freshness matters for crispiness.